What's the best way to splice into wires Professionally

[steppinthrax]

I used the 3M quick splice connectors you know where you push down the metal tab and it cuts into the cable. I don't really care too much for them because you can't really guarantee the connection. I also don't like to snap the wire in half making a 3 way connection. Is there any better way or is that all the methods....

 

[nwfsnake]

If you have enough room, I like to use a wire stripping tool to push the insulation back far enough to solder the new connection in to the existing uncut wire. Then you can use regular or liquid electrical tape for protection. Never had a failure this way.

 

[zoiks]

what nsfsnake said.

 

[jagec]

The best way is to use shrink tubing, solder the wires together, and then push the shrink tubing over the connection and shrink it down with a heat gun. Electrical tape tends to come off over time if it gets too warm. Remember to put on the shrink tubing BEFORE you splice the wires together, it's too late afterwards!

 

[Thump553]

I never heard of liquid electrical tape. You learn something every day.

 

[Rubycon]

We use a product called a solder sleeve.

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Basically it's a piece of heat shrink tubing with a ring of prefluxed solder in the middle. For three way it does require cutting the wire if it cannot be inserted over an end. When heated properly the solder melts and flows while the tube shrinks. Adhesive beads on each end fill up and make the seal hermetic. Works great especially if you have lots of splicing to do.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

That's pretty cool stuff Ruby, I'll even have to look into that stuff.

 

[alkemyst]

hire an electrician?