Extending Wiring - beginner!

Neil Sherwood · Nov 16, 2018

Hi, compete novice here. I am trying to repair a microphone and I need to extend the current wiring to reach the XLR plug. See photo. The wires are extremely thin! What’s the best way to add new wires to this to extend? Twist and then electrical tape??hope this makes sense.https://Upload the image directly to the thread.com/gallery/iMizZzm

Neil Sherwood · Nov 16, 2018

Photo here

[ElectriciansForums.net] Extending Wiring - beginner!

Spoon · Nov 16, 2018

How think is 'extremely thin'? you pic doesn't work.
Try Copy/Paste into the post. Sometimes the 'Upload' doesn't work.

How about soldering and heatshrink connections?

telectrix · Nov 16, 2018

just get hold of some similar size wire. solder with a low power iron. after sliding some heatshrink on.

Neil Sherwood · Nov 16, 2018

thanks both for advice... if I buy some heat shrink to I need special heat gun to shrink?

Spoon · Nov 16, 2018

Neil Sherwood said:
thanks both for advice... if I buy some heat shrink to I need special heat gun to shrink?

Some people use the soldering iron itself and rub it up and down the length.... (No funny comments guys...)
Or if you have a paint stripper then use that. Just be careful you don't put it too close. (This is what I have used in the past)
Someone at work said that they have used a hairdryer... but it would have to be one that got quite hot.

telectrix · Nov 16, 2018

i use one similar to this. .
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DPG · Nov 16, 2018

As the guys have said above, solder and heatshrink. Remember to slide the heatshrink on first!

Also, tin the wires well first and ensure there are no loose strands poking out before sliding the heatshrink down.

If you aren't used to soldering then practice on some spare wire first.

Powellm · Nov 16, 2018

My special heat shrink gun is 50p at the tobacco stall.

Spoon · Nov 16, 2018

Powellm said:
My special heat shrink gun is 50p at the tobacco stall.

Sorry OP, forgot to mention the above method as well....

ackbarthestar · Nov 16, 2018

I'm surprised the wires haven't got some form of earth (gnd) sleaving. Does it fit inside a metal box?

DPG · Nov 16, 2018

The metal outer of the xlr connector will screen it.

goasis · Nov 16, 2018

Is it not possible to de solder those wires totally and re solder some at both ends of the appropriate length, saves the need to a potential faulty joint? I think i would expect there to be a wired connection to the shield on the xlr connector as well, what sort of mic is it?

TJ Anderson · Nov 18, 2018

I'd bond it with 10mm 6491X sellotaped to that 2 core, it'll look mint, also add 30ma RCD before you start singing into it just to be safe and also add an Em stop button for the audience.