Soldering

[timo]

Anyone using soldering when joing conductors? Regs says its a method that can be used that doesnt need to be accessable for inspection. So just wondering if anyone solders their joints and heat shrinks etc?

Is there a certain flux/solder for the job?

 

[rocker]

Where does it say that? I was under the impression we werent allowed to solder. Would love to be proved wrong, and especially if we don't have to have accessible jointing.

I do a lot of miniature soldering i.e. elecronics. I always use old leaded solder (got a stockpile of it - thanks dad!) and just plain old plumbers flux. There's probably a reason I shouldn't, but I find all electrical grade flux a pile of poo. If you do use plumbing flux though, make sure you clean the area down well after as it's water based.

 

[m4tty]

use crimps and heatshrink. Doesnt have to be accessibl either. Make sure you use ratchet crimpers tho to get a proper joint.

 

[rocker]

I use ratchet crimpers on every joint i do, I thought these had to be accessible as well tho (though God knows why).

Well if that's right that's made my morning!

 

[bugsy]

Wago connectors every time available at gil-lec.co.uk

 

[dufjax]

Wago connectors every time available at gil-lec.co.uk

I'm getting in to the old Wago connectors also.

Wouldn't think to take me old antex along to a job, and the last time I wanted it I couldn't find it.
Put it down to another item that went missing (sorry I misplaced) around the time my X wife's father help her move out .

Jim

 

[Sintra]

A crimped connection does not have to be accessible as it is classed as a mechanical joint.

 

[timo]

Where does it say that? I was under the impression we werent allowed to solder. Would love to be proved wrong, and especially if we don't have to have accessible jointing.

I do a lot of miniature soldering i.e. elecronics. I always use old leaded solder (got a stockpile of it - thanks dad!) and just plain old plumbers flux. There's probably a reason I shouldn't, but I find all electrical grade flux a pile of poo. If you do use plumbing flux though, make sure you clean the area down well after as it's water based.

Rocker - grab your regs book mate. Look at page 106
Section 526 (Electrical Connections)
526.3
part iv



Not too keen on crimps. A few times after making off i notice they can come lose if the crimp doesnt grab 100%
I think they should be crimps around an cm longer so you get a good 10-12mm in each side.

 

[scotsparky]

i have used soldered connections a few times mainly on heavy duty flex connections biggest being 95mm.
For smaller stuff i would use a crimp everytime however its a techneque that comes in handy now and again.

 

[bugsy]

Where did get 95mm flex from?

 

[scotsparky]

It was for a ship to shore unit in the falklands Its special order and a swine to use. Th company ordered it up

you can get it here
Cables - Battery Cable, 60 Sq.mm Flexible Starter/battery Cable Black from EC Smith UK Marine Supplier

but you can get multicore stuff as well.

 

[bugsy]

Man I'd love to get a bit and give to one of our apprentices and ask them to put a plug on it

 

[scotsparky]

Its fun to work with trick is to trimm sheath and bind cores before totally tripping cable. trimm long then tin the ends and then and only after ends are tinned cut the binding.

 

[lister]

526.3.4
yes i solder and heat shrink when not accessable especially when being plastered over and crimp in back boxes etc or similar push fit jobbies.

 

[rocker]

Rocker - grab your regs book mate. Look at page 106
Section 526 (Electrical Connections)
526.3
part iv

Tidyyyyyyyyyyyy

Not too keen on crimps. A few times after making off i notice they can come lose if the crimp doesnt grab 100%
I think they should be crimps around an cm longer so you get a good 10-12mm in each side.

Couldn't agree more. Only today I was thinking 'why don't they give these things another half inch of grip?' Think I'll solder in future though if it's being permanently covered.