Almost every home master faces the need to connect wires. During repairs, new wiring, or simply connecting a new device to the network, you need to perform similar actions. They differ in scale and complexity.
On the way to the consumer, electrical networks have many branches. In these places, connectors for wires are installed. There are many types of them. How to choose and use such elements of electrical networks, every electrician should know before starting work.
Evolution of compounds
Earlier, electricians did not have a question how to connect the wires together. For this, a single technology was used for all. The wires were stripped, twisted between soda and wrapped with electrical tape.
Earlier, the wiring in houses was made of aluminum wires. Today, a copper core is simply necessary for arranging a power supply system. In recent decades, new, powerful appliances have appeared in our houses and apartments. Its application requires strong, high-quality wiring.
According to experts, faults most often occur at the junction of wires. Stranded conductors begin to heat up when the load increases. The tape will dry out over time. There is a high probability of a short circuit in this place. To avoid fire, special wire connectors must be used. Types and features of the use of such products will be discussed below.
Wiring Arrangement Rules
In order to understand what wire connections it is advisable to make in a particular case, it is necessary to consider the rules for the arrangement of electrical installations. They clearly indicate which methods are acceptable in the arrangement of modern communication systems. Considering the rules for connecting wires, we can draw conclusions about the unacceptability of the use of twists. The regulatory documentation clearly states that all cores must be connected by welding, crimping, squeezing or soldering.
Wiring must be made from a cable with a copper core. In order for such a network to have high reliability indicators, the connections must be as strong as possible. The cross section of the conductors is selected in accordance with the total expected load. The more equipment connected to the network, the thicker the conductor must be connected to the system.
Caps
Considering how to connect the wires to each other, some non-professional craftsmen still decide to give preference to twisting the wires. This is acceptable if local wiring is being repaired or a low-power appliance is being connected to the home network. The master may in this caseto improve a similar joint lived.
To ensure greater reliability, special caps are used. They are used instead of electrical tape. They are also called connecting insulating clips (PPE).
Connecting wires with clamps is safer than the duct tape option. The connector looks like a plastic cup. It has a steel spring built into it. It clamps the contacts and ensures reliable contact. High-quality clamps have a special lubricant that prevents oxidation processes. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account for which wires the product is intended (stranded or solid). You should also evaluate the cross section of the conductor for which the clamp is intended. PPE is not used to connect conductors of different materials.
Terminals
Most often, the cable connector today has the form of terminals. They are made from brass. In this case, the connected ends of the cable do not contact each other directly. Therefore, with the help of such structures, it is possible to switch the same conductors, conductors of various cross-sectional sizes, made of different materials.
To be able to create the correct joint, you need to select the appropriate types of terminals. They differ in the nominal current indicator, as well as the permissible diameter for the wire. All characteristics of the terminals are indicated on their body.
Some commercially available terminals may contain a special filler. Gel interferes with processesoxidation, increasing the reliability of the connection. Terminals are knife, spring, screw.
Spring varieties
Connecting wires using spring-type clamps are used for both simple and complex circuits. For several pairs of wires, a special block modification is made.
Fixation occurs due to the straightening of the spring mechanism. This mount is considered one of the most reliable. The composition of such a mechanism includes a special lubricant. It differs from previous materials that are used in fasteners. This is not a gel, but a lubricant of a certain consistency.
In the manufacture of spring-type terminals, manufacturers indicate the scope of such products. Clamps are available for stranded and solid wires. This must be taken into account when choosing. Most often, the presented type of fastening is used for branching zero and phase.
Knife terminals
Today, another electrical connector is used. It is called a knife terminal. This is a reliable, durable connection. These terminals are easy to install and operate. The wires in this case are switched using a special conductive plate. When clamping wires, this structural element cuts the braid around the core. Therefore, when making this connection, the wires do not need to be stripped.
Due to its features, the presented variety of terminals is considered reliable and durable. When installing, the master must apply force in order tofix the ends of the conductors. This is considered the norm. Sometimes you have to use pliers to clamp.
The presented variety of terminal connectors is made for one-piece and detachable connection types. In the first option, the master must carefully consider all the nuances of organizing an electrical circuit. This process is carried out before the start of installation work.
Combining different materials
As you know, two types of conductors are used in modern wiring. The first category includes copper conductors, and the second - aluminum. According to fire safety rules, it is recommended to give preference to the first option. However, in some cases, the master has to combine copper and aluminum conductors.
Cable connector of normal configuration cannot guarantee high quality at the splice point. This is due to a number of reasons. With temperature differences, the linear expansion of different metals will not be identical. In this case, there may be a gap between the directly mated aluminum and copper.
At the same time, resistance increases at the place of their contact. Conductors start to heat up. Also, a film of oxides appears on the stripped veins. It also contributes to poor contact. This state of the network provokes various malfunctions, can cause a fire. Therefore, only special types of contactors are suitable for such connections.
Screw terminals
The electrical connector can be screw type. Such contactors have been used for a long time. AtThis type of terminal has certain advantages and disadvantages. These are compact, easy-to-install devices. They allow you to connect wires of different diameters. Moreover, they can be used for both single-core and multi-core conductors. In the second option, the end of the cable is stripped and crimped with brass lugs.
The disadvantage of the presented type of connection is the inability of the terminals to join more than three conductors at the same time. This somewhat complicates the work, forcing you to make more connections. Also, over time, such a connector loses its original characteristics. The wires no longer fit tightly to each other. Therefore, when using a screw connection, it is periodically necessary to tighten the junction of the wires.
For large diameter wires, connections are used, popularly known as "nut". Such contactors are most often used when wiring from a carrier line to a house.
Modern connectors
Many electricians use a male-female connector for wires to ensure a strong contact between the wires. This type of connector has been known for a long time. This kind of connectors is divided into the type of "father" with a plug or plug, as well as "mother" with a socket or socket. Within the same series, these connectors are compatible with each other.
This is one of the most reliable, modern types of contactors. It will not work to connect the wires incorrectly with this connection. The pins of the "dad" will be completelymatch the internal configuration of the "mother" nests. In some cases, for mounting accuracy, connection points are painted. This allows you to understand which consumer the connector is intended for, not to confuse them.
Female-female and male-male connectors are on sale. These are extensions. Depending on the belonging to each category, contactors with socket or plug are used.
Spring shackles for dissimilar wires
Connectors for wires of different materials can be spring type. They also help to eliminate direct contact between the cores. They can be detachable or non-detachable. One of the most famous and reliable ways to connect copper and aluminum cables is the Wago universal connector. The cross section of the cores when using it can also be different.
Fixed wire connectors use the principle of screw terminals. You can also use devices in which the metal plate is replaced by a special conductive rod. It is riveted, providing a secure connection. Bare cable sections must be additionally insulated.
By considering what kind of wire connectors exist, as well as their characteristic differences, everyone can choose the best option for connecting various devices or carrying out repairs.
