Splicing
2. The Art of the Wire Knot
Splicing, in its simplest form, is permanently joining two or more wires together. Think of it as a committed relationship for your electrical connections. It usually involves twisting or soldering the wires together, often followed by insulating the connection with tape or a heat shrink tube. The goal is to create a strong, reliable, and low-resistance electrical path.
The main benefit of splicing is its reliability. A well-executed splice can last for years, even decades, with minimal maintenance. It’s a solid, robust connection that can withstand vibrations and temperature changes. However, that very permanence is also its main drawback.
Once you’ve spliced wires together, taking them apart isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It requires cutting the wires and re-splicing, which can shorten the overall length of the wires over time. So, if you anticipate needing to disconnect or modify the connection later on, splicing might not be the best choice.
Common splicing methods include Western Union splices, pigtail splices, and tap splices. Each is designed for specific situations and wire types, but they all share the common goal of creating a durable, permanent connection. These are often preferred in situations where the connection will be hidden or difficult to access after installation.