Connecting Really Small Wires

[denverd0n]

Solder makes a great electrical connection. No doubt about that. But there is much more to it than just an electrical connection, especially on a boat.

The problem with soldering connections on a boat is that practically everything on a boat moves and flexes. If you solder connections you absolutely MUST support the connection so that it CANNOT flex! Otherwise you are just asking for problems. Just because you know that solder makes a really good electrical connection does not mean that is the best for every (or even ANY) connection on a boat.

[bazzer]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Solder makes a great electrical connection. No doubt about that. But there is much more to it than just an electrical connection, especially on a boat.

The problem with soldering connections on a boat is that practically everything on a boat moves and flexes. If you solder connections you absolutely MUST support the connection so that it CANNOT flex! Otherwise you are just asking for problems. Just because you know that solder makes a really good electrical connection does not mean that is the best for every (or even ANY) connection on a boat.

Well, my boat has had plenty of solder connections since it was new in 1976, none of them have failed, true, some of the components than support them have failed such as switches and fuseholders. Flexing on a boat? Not only do I know how to solder, but as a aircraft wiring inspector I can honestly say that I never saw a solder joint fail, except internal to equipment which can still happen. The ABYC does not say NOT to use solder, but to make sure there is not a sharp transistion between the solder joint and a flexible wire. Read a previous post. Good waterproof heatshrink prevents this just as the sleeve does on a crimp does.
Good Sailing.

[Bergovoy]

solder is lead, (alloy), and is soft, and brittle... period...

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by bazzer

Well, my boat has had plenty of solder connections since it was new in 1976, none of them have failed, true, some of the components than support them have failed such as switches and fuseholders. Flexing on a boat? Not only do I know how to solder, but as a aircraft wiring inspector I can honestly say that I never saw a solder joint fail, except internal to equipment which can still happen. The ABYC does not say NOT to use solder, but to make sure there is not a sharp transistion between the solder joint and a flexible wire. Read a previous post. Good waterproof heatshrink prevents this just as the sleeve does on a crimp does.
Good Sailing.

Most people are not experts. ABYC is just to cover the asses of dummies who don't have the capacity to reason. And it's what the authorities use to make arguments in suites.

If it works for you? Great! Just remember the Harbor Police, Auxiliaries and USCG go by these standards.

[bazzer]

Ok you win, but I've never found any lead that is brittle,or solder for that matter. Soldering a multi strand copper cable turns the soldered section into a solid cable and it's the transition point that might fracture , hence the need for support. But you obviously have me knowledge and electrical skills than me so I submit! WALOOB

[delmarrey]

Not trying to be dominate, just informative!

I should have also mentioned that if one wants to sell or insure a boat the ABYC and CG regs are taken into consideration as well.