Ever used 3 way connectors?

[basssears]

So apparently I'm last to know that (per ABYC) I shouldn't be soldering my electrical connections... always thought of that as the bulletproof way to go.

So going to start using crimp style connectors, but have a question about the 3 way connectors to split a line off... they all look similar to this Ancor (Server Error


My question is, how are you supposed to insulate the center "lug" of these things so they don't cause a short? If I used this on the positive side of a circuit that center lug would be live and would short out.

Am I missing something? Can I only use this for negative side of circuit? Am I really an electrical idiot (don't answer that one)?

-- Bass

[Sailmonkey]

I hate those things. Not only are they not insulated, but they make wonky shaped connections.

I'd do either a terminal strip, or keep on soldering.....just my opinion though.


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[conachair]

http://global.wago.com/en/products/p...ries/index.jsp

[Terra Nova]

You need to up your electrical game. Avoid these Mickey Mouse connectors.

[Cap Erict3]

Crimp sleeves are far better.

[basssears]

I agree completely, but with what? For some low amperage runs a bus bar every 3 feet seems overkill, the beloved ABYC is taking away my trusty soldering iron, so???

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

You need to up your electrical game. Avoid these Mickey Mouse connectors.

[Terra Nova]

Just use a large enough butt splice connector. On one side, strip the single wire twice as long as usual and double it over on itself to better fill the connector.

[basssears]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

Just use a large enough butt splice connector. On one side, strip the single wire twice as long as usual and double it over on itself to better fill the connector.

Now we're talking, thanks.

[Roy M]

You can use "step-down" crimp connectors Step Down | Marinco | ancor

[Cheechako]

If you are going to crimping, be sure to get a good crimper, not some cheap hardware store type.
I never have figured out why people don't want to solder, (other than it is a PITA!) but then they buy tinned wire.... :>)

[Terra Nova]

A field-soldered connection is inferior to a crimped connection, largely due to failure under vibration.

[basssears]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

If you are going to crimping, be sure to get a good crimper, not some cheap hardware store type.
I never have figured out why people don't want to solder, (other than it is a PITA!) but then they buy tinned wire.... :>)

I really like soldering, even though it is a PITA, just because I like how solid a connection you end up with... in automotive work it's treated me very well and they've lasted a long time.

But then on boats I learn this:

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

A field-soldered connection is inferior to a crimped connection, largely due to failure under vibration.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

A field-soldered connection is inferior to a crimped connection, largely due to failure under vibration.

FWIW I rarely solder, but I have had several instances to solder on the boat, and there are some factory soldered connections also.
The factory connections are on some of the very small remaining bits of original wire, and have not failed in 40 years.


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[Cheechako]

I would never solder only. But have crimped and soldered some. It encloses the joint from corrosion.

[hellosailor]

bass-
If you know how to solder, including mounting the joint to a hard point like the hull, and you're not in the commercial boat business, I can't see that ABYC can take away your solder. Rules are generalities, if you understand what you are doing, what the potential failure modes are, and why solder just might be good enough to last a hundred years in your situation, use the ABYC books to level off table legs.
Like it says on tube socks? "One size fits none."