This box should be located somewhere accessible. There are also punchdown splices made for this, but I generally avoid them because they always seemed to be made by cheap no-name manufacturers, and I preferred to use rated components I trust. Patch them using a factory terminated cable, at least 1' to maintain a decent bend radius. Terminate both ends of the splice to a jack of the type used in the rest of the installation, matching or exceeding the Category rating (Cat5e or 6 on a Cat5e system, Cat6 or 6a in a Cat6 system). How I generally do it is to get a two port surface mount box, like so: They're shorter and normally intended to be repulled when offices are rearranged periodically, while the trunks remain in place.Ī splice done correctly is really no different than a consolidation point, which is why I can be ok with it in emergencies. It's essentially a set of trunk cables pulled to one point, then terminated to a block and patched to another shorter set of cables which serve the area. I used them in my cabling past in open offices. That being said, there is something in standards called a consolidation point. Doing things right and fixing mistake is one of the things that separates a real company from a trunkslammer. If you can have another one in to replace the cable in an hour, repull it. Whether or not they're scrutinized that much varies per job, but I've known people who have been caught. The splice will show in tests, generally speaking. Cables are being certified and documented, especially for bid projects.The instances in which I would not do it: Solder the connection to provide additional protection and conductivity.That being said, not all situations are ideal.Wrap each wire around the other wire several times until you run out of wire.Bend the top wire down and over the bottom wire, and vice versa. Hold the wires parallel to one another.It’s ideal for joining two wires that will be kept under tension. Making a Lineman’s SpliceĮlectricians started using the lineman’s splice, or Western Union splice, in the early 1900s. If you haven’t set up your junction box yet, use your needle-nose pliers to attach clamps into the openings on the opposite ends of the box. You can skip this step if you’re using a wire cap to attach the wires. Slide a piece of shrink tubing over the wire you’re splicing as you’ll need it once you complete the splice. Remove any damaged areas before you begin splicing. Look for burnt wire insulation, cut wires, nicks, or bite marks. Then, remove about ½” of the plastic sheathing from the individual copper wires.Įxamine the wiring for signs of damage. If you’re splicing insulated wires, use a wire stripper to remove about five inches of the outer sheathing from the wire. Never splice wires if you’re unable to cut off the power. Before Splicingīe sure to cut off power to the wires you’re splicing. How to Splice Electrical Wiresįollow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be well on your way to splicing wires like a seasoned professional. Never use electrical tape to shield your connections. Attach the junction box to a wall stud or ceiling joist in a spot that won’t place undue stress on the wiring.īe sure to finish all your connections with a shrink tube or a twist-on connector. Junction boxes protect from electrocution and fires by containing any sparks that occur during a short circuit. When splicing wires, always use a junction box to place all the spliced wires. As the current travels through the splice, it can overheat and create a fire risk. When splicing wires of different gauges, the lower gauge wiring can handle more amperage than the higher gauge wire. When you splice wire, always make sure you’re using the same gauge. Ensure the power is off using a non-contact voltage tester on the hot wires and ground wires before you get started. Be sure to follow the tips below to ensure you’re staying safe.Īlways disconnect power to the circuit at the service panel before you begin working. Whether it’s your first wiring project or your 100th, safety is critical. Read on as we cover the ins and outs of how to splice electrical wires safely for your DIY projects. You do this for many projects, like relocating light switches or outlets and making repairs. Splicing wire is a technique for joining two pieces of wire together to carry an electrical current. You might need to splice wires to extend a wire, repair damage, or connect one electrical wire to another. As a homeowner, it’s a matter of time before you’ll need to learn some basic electrical skills as part of your home improvement projects.
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