Soldering wires for connections

The subject came up in another group and I had to say I didn't know what US Code was.

Is it possible to splice two 12 ga wires together by twisting, soldering and then covering them, or is it necessary to use wire nuts or the equivalent?

Also, are the crimp connectors legal to use? These are those things, like a small, plastic covered, metal tube where a wire is pushed into each end, and then the tube crimped down on the wire to make a secure connection.

Again for 12 ga house wiring.

Reply to
Charles Bishop
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You are not saying where you want to do this. Connectons can only be made inside a junction box. In the box, just use wirenuts. However soldering can also be used and makes a strong connection.

Reply to
Paintedcow

On 12/02/2016 12:00 PM, snipped-for-privacy@unlisted.moo wrote:

found this

Copy of NEC section involving your question found below shows that soldering is an approved method of connection of to wires as long as they are not dissimiler metals such as copper and aluminum touching each other.

Solder type connections shall not be used in service disconnect type istallations.

Solder type connections shall not be used for grounding or bonding conductors.

When soldering is the method of connection then an insulating material equal to the insulation value or the conductors that are spliced is required to protect that soldered splice.

110-14. Electrical Connections Because of different characteristics of dissimilar metals, devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identified for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used. Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum), unless the device is identified for the purpose and conditions of use. Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment. FPN: Many terminations and equipment are marked with a tightening torque. (a) Terminals. Connection of conductors to terminal parts shall ensure a thoroughly good connection without damaging the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure connectors (including set-screw type), solder lugs, or splices to flexible leads. Connection by means of wire-binding screws or studs and nuts that have upturned lugs or the equivalent shall be permitted for No. 10 or smaller conductors. Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect aluminum shall be so identified. (b) Splices. Conductors shall be spliced or joined with splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Soldered splices shall first be spliced or joined so as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder and then soldered. All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device identified for the purpose. Wire connectors or splicing means installed on conductors for direct burial shall be listed for such use.

230-81. Connection to Terminals The service conductors shall be connected to the service disconnecting means by pressure connectors, clamps, or other approved means. Connections that depend on solder shall not be used.

250-8. Connection of Grounding and Bonding Equipment Grounding conductors and bonding jumpers shall be connected by exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means. Connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall not be used. Sheet metal screws shall not be used to connect grounding conductors to enclosures.
Reply to
philo

Charles-

I am not familiar with that specific type of crimp connection. Do you have a manufacturer's part number? Be sure it is designed to be used with solid wires.

My experience has been that crimping solid house wiring with ordinary tools produces an unreliable connection. Crimped solid conductors work loose over time.

I have had good results with wire nuts.

Fred

Reply to
Fred McKenzie

Is allowable, yes, but more work and the solder canNOT be the mechanical means for the joint; must be mechanically connected so removing the solder wouldn't cause the splice to fail.

Unless they're rated by the manufacturer for the purpose, no. AFAIK all those are for stranded wire only whereas most household wiring is solid.

Reply to
dpb

I assume he means these:

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I seriously doubt they are code for house wiring. Even willing to bet.

Reply to
DerbyDad03

If its only soldered, the wires will come apart when the house burns down, because the solder will melt. You dont want that to happen!

Crimped connectors are mostly for auto wiring, and/or in electronics.

Reply to
Paintedcow

I haven't used them for years, and now, memory is saying they were for use on 120V, but electronic connections.

Wire nuts are what I use now.

I was asking because soldered connections were brought up in another group and I wanted to check before I gave poor information.

Reply to
Charles Bishop

Insulated butt splice, in common parlance.

Reply to
rbowman

I switched to the Wago connectors. Each wire goes in a hole and they can be reused.

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Wall Nuts are good too if you don't think you will need to remove the connector later.

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Reply to
Ralph Mowery

If a connection is twisted up tight, soldered and taped, it is perfectly legal but far more labor intensive. Back in the olden days that was the standard practice. They usually dipped the connection in a solder pot. That is why old BX and Romex was tinned. I was taught that method in 8th grade "shop" class in 1958. We did not use a solder pot tho, we had a soldering "copper" ( a huge soldering iron)

Reply to
gfretwell

Back in 1958, they did not have wirenuts. Yet, the men at that time had a lot bigger nuts than they do today!

Seriously, all Knob and Tube wiring was soldered and the wires were always kept away from wood and flammables using porcelin. That was always the safest wiring system ever designed, and still is. The only fault it had, was the insulation on the wires was made from flammable cloth, embedded in wax and/or tar. Yet, there is a lot of that wiring still in use. It only becomes unsafe when people tap into it, and connect all types of other wiring to it, without soldering it.

Of course it lacked a grounding system, which would not be allowed today.

However, if we were to use today's wire, with modern insulation, and run a 3rd wire for grounding, while still soldering all connections and using all the same porcelin insulators and tubes, that would be superior to the wiring we use today.

Reply to
Paintedcow

+1

We have been using the Wago connectors for a number of years and they are fantastic. They speed up the wiring process tremendously and, if you have a lot of connections to make, they virtually eliminate the wrist and hand strain one experiences when using wire nuts.

Reply to
Stormin' Norman

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