I'm really, really sorry if I come across as labouring this point, but I need some definitive advice on the best way of connecting two pieces of ring-main T&E together.
Regular readers will know that I started off doing this with terminal blocks but because these would have to be hidden behind plasterboard, either soldering or crimping was the only way forward.
I chose soldering. I understand there are a couple of gotchs when doing this:
- each join must be soldered ASAP because the PCV coating on the T&E will start to melt; this can be a problem if there is a bend in the wire near the soldering because the copper can "push through" the softened PVC so it touches its neighbour
- bind the cables together to form a strong mechanical joint before soldering; keep the solder light to merely enforce the joint.
With that in mind, this is what I did:
- twisted the cables together using pliers
- tinned the soldering iron
- heated the joint and flowed solder onto it
I used a gas-powered soldering iron because, obviously, the power was turned off.
The joints I made seemed strong but didn't occur in just a few seconds - in some cases I had to heat the joint maybe 30 seconds or more before it became hot enough for the solder to melt onto it.
I didn't notice the PVC becoming damaged, either expanding or melting. It seemed to me to be as good as before. I'm just a little worried that it might have melted and become compromised above/below the joint, where I can't see. On the other hand, I've tested the sockets with devices that draw large currents - if anything had gone wrong, I'd know about it, wouldn't I?
Secondly, I wrapped the joints in electrical tape because I just couldn't source heat shrink in time. Each joint was wrapped 3 or 4 times, and then the whole thing was wrapped in more tape.
I *think* I've done this well enough. One final thing I might do is put the joints inside fireproof boxes so that in the unlikely event of something going wrong, they won't set the house on fire.