#3 WIRE BUTT SPLICE HOW TO#
#3 WIRE BUTT SPLICE PROFESSIONAL#

Indeed, each splice should be given a sharp tug to make sure the connection is secure. If they are done right, wire nuts are reasonably sturdy and can withstand a good amount of stress on the cable.

The insulation on the wire should not be stripped back so far that bare wire extends below the base of the nut. If you must use a wire nut for stranded wire, it’s probably a good idea to fully wrap the connection with good-quality electrical tape, for an additional measure of security.Īside from use with stranded wire, wire nut connection does not need to be taped if done properly. Again, that’s why it’s best to use other methods for splicing two stranded wires. Usually this is an indication that the nut you’ve selected is too large, but it can also happen if you use the cheap nuts without the metal inserts, or if it’s an old nut that has been used before (typically you don’t want to recycle wire nuts).Ī wire nut that won’t tighten is often the situation you end up with when both of the wires are stranded. If the nut never stop turning, it will not be a secure connection and will easily come off, leaving you susceptible to shorts. The nut should twist on very tightly, to the point where it will no longer turn. I’m not entirely certain, but I expect the threading action will be better accomplished with solid wire than with stranded – another reason to proceed with caution using wire nuts with speaker wire.ĭo not twist the wires together before they are inserted into the nut – let the action of the nut do that as you twist it on. These function to slightly “bite” into the wire with a threading action as you twist them on, which insures a more stable connection. The next key to a good wire nut connection is to use only those with a coiled metal insert. Also, the more individual strands there are in a wire of a given gauge, the thicker it is physically, thus possibly requiring a larger wire nut.) If you are splicing more than two wires of any given gauge or combination of gauges, you will naturally want to move up to a larger wire nut. (Please note these are guidelines for solid wire and therefore may not be exacting with speaker wire, which will be physically larger for any given gauge, due to the stranded construction. wire, yellow for 14 ga., orange for 16 ga., etc. The key to a good wire nut connection is selecting the correct one for the gauge of wire you are using. It’s better to use one of the other crimping devices or methods mentioned below, but wire nuts can work if you’re careful. Wire nuts typically don’t work as well for splicing two stranded wires together. Aside from that, they are the best choice for splicing a solid and a stranded wire together. Wire nuts are designed primary for use with solid wire, like the Romex used for your house electrical. It's the only kind I've found that won't loosen with time - indoors at least. If you must twist and tape, use only the best 3M electrical tape - usually around $3 a roll at the hardware store. This is especially true in attics or the automotive environment, where the tape is subjected to extreme and constant changes in temperature and humidity. Even a moderate amount of tension on the wire will usually make the splice separate.įurthermore, electrical tape, especially the cheap stuff, tends to loosen over time as the adhesive breaks down. It’s also the most unreliable method and therefore generally not recommended. This method, twisting two wires together and wrapping with electrical tape for insulation against short circuits, is by far the easiest spice to accomplish.

#3 WIRE BUTT SPLICE HOW TO#

So if there is ever a problem in the future where that cable is involved, the splice point is the first thing to check.Īs far as how to accomplish a splice, there are several methods, all with their own specific strength and weaknesses. The only problem with splicing is that (obviously) the structural integrity of a cable is compromised.

#3 WIRE BUTT SPLICE PROFESSIONAL#

More to the second issue, if you can hear the difference between a spliced and unspliced wire, you should apply for a job at Boston Acoustics immediately!Īs a former installer of professional and commercial audio systems, I can assure you that splicing is fine. The scenario are endless, but the question is the same: 'Can I splice an extension? Will I loose any resolution or audio quality?' The answer is “yes” and “no” respectively. Or you just bought a new house that was “pre wired” for surround sound, but the sheetrockers cut the wire and only left you a few inches coiled up in the box. You’ve rearranged your home theater and now one of the speaker wires is too short. It’s probably happened to all of us at some point. A Comprehensive Guide to Splicing Speaker Wire

3 wire butt splice