SPLICES AND JOINTS

When working with electronic equipment or with electrical wiring, it may from time to time become necessary to splice or join wires together. Splices and joints are essentially the same thing. Several different methods of doing this exist. The fundamental necessities of an effective splice include making sure the wires are securely fastened to each other even without solder and that they are well-soldered to avoid corrosion. All wire joints must also be taped with electrical tape after soldering.

                                

 A splice joint is a method of joining two members end to end in woodworking. The splice joint is used when the material being joined is not available in the length required. It is an alternative to other joints such as the butt joint and the scarf joint. Splice joints are stronger than unenforced butt joints and have the potential to be stronger than a scarf joint.

 Splices are therefore most often used when structural elements are required in longer lengths than the available material. The most common form of the splice joint is the half lap splice, which is common in building construction, where it is used to join shorter lengths of timber into longer beams.


 WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANCE OF SPLICES ANS JOINTS?

The connections must be well made and the wires tightly joined to prevent a loss of voltage to the device powered. In high current situations a poor connection causes heat at the connection and oxidiation of the wires and no more or intermittent connections.
Most problems in electrical is not a short but: an open connection.

In the case of high-voltage underground cables, the restoration of the insulation is critically important, as is restoring the cable's waterproof integrity. The skills required are such that cable jointers serve a full apprenticeship in that particular trade.


TYPE OF ELECTRICAL SPLICES AND JOINTS

Western Union Splice

• The Western Union splice works best to splice together small, solid conductors. It is the most common type of wire splice. To make the Western Union splice, first remove about five inches of insulation from both wires and cross the exposed wires. Wrap one wire around the other five or six times, and then do the same with the other. Cut the excess wires off and pinch the ends down with pliers. Solder the joint together and wrap tape around it.
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• Tap Splice

  • A tap splice, also called a tap joint, is used to connect a conductor to a running wire. To make a tap splice, strip about 1½ inches off the running wire. Take the connecting wire and wrap it once around the running wire. Now wrap the end of the wire through the loop you just made. Then wrap the connecting wire around the running wire about six times. Make sure the wire points away from the original turn. Solder the joint and wrap tape around it.
  
  
  

• Fixture Splice

  • Fixture splices, or fixture joints, are used to connect wires of different sizes. This joint requires five inches of insulation stripped off the wire. Hold the wires together and then twist them a few times with a pair of pliers. Both wires must twist for the joint to be tight. Cut both ends of wire so that they are the same length, and then take the twisted joint and bend it so that it lines up with the wires. Take the cut ends and extend them perpendicular to the wire and the twisted portion. Wrap these two ends in the same direction as the twist. Solder the joint together and wrap tape around it.
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Rat tail Splice

A rat-tail splice, also known as a twist splice or a pig-tail splice, is a very basic electrical splice that can be done with both solid stranded wire. It is made by taking two or more bare wires of the same diameter and wrapping them together symmetrically around each a common axis. The bare splice can be insulated with electrical tape or other means.

This common and simple splice is not very strong mechanically. It can be made stronger by coating it with solder, or it can be twisted and then held in place by the internal metal spring or threads of a twist on wire connection, also called a wire nut. Because it is not very strong, the splice is not meant to connect wires that will be pulled or stressed. Rather, it is intended for wires that are protected inside an enclosure or junction box,

Britannia Splice

A Britannia Splice, also known as a cable spice, is not easy or neither difficult in doing. This splice is applied on both inside and outside of the building to big solid wire where twisting is difficult but there is an equipment to lessen the difficulty on doing this kind of splice.

Through Fixture Join

A Through Fixture join is used where fixture leads are connected to branched wire in an immediate point.

Underwriter's Knot

A Underwriter's Knot, also known as Pretzel Knot, is used in making drop cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the weight is supported not by the copper conductors where they are connected to the terminals, but by the knot.

Double-Crossed Join

A Double-crossed Join, is used in the same manner as the ordinary-crossed join with the advantage of being stronger.