

The process for making the splice with stranded wire however, is pretty much identical. That means many of the Lineman’s Splice examples you’ll find online use solid core wire. (Image/OnAllCylinders)īefore we dive in, let’s quickly understand the difference between stranded and solid core wires, because the Lineman’s Splice was originally developed for the latter. Both are still very much in use today, just for different applications. Solid Core Wires Here’s an easy visual comparison between stranded (red) wire and solid core (white) wire. Putting your wiring in looms, wraps, or convoluted tubing is a smart move too. In other words, the Lineman’s Splice is plenty good enough for your car or truck.Ī strong splice won’t make up for poor wiring harness management however-first and foremost, always make sure your wire runs are neat, properly secured, and out of the way. It’s simple, easy, and strong, and is so reliable that NASA even includes it as a standard for wiring up rocket ships. That led the engineers at Western Union to develop what is known as the “Western Union” or “Lineman” splice. So being able to connect telegraph lines reliably was kind of a big deal. (Image/ Public Domain)īack in the 1800s, if a telegraph line broke, it could sever communications between entire cities. Suffice it to say, this photograph pre-dates OSHA. In fact, folks have been making reliable wire splices for over a century, which brings us to… The Lineman’s Splice A Lineman was the person who had to climb up the telegraph pole to make and repair connections to the telegraph line. The good news is, splicing electrical wire is pretty easy with some basic tools and know-how. And if you’ve ever dealt with intermittent electrical gremlins, you already know that making foolproof electrical connections is vital.


Wire connectors or splicing means installed on conductorsįor direct burial shall be listed for such use.Whether you’re retrofitting an EFI kit, replacing a crusty bulb socket, or installing a new stereo, if you work around cars long enough, you’ll eventually have to splice some wires. The conductors or with an insulating device identified for Shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of
#Western union splice free
All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors Splices shall first be spliced or joined so as to be mechanicallyĪnd electrically secure without solder and then be Or soldering with a fusible metal or alloy. Splicing devices identified for the use or by brazing, welding, Conductors shall be spliced or joined with Used to connect aluminum shall be so identified. Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals Lugs or the equivalent shall be permitted for 10 AWG or Wire-binding screws or studs and nuts that have upturned Pressure connectors (including set-screw type), solder Parts shall ensure a thoroughly good connection withoutĭamaging the conductors and shall be made by means of I don't want to think about if one of those splices was inside some random wall. I had to make and extend several extra junction boxes because the original NM was only long enough to use the kit. They went bad at the connection point (not where the NM connected). I remember going back to one of these houses in the dead of summer because some of the kitchen receptacles weren't working. The kits were already installed, and we would go under the house and connect them together. This included connecting these splice kits in the crawl space. The house would arrive in 2+ pieces, and we would build the service and make all the final connections.

The company I started working for was contracted to do the final hookup (service, etc) for prefab houses. It will be because some homeowner or GC is too cheap to pay for a proper repair or renovation.Įarly on, I was lucky enough to experience these NM splice kits first hand, in an accessible (sort of) situation, and be witness to their failure. They will be behind cabinetry, in a sub floor, or behind a mirror. The splices will never be just behind drywall. Will they make you the hero in the short term? Yes.Ĭan they go bad just like any other electrical connection? Yup. Just run a new wire or splice it from an accessible spot. Click to expand.Do yourself a favor and don't Goddamn do it.Įver.
