Kinds of Electrical Splices

The Different Kinds of Splices

• The choice of splice depends on the wire gauge and the electrical need. Also, it is necessary to shut down the main power source prior to any splicing. The different kinds of splices used in wiring needs are as follows:

  The pigtail splice (or rat-tail splice) is performed in wires subject to little or no mechanical pull, and it involves the twisting of wires over one another to fit in the junction box. This works mostly when many small wires are spliced together to make extensions.

  The fixture splice is followed in the splicing requirement of wires of different sizes (cables with different gauges), as in splicing of wires to a branch circuit. In this type, the insulation tape is removed according to the wire gauge and the wires are twisted together in the same direction, soldered and taped.

  The common splice (or Western Union splice) is the most preferred splicing method performed for wires that could undergo some pull. It involves twisting the wires in the opposite direction, trimming the protruding ends to avoid sharp edges and soldering with the insulation tape.

  The tap splice (or center splice) works when there is a need to connect one wire to a center point of another conducting wire, without cutting the latter. The wire is tightly twisted around the second running wire and the joint is soldered and taped for proper electrical conductivity and safety. This splicing is used in homes during extra light fittings.

Types of Splicing

• Staggering splicing is a method wherein one end of the smaller wire is twisted around another end of the longer conductor in order to avoid the formation of bulky joints. It can be used in all splicing joints. Knotted tap joint is in contrast to the above-mentioned "butted joints" and is used when an end of a branch wire is spliced to another running main wire, as in a tap splice, which is bound to undergo some mechanical strain.

Role of Connectors in Splicing

• Connectors are now widely used to secure the splicing in place and to avoid any risk of fire or electric shock. It is safer that the electrical wiring in home appliances is not spliced. If a minor repair arises, splicing with the use of mechanical connectors is mandatory. A twist-on connector is a solderless mechanical connector that comes into play when a number of wires are spliced together, as in a pigtail splice. Its usage secures the twist in the splice, both mechanically and electrically. Connectors for aluminum wires are an absolute necessity to reduce any possibility of a fire hazard. A spliced aluminum wire has to be safely secured to a specific pre-insulated connector.

Splicing Techniques

• Splicing techniques differ with respect to the wire involved. A heavy-gauge wire needs to be soldered after splicing. Light wires that are spliced by twisting interlocks need not necessarily be soldered, but any sharp ends should be clamped and taped (with a plastic insulation tape) before using a connector. Knob and tube wiring requires both soldering and taping (with heavy insulation tape).