To make a safe and reliable electrical installation, it is not enough just to have electrical conductors and other materials of proven quality. When performing any task, it is essential to pay attention and have the right tools.
One of the most important jobs during the execution of the electrical installation is the splicing of electrical wires and cables.
Despite being a common service for any good professional in the segment, the task should not be done anyway, as poorly made amendments usually result in serious problems for the electrical installation.
This work should never be done by amateurs. Amendments that are not done correctly cause energy losses and the consequent heating in the electrical circuit that generate an increase in the light bill. In addition, the heating caused by the splices can lead to a short circuit in the installation and even a fire.
The splices in low voltage electric wires and cables can be done in the traditional way (with the direct connection of the conductors and the coating with insulating tape) or with the use of pre-insulated connectors.
The splice using insulating tape is a more artisanal method and the result depends a lot on the electrician’s skill, that is, to be safe it has to be done well. The option for using pre-insulated connectors makes this work easier and more practical, it is less dependent on the electrician’s skill and gains a lot in quality and safety, in addition to reducing the time to perform the service.
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Main Precautions
Regardless of the type of splicing that will be carried out in the electrical conductors, it is necessary, in the first place, to turn off the main switch or, at least, to turn off the specific circuit in which the service will be carried out.
It is also essential to have the right tools for the task and materials such as quality connectors and insulating tapes that meet the technical standards governing products and electrical installation.
Due to the lack of compulsory certification by Inmetro for the materials commonly used in splicing, when buying insulating tape or connectors, give preference to recognized brands in the market.
Never use materials such as adhesive tape, tape or masking tape to splice electrical wires and cables, as they are not manufactured for this purpose and compromise the safety of the electrical installation too much.
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Traditional Amendments
They are made with electrical tape. In this case, the electrician must pay extra attention when making the amendments so that the conductors are securely attached to each other.
“One of the ways to make these splices is to strip the ends of the two conductors by about 5 cm each. With one plier the electrician holds the end of a cable and with another he twists the conductors until the splice is very firm. Then at least three layers of insulating tape should be passed so that the wires are completely insulated.
Extension Type Splice
It is used to increase the length of electrical wires and cables in a given circuit. Normally, this splice is made with conductors of the same nominal section.
Derivation Type Splice
It is used when there is a need to create power branches for an existing line, regardless of whether the wires and electrical cables are of the same nominal section or not.
“In this case, for the splice to be firmer, strip about 5 cm of the main conductor and approximately 10 cm of the branch wire or cable”, recommends Moreno.
Splices with Connectors
It is a more practical method for splicing electrical wires and cables. In this case, just remove the insulation (and cover, if any) and fit the conductors into the connector following the supplier’s recommendations.
As they are pre-manufactured, these solder wire connectors reduce the risk of errors in splicing and also allow for faster execution of this type of service.
