Electricity is not an area where you need to save. It is advisable to do everything carefully, select high-quality materials, and take a balanced approach to the choice of sizes/diameters/values. Let's start with the fact that even the conductors must be connected correctly. And choosing ways to connect wires is not as easy as it seems.

There are about a dozen ways to connect wires. In general, they can be divided into two groups: those that require special equipment or specific skills and those that can be successfully used by anyone. home handyman— they do not require any special skills.

The first group includes:

• Soldering. When connecting wires, do not large diameter in the amount of -2-3 pieces - very reliable method. True, it requires a soldering iron and some skills in using it.
• Welding. You need a welding machine and special electrodes. But the contact is reliable - the conductors are fused into a monolith.
• Crimping with sleeves. You need sleeves and special pliers. The sleeves are selected according to certain rules that you need to know. The connection is reliable, but it will have to be cut to re-seal.

All these methods of connecting wires are performed mainly by specialists. If you have skills with a soldering iron or welding machine After practicing on unnecessary scraps, you can make them yourself.

Some methods of connecting wires are more popular, others less so.

Methods of connecting wires that do not require any specific skills are becoming increasingly popular. Their advantage is quick installation, reliable connection. Disadvantage - you need “connectors” - terminal blocks, clamps, bolts. Some of them cost quite a lot of money (Wago terminal blocks, for example), although there are also inexpensive options- screw terminal blocks.

So here are ways to connect wires that are easy to implement:

There are two opposing opinions among professionals. Some believe that new methods of connecting wires - clamps - the best way out, as they speed up installation without compromising the quality of the connection. Others say that the springs will eventually weaken and contact will deteriorate. In this matter, the choice is yours.

Technical nuances of different types of wire connections

All types of wire connections described above are used when laying electrical wiring, but specific type selected based on several characteristics:

Let's consider each connection method, the technology for its implementation and the advisability of use in various situations.

Soldering electrical wires

One of the oldest and most widespread types of connection. To work you will need rosin, solder and a soldering iron. The soldering process is as follows:

Actually, that's the end of the soldering electrical wires finished. Not the most difficult process but it requires certain skills. The main thing is to heat the joint enough so that the solder flows between all the wires. In this case, you must not overheat, otherwise the insulation will melt. This is where the art lies - not to burn the insulation, but to ensure reliable contact.

When can soldering be used? This method of connecting wires works well in low-current electrical applications. When connecting wires in distribution box it's not very convenient anymore. Especially if there are a lot of wires and/or they are of large diameter. Soldering such a twist is not a task for beginners. In addition, when trying to make a connection in a junction box, the soldering begins to break down. To the point where some wires fall off. In general, the method is good for connecting conductors of small diameters.

Welding conductors in electrical connections

One of the most reliable methods of connecting wires is welding. During this process, the metal of individual conductors is brought to the melting point, mixed, and after cooling it forms a monolith. This method works very well with large diameters or with a large number of connected conductors. It is distinguished by not just excellent contact, which does not weaken or change its characteristics over time. It is also mechanically very strong - the fused part does not allow the connection to fall apart even under heavy loads.

A drop at the end of the twist is molten aluminum

There are also disadvantages. The first is that the conductors are fused, that is, the connection is absolutely permanent. If you need to re-seal it, you have to remove the fused part and start all over again. To be able to do this, you must always leave a small gap along the length of the wires. The second disadvantage is that you need a welding machine, skills in handling it, and special electrodes for welding aluminum or copper. Main task in this case, do not burn the insulation, but melt the conductors. To make this possible, they are stripped of about 10 cm of insulation, tightly twisted into a bundle, and then welded at the very end.

Another disadvantage of welding wires is that it is a labor-intensive process, which also requires jeweler's precision in handling the welding machine. Due to the combination of these qualities, many professional electricians do not like this method. If you do the wiring “for yourself” and know how to handle the equipment, you can spend some time. Just practice on scraps first, select the current strength and welding time. Only after you get everything perfect several times can you start welding wires “in real life”.

Crimping

Another method that requires special equipment is crimping wires with sleeves. There are copper and aluminum sleeves of different diameters. The material is selected depending on the material of the conductor, and the size is selected according to the diameter and number of wires in a particular connection. They should fill almost the entire space inside the sleeve, but there should still be some free space. The quality of contact depends on the correct choice of sleeve size. This is the main difficulty of this method of connecting wires: the sleeve should not be too large or too small.

The technology of work is as follows:

• The conductors are stripped of insulation (the length of the stripped section is slightly longer than the length of the sleeve).
• Each conductor is stripped to bare metal (we remove oxides sandpaper with small grain).
• The wires are twisted and inserted into the sleeve.
• They are crimped with special pliers.

It seems to be simple, but it is in the selection of the sleeve and the presence of pliers that the whole difficulty lies. You can, of course, try to crimp it with pliers or pliers. But it is impossible to guarantee normal contact in this case.

Twist

In the first section of the article, we deliberately omitted twisting the wires. According to the current standard, it cannot be used, since it does not provide proper contact and reliability of the connection. This method can replace any other methods of connecting wires.

Yes, wiring was done on twists 20-30 years ago and everything worked perfectly. But what were the loads on the networks then, and what are they now... Today, the amount of equipment in ordinary apartment or a private home has increased significantly and most equipment is demanding on power supply. Some types simply will not work at reduced voltage.

Why is twisting so bad? Wires twisted into a bundle do not make good enough contact. At first, everything is fine, but over time the metal becomes covered with an oxide film, which significantly worsens the contact. If there is insufficient contact, the joint begins to heat up; an increase in temperature causes more active formation of an oxide film, which further worsens the contact. At some point, the twist becomes very hot, which can lead to a fire. It is for this reason that it is better to choose any other method. There are some that can be done even faster and easier, but which are more reliable.

Connection insulation

All the methods of connecting wires described above - welding, soldering, crimping with a sleeve - provide for their insulation, since the exposed conductive wires must be protected. For these purposes, electrical tape or heat-shrinkable tubes are used.

Everyone probably knows how to use electrical tape, but we’ll tell you a little about heat-shrinkable tubing. This is a hollow polymer tube, which, with increasing temperature, significantly reduces its diameter (2-6 times, depending on the type). The size is selected so that the pre-shrink volume is larger than the diameter of the insulated wires, and the post-shrink volume is smaller. In this case, a tight fit of the polymer is ensured, which guarantees a good degree of insulation.

Heat-shrinkable tubes for insulating conductors can be of different diameters and colors

In addition to size, heat shrink tubes are selected according to special characteristics. They are:

• heat resistant;
• light-stabilized (for outdoor use);
• oil-gasoline resistant;
• resistant to chemicals.

The cost of heat-shrinkable tubes is not very high - from $0.5 to $0.75 per 1 meter. Their length should be slightly longer than the length of the bare conductors - so that one edge of the tube stretches over the insulation of the conductors by about 0.5 cm, and the other sticks out by 0.5-1 cm. After the tube is stretched, take a heat source (you can use a lighter) and heat the tube. The heating temperature can be different - from 60°C to +120°C. After the joint is tightened, the heating stops, after which the polymer quickly cools.

Insulating wires with heat-shrinkable tubing takes little time—seconds count—and the quality of the insulation is high. Sometimes, for greater reliability, two tubes can be used - a slightly smaller and a slightly larger diameter. In this case, first one tube is put on and warmed up, then the second. Such connections can be used even in water.

Terminal blocks

This method is also preferred by electricians, but can be easily used by a person who can hold a regular screwdriver. This is one of the first ways to connect electrical wires without soldering. Today, on almost every electrical appliance you can see a version of this connection - this is the output block to which the power cord is connected.

Terminal blocks are a contact plate that is sealed in a plastic (polymer) or carbolite housing. They cost very little and are available in almost any store that sells electrical goods.

Terminal blocks are convenient, inexpensive, and allow you to connect copper and aluminum wires, conductors of different diameters, single- and multi-core

The connection occurs literally in seconds. The insulation is removed from the conductor (approximately 0.5-0.7 cm), and the oxide film is removed. Two conductors are inserted into the socket - one opposite the other - and secured with bolts. These bolts press the metal against the contact plate, making the connection.

The advantage of this connection method: you can connect wires of different sections, single-core to multi-core. The disadvantage is that only a pair of wires are connected. To connect three or more, jumpers must be installed.

PPE caps

Another way to connect wires that does not require special skills is to install PPE caps. They are a plastic cone-shaped body with a spring sealed inside. They come in different sizes - from 0 to 5. You can connect wires different diameters— on each package there is written the minimum, maximum and minimum total cross-section of the wires to be connected. In addition, there are cases simply in the form of a cone, and some with stops “ears” that make their installation easier. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the plastic - it should not bend.

Connecting wires using PPE is very simple: strip the insulation, collect the wires into a bundle, insert them inside the cap and start twisting. A spring inside the cap grips the conductors, helping to twist them. The result is a twist that outside wrapped with spring wire. That is, the contact turns out to be very high quality and good. This method of connecting wires with PPE caps has been used for a long time in Europe and America; it came to us about 10 years ago.

If you need ways to connect wires without welding, consider PPE

There is another way: first the wires are twisted, then caps are put on them. This method was invented by the Russian company that produces these wire connectors - KZT. But this technique requires more time, and the quality of the connection is no different.

There is one more point: how long to strip the insulation from the wires. Manufacturers give clear instructions on this matter - each size has its own length of exposed conductors. It is designed so that all conductors without insulation are inside the housing. If you do this, the connection does not require additional insulation, which greatly speeds up the process. Coma extended bottom part does not interfere with heat dissipation and such a connection heats up less.

Practicing electricians advise stripping the wires by 5-10 cm, and insulating the twist that remains without insulation. This is argued by the fact that the contact area with this option is larger. It is true, but this option heats up more. And the standard solution is reliable. There are no problems with contact (if the quality of PPE is normal).

Wago Clamps

The heated debates flared up specifically about Vago. Some people absolutely love this product, while others don’t. Moreover, no less categorically. Opponents of using Wago do not like the fact that the contact is based on a spring. They say that it may weaken. This will lead to poor contact and overheating. And they show a photo with melted clamps. Proponents of this method conduct tests and comparisons and say that a properly selected branded clamp lasts for many years without signs of contact deterioration. And manufacturers say that, if the technology is followed, Wago terminal blocks can be used for 25-35 years. It is important to choose the right type and parameters and not buy a fake (there are a lot of them).

There are two types of Vago clamps. The first series is slightly less expensive, called Wago. These clamps are suitable for connecting single-core and stranded wires with a cross-section of 0.5-4 mm2. For conductors of smaller or larger cross-sections there is another series - Cage Clamp. It has a very wide range of use - 0.08-35 mm2, but also high cost. In any case, contact is ensured by a contact plate made of good copper. Special shape plate allows you to achieve reliable contact.

Detachable

In addition, Vago spring-loaded clamps are detachable (222 series) and permanent (773 and 273 series). Detachable ones are convenient to install in places where changes to the network configuration are possible. For example, in junction boxes. They have levers with which the wires are clamped or released. Wago detachable terminal blocks can connect from 2 to 5 conductors. Moreover, they can be of different sections and types (single-core and multi-core). The order of connecting the wires is as follows:

We repeat the same operation with the other wire(s). All this takes a matter of seconds. Very fast and convenient. It's not surprising that many professional electricians have forgotten other ways to connect wires.

One-piece

One-piece series differ in structure: there is a clamp body and a cap. The cap can be made of transparent polymer (773 series) or opaque plastic (223). The housing has holes into which wires stripped of insulation are inserted.

To ensure normal contact, you only need to remove the insulation correctly - exactly 12-13 mm. These are the requirements set by the manufacturer. After the conductor is inserted, its bare part should be in the terminal block, and the insulation should rest against the housing. Under such conditions, contact will be reliable.

Bolted connection

Another type of connection of electrical wires with solid experience is bolted. It is called so because a bolt, nut and several washers are used to connect the wires. Contact through the use of washers is quite good, but the entire structure takes up a lot of space and is inconvenient to install. It is mainly used if it is necessary to connect conductors made of different metals - aluminum and copper.

The order of assembling the connection is as follows:

• We strip the wires of insulation.
• From the stripped part we form a loop, the diameter of which is equal to the diameter of the bolt.
• We put it on the bolt in this order
  • washer (it rests on the bolt head);
  • one of the conductors;
  • another washer;
  • second conductor;
  • third washer;
• We tighten everything with a nut.

This way you can connect not only two, but also three or more wires. Please note that you must not only tighten the nut by hand. Must be used wrenches, make a solid effort.

The best ways to connect wires for different occasions

Since different wires can be connected, they can be used in different conditions, then the optimal method must be chosen taking into account all these nuances. Here are the most common situations:

These are the most common options for non-standard connections.

To joints without soldering or fastening together. Unfortunately, this dream will never come true. No one would agree to have so many cables used in their apartment. And this pleasure will cost a tidy sum, because a lot of wiring will be required. This is the main reason that the network has many contacts. In each average apartment there may be up to hundreds of such associations. It should be noted that wiring problems most often occur in the places where the ends of the wires touch. In order to connect contacts correctly and safely, it is necessary to carefully study all the methods and options that are practiced by electricians.

Any living space today has wiring

How to connect wiring in a house

So, if the question arises of how to connect wires at home, it is best to turn to the bible of every self-respecting electrician - the Electrical Installation Rules (ELR). Paragraph 2.1.21 of this reference book states that it is best to use the following methods:

• soldering;
• welding;
• crimping;
• bolted connection.

But other methods are also practiced that are not listed here. Twisting remains illegal, but connections with screws, insulating clamps such as PPE, and WAGO terminals are, one way or another, permitted. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Twist

Be that as it may, the method that uses twisting is now the most popular among electricians and those users who are trying to create a connection of wires in their apartment. The danger of this technique is the high risk of fire. It can happen due to overheating of the cable, which is under the influence of high resistance caused by the weakening of the twist itself.

But it also needs to be said that with proper operations, the twisting will last for decades. If it is not possible for you to use other methods, then twisting is exactly what you will need. The only condition- be careful and do everything right.

You should not use twisting in cases where you can create a wire connection using another method. If technical support of electrical circuits is your job responsibilities or you simply do it for money, then the use of twisting may entail liability under the Criminal Code. You also have the right not to pay for the work of the craftsmen who used it.

You cannot use methods for connecting wires where different types of metal are used. Also pay attention to the number of wires at each end - do not twist single core cable with stranded. To connect the ends correctly and efficiently using this method, first remove the insulation from the end by 6–8 cm. Then fold the wires perpendicular to each other and twist. It is best to do this with pliers, this way you will achieve maximum twist density. But if you are dealing with small cross-section wires, then this can be done by hand. The length of the twist should ultimately be greater than 10 diameters of the wires you connected.

The final stage of twisting will be insulation. You will need caps, PVC or heat shrink tubing, or simple electrical tape. Be sure to ensure that your insulation overlaps the original insulation. This way you will protect the system from moisture.

Soldering

The soldering method requires a significant amount of theoretical and practical skills in working with equipment and wires. Experienced electricians know that a good twist is better than a bad solder. First you need to rid the wires of oxidation, tin them, and then twist them. Moreover, you don’t need to twist as much as in the previous case. Flux and solder also need to be carefully selected, since different metals require different materials. In terms of time, connecting wires in this way is the longest, but the result is better than using other methods. After the wires have cooled, they must be insulated using any available method.

Welding

This method is the most common and popular today. As for practical skills, this method can be considered the fastest and most reliable. You can use both AC and DC voltages from 15 to 30 V. If you are dealing with two wires with a diameter of up to 1.5 sq. mm, use a current of 70 A. If you need to connect three wires, then use 90 A. Three wires with a diameter of up to 2.5 square meters. mm require a current of 100 A, and four - 120 A.

First you need to strip the wires of insulation at a distance of 6 cm from the edge. Then twist them as if twisting, but leave 6mm at the ends. Straighten them and place them parallel.

Remember that when working with you must adhere to all rules and regulations fire safety, as well as use all types of protective equipment (gloves, clothing, goggles or mask).

Place the ends of the wires into the clamp and begin welding. You need to achieve a melt ball. It should extend to the twist itself. Welding should be carried out no longer than 3 seconds, otherwise you risk breaking the insulation. After you have connected the wires and they have cooled completely, insulate them.

PPE is made in the form of a cap. Inside the connecting wire there is a steel wire bent in the shape of a cone. Modern manufacturers also fill the cavity of the cap with a special mixture, which protects the connection from moisture getting inside. The first condition for high-quality use of PPE is the correctly selected clamp size. You can read the parameters on the product packaging in more detail.

To connect wires this way, you need to strip them of their original insulation at a distance that is equal to the length of the cap. Next, insert the ends of the wires into the clamp and fix them there according to the mechanism. Most installers and electricians use the twisting technique for reliability, and place such clamps on top.

The advantage of this method over others is that this way you can simultaneously connect the wires and isolate the twisted points. But there is also a minus - it is unreliable, since the clamp constantly unwinds.

Screw clamps are very popular when conducting minor works in the apartment. The advantage of this method is the speed and accuracy of the connection. You don't have to insulate the wires. Also, using the clamping technique, you can connect wires of different metals.

The disadvantages of the technology include, first of all, the fact that you cannot connect wires that are made of different metals. They must first be soldered or combined with a tip. Also, such clamps are not entirely reliable - they need to be tightened periodically. So they are best used in places where there is easy, constant access.

The terminal block is a relatively new method of connecting wires. It is based on the use of special clamps developed by the German company WAGO. You can now find many analogues on the market, but they are inferior in quality and reliability. If you decide, then it is best to buy terminals in specialized certified supermarkets. You are offered many options to choose from for a variety of sizes, number of cores, and so on.

The advantage of this method is ease of use, no need to apply additional equipment or possess certain skills. You can quickly and efficiently connect wires and insulate them using one clamp. WAGO products have passed all the necessary tests and are the world leader in the production of wire clamps.

The crimping method involves using a sleeve or lug to connect the wires. This technology stands out among others for its reliability. All that is required of you is to choose the right sleeves and be able to use special equipment - pliers (hydraulic or electric) or a press.

Bolted connections

This method is best used when working with networks with high current. The idea is simple - wires are laid between two washers on a bolt, and then tightly fixed with a nut of a suitable size. Moreover, you can connect aluminum and copper wire if you use steel nuts. However, this method is not particularly popular because it does not look aesthetically pleasing.

Finally, we need to remind you that all wire connections, no matter how you do it, must be accessible for correction and inspection. If you've ever connected two or more wires yourself, please share your comments below.

In stranded wires, the cross-section is formed by several, sometimes intertwined, cores. Knowing how to connect stranded wires to each other, you can easily do this work yourself and get a strong contact that is absolutely safe during operation.

Where are stranded wires used?

Any stranded conductor contains at its base a large number of thin wires. The use of a multi-core cable is important in areas that require a large number of bends or, if necessary, to pull the conductor through holes that are too narrow and long enough.

The scope of application of stranded conductors is presented:

• extended tees;
• mobile lighting devices;
• automotive wiring;
• connection lighting fixtures to the electrical network;
• connecting switches or other types of levers to influence the electrical network.

Flexible stranded conductors can be twisted repeatedly and easily, which does not negatively affect the functionality of the system. Among other things, this particular type of electrical wiring is distinguished by plasticity, and greater flexibility and elasticity is imparted to the wire by weaving a special thread, which in strength and composition is a bit like nylon.

Methods for connecting stranded wires to each other

The methods used today for electrical connections of stranded conductors are distinguished by the ability to obtain not only strong, reliable and durable, but also completely safe contact of the conductors.

Stranding of stranded conductors

This option is the easiest to implement and intuitive, not requiring the use of special equipment or professional tools.

Twisting is the easiest way to connect stranded wires

The second method consists of the following steps:

Twisting wires using the third method:

There is also a fourth method, which is as follows:

Soldering method

Soldering the conductors using a household soldering iron ensures high-strength contact and good electrical conductivity. Tinning of stranded conductors is carried out using rosin (flux) and standard solder using standard technology.

Terminal type connections

The use of terminals of different types is the most affordable way to connect multi-core wires in everyday life. In most cases, the terminal blocks used are divided into a couple of main types.

The principle of operation of clamping terminals involves fixing the wire using a built-in spring mechanism.

Terminals are often used to connect wires

Screw type terminal block assumes reliable fixation all connected stranded wires using a screw. To increase the area of ​​wire contact with a conductive surface, an additional bend of the core is required.

The wires in the terminal block are secured by tightening the screws

Stage-by-stage execution of work:

Crimping method

The crimping method involves connecting wires or cables using a copper or aluminum sleeve using special crimping pliers of a hydraulic or manual type.

In this case, the connection is made using a special sleeve

The pressing technology involves stripping the insulation according to the length of the sleeve, and conductors that are too thin should be connected by twisting. Then all the cables are folded together and placed inside the sleeve, after which double crimping is performed along the entire length. The method allows you to make a reliable and safe connection of stranded wires made of different types materials.

Bolted connection

The simplest, but not enough in a reliable way connecting multi-core wires is twisting followed by bolting. This detachable connection option is most often used in open wiring conditions.

Bolted connection is the simplest, but not very reliable

To increase the level of reliability of the connection of stranded wires, it is recommended to strip the ends of insulation, then tin the cleaned areas and fasten them with a bolt.

Application of connecting insulating clamps

PPE elements are used when it is necessary to connect stranded wires with a small cross-section (within 25 mm2). Design feature This type of clamp is made of a plastic body with a built-in cone-shaped spring.

This method is suitable for connecting wires with a small cross-section

Stranded wires are first connected into one bundle using twisting, onto which the clamping part is then screwed. Among other things, the wire connection does not require additional insulation.

Welding method

A permanent connection is the most reliable method when working with multi-core wires. When welding is performed correctly, the general indicators of mechanical strength and contact resistance in terms of reliability do not differ from similar parameters of a solid conductor.

Welding connection of wires is considered the most reliable

Welding can be performed on alternating and direct current. On preparatory stage the wires are stripped of insulation, after which they are twisted and straightened by trimming the ends. To ensure that the conductors do not overheat during the welding process, it is necessary to ensure high-quality heat removal.

Security measures

In order to ensure measures safe operation connected stranded wires, it is important to insulate all parts of the electrical wiring. Proper insulation helps prevent dangerous contact of live parts with each other or with the human body. When choosing insulating material it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions of the electrical circuit, but in most cases, insulating tape, as well as a special vinyl or heat-shrinkable tube, are used for this purpose.

If the connection area is exposed to the negative effects of high temperatures, it is recommended to use varnished cloth or fabric insulating tape as an insulating material. Correct execution of all stages is of no small importance. electrical installation. Only with reliable connection and proper connection of all elements of the electrical network is it possible to minimize the risk of areas with poor contact, and also prevent local overheating and electrical wiring breaks.

Multicore cables are a popular and widespread option, widely used for electrical wiring. for various purposes. General rules separate connections of stranded and single-core conductors do not have any differences or features, therefore it is allowed to use twisting, screw clamps, PPE elements, welding and soldering for this purpose.

First of all, you must understand that they can be used in different conditions. various types connections. And their choice depends on the specific task at hand.

For example, it is much more convenient to connect small-section wires up to 2.5 mm2 in a compact junction box with terminal blocks or clamps. But if we are talking about a groove or a cable channel, then the sleeves come first.

Let's consider the three most simple and at the same time reliable types of connections.

Let's start with the connection type PPE. It stands for:

• WITH unifying

• AND insulating

• Z pressure

It looks like a simple cap. Comes in different colors.

Moreover, each color means that it belongs to specific sections of the cores.

The cores are inserted into this cap and twisted together.

How to do it correctly, first twist the wires and then put on the cap or twist them directly with the PPE itself, is discussed in detail in the article “.”

As a result, thanks to PPE, you get a good old twist, only immediately protected and insulated.

On top of that, it has a spring-loaded contact that prevents it from coming loose.

In addition, this process can be slightly automated by using an attachment for PPE for a screwdriver. This is also discussed in the above article.

The next type is Wago terminal blocks. They also come different sizes, and under different quantities connected wires - two, three, five, eight.

They can be used to connect both single-core and stranded wires.

Moreover, this can be implemented as in different types Vago, and in one single thing.

For stranded ones, the clamp must have a latch-flag, which, when open, easily allows you to insert the wire and clamp it inside after latching.

These terminal blocks are home wiring According to the manufacturer, they can easily withstand loads of up to 24A (lights, sockets).

There are some compact specimens also available for 32A-41A.

Here are the most popular types of Wago clamps, their markings, characteristics and what cross-section they are designed for:

Series 2273 Series 221-222 Series 243 Series 773 Series 224

There is also an industrial series for cable cross-sections up to 95mm2. Their terminals are really large, but the principle of operation is almost the same as that of small ones.

When you measure the load on such terminals, with a current value of more than 200A, and at the same time you see that nothing is burning or heating, many doubts about Wago products disappear.

If you have original Vago clamps, and not a Chinese counterfeit, and the line is protected by a circuit breaker with a correctly selected setting, then this type of connection can rightfully be called the simplest, most modern and convenient to install.

Violate any of the above conditions and the result will be quite natural.

Therefore, there is no need to install wago at 24A and at the same time protect such wiring with a 25A automatic. In this case, the contact will burn out if overloaded.

Always choose the right terminal blocks for your car.

As a rule, you already have automatic machines, and they primarily protect the electrical wiring, and not the load and the end consumer.

There is also enough old look connections, such as terminal blocks. ZVI – insulated screw clamp.

In appearance, this is a very simple screw connection of wires to each other. Again, it comes in different sections and different shapes.

Here they are technical specifications(current, cross-section, dimensions, screw torque):

However, ZVI has a number of significant disadvantages, due to which it cannot be called the most successful and reliable connection.

Basically, you can only connect two wires to each other in this way. Unless, of course, you specifically choose large pads and shove several wires there. What to do is not recommended.

This screw connection is well suited for monocores, but for stranded flexible wires- No.

For flexible wires, you will have to press them with NShVI lugs and incur additional costs.

You can find videos online where, as an experiment, transition resistances on different types of connections are measured with a microohmmeter.

Surprisingly smallest value obtained with screw terminals.

But we should not forget that this experiment refers to “fresh contacts”. Try making the same measurements after a year or two of intensive use. The results will be completely different.

Connection of copper and aluminum

Often a situation arises when it is necessary to connect a copper conductor to an aluminum one. Because chemical properties Copper and aluminum are different, then direct contact between them, with access to oxygen, leads to oxidation. Often even copper contacts on circuit breakers susceptible to this phenomenon.

An oxide film forms, resistance increases, and heating occurs. Here we recommend using 3 options to avoid this:

They remove direct contact between aluminum and copper. The connection occurs through steel.

The contacts are separated from each other in separate cells, plus the paste prevents the access of air and prevents the oxidation process from developing.

The third simple way to connect conductors is crimping with sleeves.

For docking copper wires GML sleeves are most often used. Deciphered as:

• G Ilsa

• M single

• L narrowed

For connecting pure aluminum - GA (aluminum sleeve):

To switch from copper to aluminum, special adapters GAM:

What is the crimping method? Everything is quite simple. Take two conductors and strip them to the required distance.

After this, on each side of the sleeve, the conductors are inserted inside, and the whole thing is crimped with press pliers.

Despite its obvious simplicity, there are several rules and nuances in this procedure, if not followed, you can easily ruin a seemingly reliable contact. Read about these mistakes and rules on how to avoid them in the articles “” and “”.

To work with conductors of large sections 35mm2-240mm2, a hydraulic press is used.

Up to cross-sections of 35mm2, you can also use a mechanical one with a large span of handles.

The sleeve must be crimped two to four times, depending on the cross-section of the wire and the length of the tube.

The most important thing in this work is to choose the correct sleeve size.

For example, when connecting a monocore, the sleeve is usually taken to a smaller cross-sectional size.

And in this way you can connect several conductors at one point at the same time. In this case, only one sleeve will be used.

The main thing is to completely fill its internal space. If you are crimping three conductors at the same time, and you still have voids inside, then you need to “fill” this free space with additional pieces of the same wire, or with conductors of a smaller cross-section.

Crimping with sleeves is one of the most versatile and reliable connections, especially when it is necessary to extend the cable, including the input cable.

In this case, the insulation turns out to be almost equivalent to the main one, when also using the outer tube HERE as a casing.

Of course, you won’t use either PPE or Wago for these purposes, but GML cartridges are just the thing! At the same time, everything comes out compact and can be easily reduced, either in a groove or in a cable channel.

Welding and soldering

In addition to all the above connection methods, there are two more types that experienced electricians rightfully consider the most reliable.

And even with its help it is not always possible to connect an aluminum solid wire with a flexible copper stranded one. In addition, you are forever tied to an outlet or extension cord.

What if there is no voltage or generator nearby?

At the same time, on the contrary, 90% of electrical installers have elementary press pliers. It is not necessary to purchase the most expensive and sophisticated ones for this.

For example, batteries. It’s convenient, of course, just walk and press a button.

The Chinese counterparts also cope well with their task of crimping. Moreover, the entire process takes no more than 1 minute.

Today, there are many ways to connect wires in a junction box.

Here are the factors that determine the choice of connector:

1. Core material (copper or aluminum).
2. Working conditions (outdoors, in an apartment, in water, in the ground, in the floor, normal conditions).
3. Number of conductors (two, three, four, etc.).
4. Core cross-section (same, different).
5. Core structure (single-wire or multi-wire).

Based on these factors, the most suitable and correct method. First, let's look at the materials that can be used to connect electrical wires in a junction box.

Existing methods

The following connection options are considered the most popular and effective:

• use of terminal blocks;
• installation of spring terminals (wago);
• fixation with PPE (plastic caps);
• crimping with sleeves;
• soldering;
• twist;
• installation of “nuts”;
• use of bolts.

Let's consider the essence, advantages and disadvantages of each method!

Installation of PPE caps

PPE stands for connecting insulating clips. The products are ordinary plastic caps that have a special spring inside that holds the wires.

Most often, such caps are used to connect cores in junction boxes.

Advantages of using these products:

• low cost of PPE;
• the caps are made of non-flammable material, so there will be no twisting at the site;
• quick installation;
• caps have wide range color shades. For example, if the wires do not have a wire, you can use PPE to mark it (using a white, blue and green cap).

Flaws:

• relatively poor quality of insulation and fixation;
• It is impossible to combine aluminum with copper.

Crimping with special sleeves

Stranding and insulation

The old “grandfather’s” method consists of twisting the cores together. The essence of the work is that the conductors are stripped and carefully twisted with pliers, after which the twisted area is insulated.

Advantages:

• simplicity electrical installation work;
• no material costs.

Flaws:

• poor quality of core fastening;
• The connection of aluminum and copper products is unacceptable.

WITH using existing methods We have figured out the connections of the wires in the box, now we will consider the remaining, important issues of this topic.

What to do if there are several wires?

There are usually no problems when connecting two contacts. But what to do if you need to combine three, four or more at the same time?

• using wago terminal blocks;
• crimping with sleeves;
• soldering;
• twisting using sizes;
• twisting and wrapping with electrical tape.

We discussed in detail the order of connecting the wires for each method above. We strongly recommend that you use the first option, because... it is one of the most modern and effective. At the same time, the cost of the vag is not too high, and the wiring lasts more than 30 years.

What to do if the wires are of different sections?

To connect cores of different cross-sections in the distribution box, it is recommended to use the same VAG terminal blocks, or more cheap option– regular terminal blocks. In this case, you need to carefully tighten the wires with a screw or secure them with a flag, and that’s it, the work is finished.

Please note that if the wires are made of different material, then it is necessary to use special pads with paste inside, which will prevent oxidation of the wires. Such pads include products from Wago.

Also, cores of different sections can be secured by soldering.

Combining stranded and single-core wires

Connecting single-core and stranded wires separately has no special features, so you can use any of the methods listed above.

In order to carry out fastening, you must choose one of two options: vago terminals or soldering. It all depends on your preference; we have provided the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

How to carry out work in water and land

During electrical installation work, a situation often occurs when it is necessary to fasten electrical wiring under water or in the ground. Now we will briefly look at the features of each case!

In water (for example, when installing submersible pump), it is recommended to use the following technology. To begin with, the ends are soldered, after which the soldering area is carefully insulated with hot-melt adhesive, over which it is placed. If everything is done efficiently and conscientiously, the joint will be airtight and safe. Otherwise, the electrical network may fail.

For connection electric wire in the ground (for example, after mechanical damage), it is recommended to use the method provided above (hot glue and heat shrink), but it is better to protect yourself and use the following method. Clamp the ends of the cable using a terminal block, install a sealed junction box, and then carefully fill the box with a special silicone sealant. Please note that the underground route must additionally be placed in a pipe or box to ensure reliable operation!