Hot Buss terminals??

CAVU":2vfiznkp said:
Everything I have read would indicate that all the connections should be crimped and not soldered? I think the reasoning is if the wire heats up it could melt the low temperature solder from the connection and cause arcing. I can't remember where I read this. Anyone know if there is a "rule" on this?
Click to expand...

You shouldn't solder because a hard spot is created between the solder
and the flexible portion of the wire. If the wires flex at all, then the
wire will break at that point. So, soldering on items prone to vibration or
flexing wires is not a good idea.

Having said that, I just got done soldering the tiny wires that from a GPS
into an Icom 422. The wires on the Icom are coaxial and very small.
Soldering these is really the only option. The resulting wad of tape I
needed to ensure the wires don't flex and break is substantial. Honestly,
if someone gets hurt because the wires break on someone's 422 and
Icom gets sued, I hope the plaintiffs win. Using such tiny wires on a
life saving device is stupid. I should replace that radio.

Mike
 
Another reason to crimp is the chance of getting a cold solder joint between the wire and terminal connection. A cold joint would give a high resistance and hence a voltage drop at the point where it occurs.

Steve
 
The principle of not using solder on boats is generally a good one, but consider that many connections in electronics are soldered. I crimp all of the wires, from #6 up to #22, and occasionally solder smaller wires--and of course antennas. A skilled person should not get a cold solder joint. The solder in the heavy cables, is about preventing corrosion as well as contact. The crimp is made first (The Ancor crimper I mentioned is the one which can be hit with a hammer, or used with a vise or vise grip pliers.) The heating to melt solder should not happen at terminals--remember that the battery terminals are lead! The Nicro Press swage fittings may or may not be the correct size--but it can be useful at times. I have both size in the shop.
 
mikeporterinmd wrote: Having said that, I just got done soldering the tiny wires that from a GPS into an Icom 422. The wires on the Icom are coaxial and very small. Soldering these is really the only option. The resulting wad of tape I needed to ensure the wires don't flex and break is substantial.

Same radio, same connections, used same solution. I agree those smaller wires do not crimp well. Heat shrink tubing is a good alternative to tape. Used properly, it will protect the soldered part from flexure and practically eliminate any strain on the "hard spot".

Also agree that a cold solder joint is unlikely in smaller diameter wire. I do not solder anything larger than 16 ga wite, even though I earned a living in the days of NASA-certified (and inspected) wiring on modules for rocket gear. I know that if I do not solder regularly, I lose my touch.
 
AstoriaDave":18mwg4sd said:
mikeporterinmd wrote: Having said that, I just got done soldering the tiny wires that from a GPS into an Icom 422. The wires on the Icom are coaxial and very small. Soldering these is really the only option. The resulting wad of tape I needed to ensure the wires don't flex and break is substantial.

Same radio, same connections, used same solution. I agree those smaller wires do not crimp well. Heat shrink tubing is a good alternative to tape. Used properly, it will protect the soldered part from flexure and practically eliminate any strain on the "hard spot".

Also agree that a cold solder joint is unlikely in smaller diameter wire. I do not solder anything larger than 16 ga wite, even though I earned a living in the days of NASA-certified (and inspected) wiring on modules for rocket gear. I know that if I do not solder regularly, I lose my touch.
Click to expand...


I crimp, Solder & shrink tube Every thing always. In 30 yrs I have Never had a problem. If you solder the connection only you will not have a brittle wire problem. I have seen lots more crappy crimped connections causing voltage drops than a solder joint! If you have vibration cuasing problems with your wiring on your boat you have way bigger issues. Have a good one!! :mrgreen: :beer
 
Back
Top