Connecting/Splicing Multiple Wires

Anyone have an idea how to connect multiple wires together thoroughly at one point?

I have two fog lights that run off a relay (added myself) the power wire is 10AWG (big) and I want to add two more lights in line on the power relay. The 20amp max load is fine for both wire/relay/switch. But I can't figure out how to easily split the 10AWG wire into 4 wires running to the positive of each light. I've looked everywhere for "Y-type" connectors.

I'm not willing to use those cheap box shaped "quick splice" connectors where you insert 2 wires and push a rectangle down. I've had lots of connectivity problems with them in the past - flickering lights / etc.

I'm good at soldering & I have a ton of crimp connectors. My current idea is to use a bunch of "ring" shaped connectors and force the wires together with a bolt & nut - but I'm afraid I will have to wrap the bolt in electrical tape to stop possible shorts and that looks weird and is heavy.


I also want to do something similar to the cigarette lighter wire - so I can add multiple wires off of it for future relays triggered by either an additional switch or the ignition. My relays have like a 0.02 amp draw for the coil at 12v.


Here's a diagram. Thanks for the help!

 

wire nuts, sodder <---check spelling. wire connectors.

 

I don't think they make a wirenut for 5x 10awg. But would you trust them on a bouncy truck? I've never used one before & it's hard to understand how the wire can stay secure just twisting it up.


XD - Soldering
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldering

 

Maybe a butt splice kit like this? I have use this to fix a battery cable on a car and worked great,
http://www.lowes.com/pd_34311-12704...=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=splice&facetInfo=

It is not the size you need specifically, but try looking at the other stuff they have at McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/816/=g1uvyy

 

Where is this splice going to be located?


Ideal makes "blue" wire nuts (http://www.idealindustries.com/products/wire_termination/twist-on/wing-nut.jsp) That can take up to 2 #6 wires (which is larger than 5 #10's) But they are not rated for outdoor, damp or wet conditions. You can wrap them with good quality electrical tape like scotch 33 to be sure. If it is going to get wet for sure, use waterproof liquid electrical tape.

Good luck.

 

I would be tempted to give these a try if you can easily locate some.

http://www.wagocatalog.com/okv3/index.asp?strBestNrID=2220415&cid=51&lid=5

They are only rated for 12AWG, but would probably hold #10. I use the 3 conductor version of these a lot and they are great!

 

Ive never used a wago with a #10, especially a stranded wire (much easier to use with solids). I don't think it will work, but its a great idea. After I posted I thought of it- I am glad you mentioned it.

 

damn 10 gauge wire for 2 fog lights?

 

I've never use one with a # 10 either. It probably wouldn't be worth buying a whole box just to try it. If it was mine I would probably try it since I have some laying around.

 

ok. you couldnt zip tie them down so they wouldnt bounce around? i personally wouldnt use wire nuts, because they could let moisture in. but it is possible.

 

Why can't you just solder and heat shrink?

 

^^^

 

that works too!

 

Car audiophiles have been doing this for years. A quick search produced an item like this:

BOSS Audio Distribution Block

http://www.amazon.com/Boss-PDB1-Power-Distribution-Block/dp/B000FKP7QC

 

Thanks a ton for all the help guys. I've been trying to figure this out for a while. I didn't want it to end up like my last job (reverse lights). I mistakenly ran the wires first then tried to crimp/solder and put conduit on everything. Needless to say it took 10x as long as it should have. And the stupid quick splice connectors made me do two hours of trouble shooting.

I think i'm going to go with two wirenuts (3x 10AWG each connection) & put some liquid electrical sealer on them.

... yah. I was talking to an electrical engineer about voltage drop and he recommended 10AWG. Later we both realized offroad lights aren't considered 2% Vdrop sensitive. So any 14AWG wire would've worked. But I do plan to replace the 2x 55w bulbs with 100w bulbs and there are 4 fog lights in parallel (2x 55w [100w in thefuture], and 2x 55w now).

 

single phase Voltage drop (VD) formula

VD= K(ohms per mil foot) x Length x current (amps) x 2
cm (circular mil of conductor)

VD= 12.9 (copper) x 10 ft? x .02a x 2
10,383 (cmil for #10)

VD= .0004954v

That's a negligible amount, even with an estimate of 10 ft of wire. Were you worried it would be too much? #14 wire is only a little bit higher VD, and is much easier to work with.