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Connecting/Splicing Multiple Wires

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by LifeIsGood169, Jan 31, 2012.

  1. Jan 31, 2012 at 4:49 PM
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    LifeIsGood169

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    LifeIsGood169 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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!


    [​IMG]
     
    LifeIsGood169, Jan 31, 2012
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  2. Jan 31, 2012 at 4:51 PM
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    Superx2

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    Superx2 Well-Known Member

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    wire nuts, sodder <---check spelling. wire connectors.
     
    Superx2, Jan 31, 2012
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  3. Jan 31, 2012 at 4:55 PM
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    LifeIsGood169

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    LifeIsGood169 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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
     
    LifeIsGood169, Jan 31, 2012
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  4. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:02 PM
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    shades4x4

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    shades4x4, Jan 31, 2012
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  5. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:25 PM
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    Fractured

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    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.
     
    Fractured, Jan 31, 2012
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  6. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:35 PM
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    B_brand

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    B_brand, Jan 31, 2012
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  7. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:43 PM
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    Fractured

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    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.
     
    Fractured, Jan 31, 2012
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  8. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:45 PM
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    blackhawke88

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    damn 10 gauge wire for 2 fog lights?
     
    blackhawke88, Jan 31, 2012
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  9. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:46 PM
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    B_brand

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    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.
     
    B_brand, Jan 31, 2012
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  10. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:47 PM
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    Superx2

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    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.
     
    Superx2, Jan 31, 2012
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  11. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:47 PM
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    Pugga

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    Why can't you just solder and heat shrink? :notsure:
     
    Pugga, Jan 31, 2012
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  12. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:48 PM
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    Superx2

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    Superx2 Well-Known Member

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    :cool:^^^
     
    Superx2, Jan 31, 2012
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  13. Jan 31, 2012 at 5:48 PM
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    Superx2

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    that works too!
     
    Superx2, Jan 31, 2012
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  14. Jan 31, 2012 at 6:46 PM
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    Psycho2

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    Psycho2, Jan 31, 2012
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  15. Feb 1, 2012 at 12:48 PM
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    LifeIsGood169

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    LifeIsGood169 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    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).
     
    LifeIsGood169, Feb 1, 2012
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  16. Feb 1, 2012 at 3:39 PM
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    Fractured

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    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.
     
    Fractured, Feb 1, 2012
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