electric connections

[grumpy_o_g]

Totally and utterly wrong. First off that site is absymal - what is the point of hanging an Anchor off a crimped connection? You are makng an electrical connection not a physical one. It shows a finished crimp which it claims shows how the strands have cold-moulded ino an amalgous mass. It hasn't and you can - salt water will permeate into the cores and wick up the cable.

The "strain relief" he refers to isn't strain relief at all -it's to move the stress point (the hard point so many people say you don't get with crimps) up on to the insulation where the flexible insulation can spread the load.

He may be working with aerospace standard equipment but he absolutely isn't working to aerospace standards. His work would not be permitted on UK military aircraft at least, and not just because it doesn't follow the rules but because his methods have been proven to have weaknesses.

 

[CharlesSwallow]

Totally and utterly wrong. First off that site is absymal - what is the point of hanging an Anchor off a crimped connection? You are makng an electrical connection not a physical one. It shows a finished crimp which it claims shows how the strands have cold-moulded ino an amalgous mass. It hasn't and you can - salt water will permeate into the cores and wick up the cable.

The "strain relief" he refers to isn't strain relief at all -it's to move the stress point (the hard point so many people say you don't get with crimps) up on to the insulation where the flexible insulation can spread the load.

He may be working with aerospace standard equipment but he absolutely isn't working to aerospace standards. His work would not be permitted on UK military aircraft at least, and not just because it doesn't follow the rules but because his methods have been proven to have weaknesses.

Spot-on

Chas

 

[nigelmercier]

Another vote for silicon grease.

And a vote against it!

You need ContraLube 770, for all the reasons they give.

 

[VicS]

Come on Vic you're the chemist Cuprysil gives it away.

Gives what away ?

Anyway copperslip or Cuprysil will corrode the ally terminals

Do they? I have not used either on electrical terminals.

What has ally terminals anyway ... surely not the OP's relay.

What's Copperslip? Did you mean Copaslip?

I feel the need for a scientific investigation coming on .. I'm sure I can resist it though!

 

[mitiempo]

Grumpy

"...what is the point of hanging an anchor off a crimped connection?"

Many wiring standards require a proper crimp be able to handle a load - US military specs call for 40 lbs for 16 awg I believe. Nasa does as well. If the wire can't handle a load and for some reason it is bumped, snagged or similar the connection may be broken. This shouldn't happen but when connections may be in a locker where gear is stored it certainly helps.

"...salt water will permeate.."

Not in practice. The same type of crimps exist 200' underwater in wells and after years they are dry.

The hard spot progresses from the crimp on the wire, to the crimp on the insulation to the softer adhesive heat shrink and works very well.

I use the same methods on a daily basis and they have proven to be excellent long term connections. As well as being ABYC approved. If the builders 20 or so years ago had used the same methods and not the often shoddy connections of non-tinned wire and no heat shrink many would be better off now.

How do you make connections?

 

[little shack]

OK chaps some interesting ideas in that lot. All the visible connections look good but the relay I've replaced did show signs of corrosion I think as everything works fine I will apply wd-40 to try and keep the moisture out thanks for your views

 

[robinsoncrusoe]

When I worked for BMW we were told not to use WD40 on electrical connections, something to do with forming crystals when it dries.

Just been looking at silicone grease as they use it here (pharmaceutical) but wikipedia suggests only use to keep out water not between connections.

Would imagine that coppaslip isnt a good idea if it conducts electricity and you're putting it on a connector block - would short all the wires out !

All the classic motorcycle mags advise using the 'japanese' style crimped bullet connectors with the soft rubber sleeves as seen in '70s Hondas etc

 

[nigelmercier]

When I worked for BMW we were told not to use WD40 on electrical connections... Just been looking at silicone grease ...

You should be looking at Contralube 770

[EDIT] Just noticed I've said this already, just shows I meant it!