Thread: making neat connections?

Whilst its obviously illegal to do your own electrical work unless its inspected by a licenced electrician and all that jazz, we can talk hyperthetically about the best way to make connections.

From those pictures, it looks like your doing a good job. To twist 4 conductors together, keep them faned, dont twist individually first.

You and I are going to get flamed here because you shouldn't be doing it yourself because you are obviously not a sparky and I shouldn't be giving you advice but my trouble is I can't help myself.

But the ends of the insulation should be lined up and the shrouds of the connectors should fully cover the copper wire which they don't so they don't comply..

My advice get a sparky.

Another thing I just noticed is that you have used earth connectors on all the connections. Probably doesn't matter.

It appears cross who says he is an apprentice electrician doesn't agree but I wouldn't accept it on my place.

But the ends of the insulation should be lined up and the shrouds of the connectors should fully cover the copper wire which they don't so they don't comply..

Agh, the magic of zooming in. Had a closer look at the pictures and take back my previous comments.

Another thing I just noticed is that you have used earth connectors on all the connections. Probably doesn't matter.

It doesnt matter, its required for the earth, but not the others, although its fine to use them for all (providing your not using the double screw to make up for lack of twisting ability ).

What Barry and Cross have said.

Actually I just wanted to show off my new signiture.

I didn't think it was right not to have a disclaimer at the end of this post.

Originally Posted by Bleedin Thumb

What Barry and Cross have said.

Actually I just wanted to show off my new signiture.

I didn't think it was right not to have a disclaimer at the end of this post.

Nice one.

I would not install the lights as you have suggested. I would not be happy with that joint sitting in my ceiling. Not because it is especially safe, rather it represents a higher risk, as it doesn't reflect best practice.

I think that you are going about this the 'hard' way.

The majority of sparky's will twin and earth rather than dedicated switching wire, especially in brown field sites.

Generally, hypothetically If i was asked to do this install my preference would be to diasy chain them for a maximum of two connections per light. One cable coming from the switch. Less cable less mess. Also no J box, significantly less chance of a hot joint...



I'd also only use double screw connectors on the earths. I'd also tape the connections, green and gold for the earth and black for the others...

If you are going to do this yourself, stay safe, remember a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous....

PS. I will be doing some electrical work in Wollongong next week.......

I accept no liability or responsibility for advice offered by myself regarding Electrical related questions. I strongly advise contacting a Licensed Tradeperson for all work of this nature.

Are those double screw connectors sealed on one end? A lot of them have a hole right through.

Tools

Originally Posted by Tools

Are those double screw connectors sealed on one end? A lot of them have a hole right through.

Tools

The double screw earth connectors do have a hole at both ends. Single screw connectors are blind so that the Active and neutral wires cannot be exposed.

Ok gents took most of your advice onboard,except the one to get in a licensed eleco (rang a few and at $60 an hour have opted to trust my workmanship for the time being). I got rid of the double screw connectors except for the one on the earth and replaced them with single blind ones( as supplied in the J box), Red taped the active connector for safeguard and housed the whole lot neatly in a J box. I'm pretty happy with it but have supplied a pic so youz can either believe me lol or attack me lol. Thanks a lot guys, much appreciated.

I dont have a clue about anything. If you take my advise seriously you're a fool. If you act on my advise and get killed you're a bigger fool. Don't bother suing me as I have no assets.

Hi Bleeding Thumb,

Without sounding too pedantic, you should change advise to advice or you maybe sued.<!-- / sig -->

Originally Posted by Metal Head

I dont have a clue about anything. If you take my advise seriously you're a fool. If you act on my advise and get killed you're a bigger fool. Don't bother suing me as I have no assets.

Hi Bleeding Thumb,

Without sounding too pedantic, you should change advise to advice or you maybe sued.<!-- / sig -->

That's very interesting Bleeding picked me up on my spelling a while ago on exactly the same spelling mistake.

Like they say "What goes around comes around." LOL

Originally Posted by Barry_White

That's very interesting Bleeding picked me up on my spelling a while ago on exactly the same spelling mistake.

Like they say "What goes around comes around." LOL

Don't think it was me Barry, it would be like the pot calling the kettle black for me to criticize anybodies spelling.

I have to thank you BTW for the tip regarding the spell checker on the Google bar - very handy.

I'll go back and edit the spelling Metal Head, even though I think the signiture is due for a change.

Originally Posted by Bleedin Thumb

Don't think it was me Barry, it would be like the pot calling the kettle black for me to criticize anybodies spelling.

I have to thank you BTW for the tip regarding the spell checker on the Google bar - very handy.

I'll go back and edit the spelling Metal Head, even though I think the signiture is due for a change.

I apologise Bleeding it wasn't you. I tracked down the culprit and at least he did it with a PM rather than publicly so I wont reveal who it was.

Jag, see my earlier comments.

Whilst this will work it is very obvious that it wasn't done by a knowledgable electrician.

Whatever you decide to do stay safe.