Not all connections need to be unplugged. If you have seldom-disconnected connections,
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_wes ... ion_splice
The Western Union Splice (from the 1840s) remains the gold standard.
You will learn to solder if you don't already know how to solder.
Will show how and why:
The twisting of stranded wire, or the hard CRIMP of a connector to its wire makes the electrical connection.
But what about permanence against corrosion, even soaking in salt water or leaking electrolytes?
That's where solder comes in.
Billions of cars, etc, make do with the simple, "reliable" crimp connector. But woe unto them if they get soaked: total write off
or total rewiring, because the mass produced crimp connection is rarely soldered.
Solder seals out the elemental air and nasty stuff. Solder flux chemically cleans the non-conductive oxides from the wire.
It's a good deal all round, and strengthens the joint.
Now, let's talk about another kind of connector some of you know about but tend to eschew in favor of Andersons or Deans: plugs that rely
on simply wiping contact with some spring pressure.
BTW, molded fuse connectors and AC plugs and such are, unfortunately, never soldered internally: too much trouble.
I like solder. I like connectors that can be un-done in a trice. Let's look at the simplest, tightest connectors made. And cheapest too:
(tbc)_____
Temporary addendum. Illustrating the quick and reliable "euro style" butt joint connector.
There are tips to be followed: twist and solder the wire ends. snug the grub screw (it's captured, cannot fall out and get lost).
next day, TIGHTEN the joint again, because the copper and solder crush down under the tremendous
clamping pressure of the grub screw.
Also: when disconnecting a joint, leave the connector on the "hot" wire, if any, and disconnect the cold wire;
no shorts possible this way.
Also: white nylon is not very pretty. You can make these connectors any colour you like:
soak them for a few days or a week in fabric dye: jet black, blood red, bright green, yellow, blue,
you name it.
Also: they come in various sizes for thin to very thick wire.
I've used them for twenty years or more.
Remember to tighten the grub screw on occasion. Eventually it will remain tight and perfectly vibration proof,
and you can take the joint apart in about five seconds using a simple screwdriver.
COMPRESSION greater than any snap connector, will carry large currents and never let you down.
Grease the wire ends for archival permanence against salt water, etc.
Sample video seen elsewhere, but showing the connectors, which you can use as a gang strip,
or cut apart with a sharp blade as I did here:
They cost so little and can be re-used forever.
connectors.jpg- available in the USA at Radio Shack in several sizes.
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