Suppose you are a bit of an electrician and decide to independently mount or replace the wiring in your own house or apartment. But if you don’t know any other way than how to connect the wires in the junction box using a simple twist, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this material. After all, there are many methods for reliable docking of contacts: welding, soldering, crimping, as well as the use of electrical connectors. Each of the options must be applied correctly and to the place.

Soldering and welding wires

Modern requirements set forth in regulatory documents (PUE) prohibit the splicing of electrical wiring by conventional twisting, regardless of the insulation method. But if the twisted cores are soldered or welded, then the contact will turn out to be reliable and will comply with all the rules.

Let's look at how to connect the current-carrying parts of cables in a junction box using desoldering:

1. Remove the insulation from the wires at a distance of about 3 cm and clean them with fine sandpaper.
2. Twist the strands tightly together with pliers.
3. Using rosin and solder (POS 61 grade is suitable), carefully tin the joint so that the molten tin flows into the space between the wires.
4. Insulate the joint with heat shrink tubing or wrap it with adhesive tape.

Note. Soldering copper is not difficult, but oxidized aluminum sometimes has to be treated with acid.

The connection of wires by welding is carried out in the same order, only instead of a soldering iron, a device with a carbon electrode is used. A special recess is made in it, where the flux is poured, after which the device is connected to the network, and the electrode is pressed against the twist until an influx is formed in the form of a small ball.

The advantage of this method lies in the durability of the joint and the ability to connect wires of different sections, including stranded wires, in the junction box. Due to its reliability, the connection is successfully used in power lines with various loads, but it has some disadvantages:

• do not solder or weld copper conductors with aluminum;
• this connection is one-piece and in case of alteration according to the new scheme, the contacting sections have to be bitten off.

Reference. Soldering contacts is often used when installing low-voltage networks, for example, telephone cables and radio points.

Disconnection by crimping

In this case, the reliability of the connection of wires in the junction box is ensured using sleeves made of the same metal as the cores - aluminum or copper. To complete the work, you will also need special press tongs shown in the photo.

Note. Some unfortunate electricians practice crimping sleeves with ordinary pliers, which is unacceptable. Correct fixation of contacts is carried out only with pliers.

Now about how to connect the electrical wires in the box in this way:

1. Perform the termination and twisting of the wires as described above.
2. Put a sleeve on the twisted ends (it must be selected according to the diameter and put on tightly).
3. Press the sleeve with pliers in two places.
4. If the distribution boxes are installed outdoors, the connection is insulated with heat shrink to ensure tightness. PVC tape can be used indoors.

This docking option has the same pros and cons as welding: you can connect wiring of different sections and numbers of cores, but you can’t connect contacts made of dissimilar metals.

Application of connecting terminal blocks

Terminals for quick connection of wires are of 2 types:

• screw terminals in the form of pads;
• self-clamping Wago type connectors

The technology for splicing electrical cables using terminal devices is quite simple. The wires need to be bare only 1 cm and inserted into the clamps. In the first case, the cores are fixed with screws, in the second - with levers or automatic latches. By the way, terminals with latches are disposable, and with levers they are used repeatedly.

We list the advantages of screw terminals:

1. Fast and reliable connection.
2. Ability to connect copper wiring to aluminum.
3. Provides a detachable connection.
4. Do not need additional insulation.

Of the shortcomings of the pads, their size can be noted. It happens that with a large accumulation of wires coming from several switches or sockets, the screw connector does not fit inside the junction box. Moment two: single-core wires are fixed without problems, but multi-core ones are flattened with screws, which is not good. Therefore, it is better to tin such ends first.

Wago clamps, allowing you to connect from 4 wires of the same cross section, have the same advantages as screw terminals, but take up less space. In this case, the operation of disconnecting the entire junction box will take about 5 minutes, which is very convenient for wiring. Judge for yourself: the bare end must be inserted into the clamp with pliers until it stops and that's it.

Reference. Similar devices are often used for laying cables for the Internet and other low-voltage networks.

Since there are cheap products from various Chinese manufacturers on the market, self-clamping terminal blocks have gained a dubious reputation. The fact is that in low-quality connectors, contact weakens over time, which is why they overheat and melt. If you purchased original Wago products, then there will be no problems, in other cases it is better not to take risks and connect only lighting wires (power switches, chandeliers, and so on) with clamps. Wiring to sockets is done in a different way.

How to use self-clamping terminals correctly, the master will tell in his video:

PPE plastic caps

The abbreviation PPE stands for connecting insulating clamp. It is a cone-shaped cap made of plastic, where a steel spring with an anodized coating is placed.

The technology for using the product is as follows:

1. Remove the insulation from the connected wires at a distance of 2-3 cm.
2. Collect the cores in one bundle and insert inside the cap until it stops.
3. Applying force from the side of the blind part, turn the cap by hand 2-3 turns. Inside, a traditional twist is formed, fixed by a spring.

Such clamps are quick-release and reusable, provided that the spring was not damaged during the dismantling process. With their help, the connection in the box is made quite quickly, does not need insulation and does not take up much space.

An important point. In order for the PPE cap to provide reliable and durable contact, it must be selected according to the diameter corresponding to the total cross section of the connected wires. For the correct selection, use the table:

Details on how to connect the wires in the junction box in various ways, including using caps, are described in the video:

Conclusion

Now, knowing the features of all methods of connecting contacts in a junction box, you can choose the best option and apply it successfully. Finally, we mention another old method of joining conductors - bolted, when the cores are bent around the thread to the right side and pressed with a nut. But this option is practically not used due to the inconvenience and cumbersomeness of the connection, although it is considered reliable and complies with the PUE.

Structural engineer with over 8 years experience in construction.
Graduated from East Ukrainian National University. Vladimir Dal with a degree in Electronic Industry Equipment in 2011.

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Content:

All work carried out in the field of electrical engineering requires a careful and balanced approach. Each operation must be carried out in strict accordance with the technology. Therefore, quite often, for novice electricians, the question arises of how to connect the wires in the junction box.

Purpose and types of junction boxes

In an apartment or a private house, the distribution of electrical networks begins with a shield installed at the entrance. However, as practice shows, in each room additional distribution of wires is required, due to the presence of several connection points, mainly switches and sockets. All lines drawn to these points are connected in junction boxes. Thus, in addition to a reliable connection, free access to wires and cables is provided for performing various operations.

Depending on the type of installation, junction boxes can be outdoor or indoor, intended for flush mounting. In the second case, a hole is prepared in the wall according to the size of the junction box. After installation, the box cover will be in the same plane with the wall surface. The outer box is fixed to the wall surface and covered with finishing materials, such as plasterboard.

Junction boxes are usually round or rectangular in shape. They are equipped with four leads, and in some designs there may be more. Each outlet has a thread or fitting for more convenient or plastic pipes where the wires fit. In the future, this greatly facilitates the replacement of a damaged cable. It is easily disconnected in the box, and then - from the switch or socket and pulled out through the pipe. In the same way, a new wire is laid in its place.

Wiring diagram in the junction box

Methods for connecting wires in junction boxes

The connection of cables and wires in junction boxes can be done in different ways. The simplest way, although not quite reliable, is considered to be the usual twist. Due to weak and unreliable contact, overheating and short circuit of the wires can occur. This method is recommended to be used temporarily, for example, in order to check how the assembled circuit works. However, even for temporary use, it is recommended to follow certain twisting rules.

For stranded wires, the insulation is stripped by about 4 cm. The wires are separated from each other by a distance of about 2 cm. The connection is made to the junction of unseparated wires. The conductors are first twisted with fingers, and then the twist should be securely tightened with pliers and insulated with tape or heat shrink tubing. Connecting single-core wires is much easier to perform. They are twisted together for the entire length of the area cleared of insulation.

For twists, special mounting caps are often used. They provide a more reliable connection, high-quality contact and insulation. Each cap consists of two parts: outer - plastic and inner, with a metal part in the form of a cone, inside of which there is a thread. This connection allows you to increase the contact area and is great for two or more wires. The twisting process itself is very simple. It is necessary to remove the insulation by about 2 cm and slightly twist the ends to be connected. Then you need to put a cap on the twist and turn it with force several times so that the wires get inside. The dimensions of the caps are selected in accordance with the cross section and the number of conductors to be connected.

Soldering is considered one of the most reliable methods. Before connecting the wires, it is necessary to tin with rosin or a special soldering flux. Then the conductors are twisted, the tin is taken on a heated soldering iron and the twist is heated until the molten metal flows between the turns. The connection is completely enveloped, thanks to which a quality contact is established.

If available, the wire connection can be made by welding over the entire twist. If the cross section of the core is 1.5 mm2, a current of 30A is required, with a cross section of 2.5 mm2 - 50A. Copper conductors are welded with graphite electrodes. The ground is carefully connected to the top of the twist, and the electrode is brought to the bottom. After a short touch, an arc appears, producing instant welding. The junction must cool down, after which it must be insulated.

When connecting the wires in the junction box, we must not forget about the terminal blocks. They can be screw or clip-on. The required number of conductors is inserted into a certain place, after which they are securely connected with screws.

Junction box installation

The electrical grid got its name for a reason. It, like a web, covers all the premises, ensuring the operation of the equipment. To distribute energy between individual connection points (sockets, switches), junction boxes are used. One cable goes into them, and several go out. A prerequisite for the safe operation of the electrical network is to twist the wires correctly and accurately. To do this, you can use different methods.

To better understand how to do twisting correctly, let's figure out what options exist, the order, and the features of their implementation. Electricity is referred to as communications that "do not forgive" mistakes. The result of illiterate actions is a breakdown of the device, a short circuit, a fire. Often, novice craftsmen ask: is it possible to independently connect the wires in the junction box? Of course, but before that you should take the time to study the rules, features of electrical work.

Wire connection methods

There are different ways of tightening the wires in the junction box: crimping, welding, soldering, various clamps. The implementation of some requires more time, special materials, devices. Others are easier to implement, but inept actions significantly reduce their reliability.

Twisting is popular with craftsmen. PUE refers it to unreliable methods that do not guarantee the reliability of contact. It is usually used as a temporary option, for example, when checking the health of the circuit. In addition, it is considered preferable for sagging, loose networks. Advantages:

• ease of execution;
• minimum tools;
• easy to separate if necessary.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the complexity of working with wires of different sections: the difference in resistances leads to heating of the insulation, its gradual melting. They try not to use the method for multicore cables, since there is a high probability of a circuit break.

Do not twist copper and aluminum wires: the result will be unreliable, the point of contact will become a source of increased resistance.

The easiest way is to twist the wires by mutual twisting of the pre-stripped ends. Of the tools you need a knife, pliers. Previously, a section of the core 5 cm long is cleaned of insulation. The bare ends are crossed, bringing the individual parts as close as possible. Then the crosshair is rotated with pliers, bent in any direction parallel to the main line, and isolated.

Types of wire connection

You can use another option, when the stripped ends are bent in the middle, linked together. Then the wires are wrapped around each other. For reliability, they are crimped with pliers, insulated. Electricians know many methods of twisting: parallel or series shroud, groove. Proper twisting should ensure the most complete fit of the cores.

Electrical tape is usually used for insulation. It is necessary that it should extend at least 2-3 cm onto the insulation. You can use a thermometer. It is first put on the cable, then shifted, closing the contact point. The tube should tightly clasp the wiring, so it is slightly heated.

For crimping, you will need a special sleeve, matched to the bundle size and cable material. The stripped ends of the core are inserted into the sleeve, crimped with press tongs, and insulated.

In terms of reliability and quality, welding gives the best result. In fact, they get a one-piece structure that is protected from oxidation, rupture. To perform, you will need a welding machine, carbon electrode, flux. Step by step implementation instructions:

• strip the ends of the cable from insulation, bring them to a shine with sandpaper;
• twist the wiring;
• fill the electrode recess with flux;
• weld a contact point.

The resulting "ball" is cleaned of flux, varnished. Similar actions are performed when soldering. Here, the contact is provided by solder melted with a soldering iron.

Strands of copper and aluminum wires

A lot has been written about why it is impossible to connect copper and aluminum together. The consequence of such contact is its heating, subsequent ignition. There are several reasons for this behavior of metals:

• The difference in thermal expansion coefficients. Metals expand when heated and contract when cooled. Therefore, their relationship is gradually deteriorating.
• Formation of an oxide film on aluminum. The film prevents the passage of current, the conductor heats up, the connection is gradually destroyed.
• Violation of the structure of aluminum during electrolysis. Copper and aluminum form a galvanic couple. Under the action of moisture, the dissociation of ions begins, which leads to the destruction of the metal. The resulting shells, voids do not conduct current well, cause heating.

The presence of aluminum wiring in houses leads to the need to combine it with new copper conductors. Using simple rules, you can avoid contact heating and ensure its reliability. When twisting, it is important to wrap the conductors around each other. The number of turns - for a thick wire more than 3, for a thin wire (less than 1 mm) - at least 5. The finished connection is sealed with a protective varnish that is resistant to water.

Maximum reliability is provided by the method in which copper is pre-coated with solder. This creates a reliable contact between single and stranded conductors. To do this, the stranded wire should first be tinned with solder, it will become single-core.

To make the contact detachable, use a bolt, nuts, spring washers. All elements are alternately put on the rod, avoiding the combination of copper wires and aluminum. For example: a conductor with a diameter of less than 2 mm will perfectly “sit down” on an M4 bolt.

The development of electrical engineering has brought new comfortable ways of working with different materials. An example is the terminal block. Its advantages:

• comfortable;
• reliable;
• excludes contact of bare areas.

The end of the core is stripped of insulation (about 5-10 mm), inserted into the hole, clamped with a screw. The terminal box is indispensable when restoring a broken circuit, connecting a chandelier. In the wall, it can only be placed in a junction box.

The Wago terminal block is well-deservedly popular. It can be disposable, reusable (with a lever). The terminal block works simply: the cable is inserted with force, it is fixed. Disadvantage: More expensive than other traditional means.

Danger of twisting copper and aluminum wires

Twisting wires of different sections

Often the master is faced with the task of connecting wires of different diameters in the junction box. This can be done in several ways: twisting followed by soldering (welding), screw clamps, self-clamping terminals, bolts, walnut-type taps, tinned copper tips.

The easiest way is to twist the wires in the box close in thickness (for example, 4 and 2.5). With a large difference, it is difficult to provide high-quality contact. The cores must tightly wrap around each other, then they are welded or soldered. A strong connection will last for more than one year without complaints.

A reliable contract between the conductors of adjacent cross-section creates a ZVI screw clamp. Cables are wound from different sides, each is clamped with a separate screw. The selection of the clamp is carried out taking into account the characteristics of the conductors, the permissible current. Execution principle:

• strip the ends by 2-3 cm;
• put them in a box;
• tighten the screws.

With a large cross-section of wires, you can twist them using the Wago self-clamping terminal. Its feature is the presence of special nests for each core. Marking the terminal body will help you figure out how many wires can be twisted, what section.

Durable contact of wires in the junction box guarantees a bolted connection. It allows you to fasten two, three or more cores with nuts, washers, bolts. Step by step mounting instructions:

• clean the core by 3 cm (you should get a full turn);
• prepare a ring from the core in diameter;
• put a washer on the bolt, a ring of one conductor, another washer, a ring of the second conductor;
• put the next washer, tighten the nut.

So you can connect several wires together. Their number is limited only by the length of the rod.

The question often arises: how to twist the wires together to branch off the main line in the switchboard? The solution most often is a branch clamp, colloquially - “nut”. It allows, without cutting the trunk, to branch off a line from it. To do this, the desired place of the main part is cleared of insulation, a clamp is fixed, an additional “branch” is inserted. It can also be used to connect two separate cables. When choosing a "nut", you need to know the cross section of the main cable and the branch. Using a clamp, you can connect a copper wire to an aluminum one.

The body of the "nut" is leaky. To protect it from moisture, dust, debris, it should be insulated.

The clamp connection procedure is simple:

• disassemble the case by removing the retaining rings with a screwdriver;
• strip the insulation (the length corresponds to the size of the die);
• loosen fastening;
• insert the cores into special grooves on the dies;
• carefully (without overtightening) tighten the bolts;
• put the die in the case;
• close the housing, install the retaining rings.

To work with a thick cable, you will need copper-tinned lugs, crimping pliers. The connection turns out to be cumbersome, so you will need to provide enough space for it in the box. A tip is put on each core, crimped, fixed with a bolt with a nut, washer, insulated (with electrical tape, thermotube)

Reliable wire connection

Errors when twisting wires

A common twisting mistake is to wrap one wire around another. This option does not provide the required mechanical strength. The conductors must evenly wrap around each other. It is unacceptable to wind a thin conductor onto a thick one; a snug fit cannot be achieved.

The length of the twist depends on the cross section of the wires. It should be at least 3-5 cm. Clutch options with a ring, loose fit, under-twisted are unacceptable.

The direct connection of copper with aluminum leads to the rapid destruction of the contact. Often craftsmen forget to install an intermediate plate, which will prevent direct contact between metals.

In this article, I will consider the connection of copper wires in a junction box during wiring by soldering.

I met when in old boxes there was a twisted connection of aluminum and copper. These were twists from 50 years ago! And everything worked great! This is very risky, and such compounds will live for a long time under several favorable conditions. Such twisting is usually heavily criticized among electricians and is considered extremely unprofessional. But we will forgive, especially since those who made such twists are already in a different world, where it is not necessary to connect wires ...

Soldering wires in the junction box

We get a soldering iron with a power of 65 or 100 watts. Power depends on the sum of the cross sections of the soldered wires. For example, if you solder 3-4 wires with a cross section of 1.5 sq. mm, then a 65 W soldering iron is enough. If the total cross section of twisted wires is more than 10 sq. mm, then the soldering iron should be 100 watts.

So, we take rosin in a piece or in a plastic jar. The wires should stick out with their ends up. We warm up the place of the twist, and touch it with rosin so that it melts and a little glass down the twist.

2. Applying rosin

This is especially evident on the central and right wires. Then we take the solder in the rod, heat the solder and the twist at the same time, tinning the twist.

Solder is best used with rosin, now there are a lot of these on sale. The rosin is inside the solder rod. If there is no rosin inside, it must be applied more preliminarily to the twist, and the time and temperature of soldering must be carefully controlled. otherwise, the rosin may simply evaporate.

3. Soldering the twists in the junction box

We solder wires. We tin the twist so that the solder penetrates into all places. In this case, copper should be covered with solder over a length of 40 ... 80% of the length of the twist.

4. Wires soldered

It is necessary to try not to overheat the place of soldering, so as not to spoil the insulation. And in general, try to do everything quickly, on the machine.

We cut off the ugly protruding ends of the soldered twists with side cutters (3-5 mm).

We soldered, isolate the soldering points with electrical tape (I usually use PVC of different colors). And basically everything. You can brick boxes.

One of the main difficulties that arise in the process of installing electrical wiring with your own hands is the need to connect the wires in the junction box for electrical wiring. In order to prevent common mistakes, and, as a result, malfunctions of switches or sockets, we will consider each stage of independent work.

Almost everyone, one way or another, has an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat a junction box looks like. But not everyone knows why it is really needed, and how it works. Consider the general data that we know about this element.

Junction boxes differ depending on their shape as well as the specific application. Some of them are rectangular and some are round. This setting has no effect on functionality.

As for the features of the application, here they distinguish:

• junction boxes for concealed wiring;
• junction boxes for open wiring.

They differ from each other in the way of fastening, in some features of the device, and in some cases in size. In any case, they have one single purpose - the distribution of wires from the shield to separately located points of energy consumption, for example, switches, lamps, sockets. At the same time, the distribution of electricity must be uniform in order to avoid interruptions in the operation of devices.

To achieve this goal, the electrical wiring is divided into separate highways or so-called groups. Separate wires are laid in each room, which will power the appliances with electricity, ensuring their operation. It is at this stage that junction boxes appear. They are installed at the nodal points where the wires are interconnected.

It is necessary to buy a junction box for electrical wiring, first of all, for reasons of fire safety. Since it is at the junctions of the wires that the risk of a fire is greatest. If the contact is broken, the resistance increases, and the connection begins to heat up. In some cases, this may cause a fire.

Outdoor electrical distribution boxes serve as an insulating layer between a potential fire source and surrounding objects. In addition, they also have a significant aesthetic role, hiding not always beautiful wire connections from the eyes.

Is it possible to do without mounting junction boxes

Some argue that the presence of junction boxes in the house is not necessary at all. But in fact, in order to do without them, it is necessary to lay a separate wire from the shield to each place of electricity consumption. To do this, you will need to make a lot of sufficiently deep and wide strobes in the wall to lay the wires in them in several rows. All this will entail additional costs of finance and effort.

If, when refusing to use junction boxes, we are guided by the fact that the laying of individual wires generally excludes the presence of connections in the electrical wiring, and therefore is safer, then there is a good answer from specialists. Wiring, carried out in accordance with all standards and the wiring diagram in the junction box, does not pose a danger. In any case, you can always seek help from specialists.

Junction box: dimensions and prices

Each installation junction box has a number of its characteristics, among which size and price play a special role. Consider the three most popular options that are customary to install in residential buildings:

1. Junction box 100x100x50 mm IP54.
2. Junction box IP65 88x88x53 mm.

The first option is one of the most accessible and at the same time common. For example, a Tyco junction box can be purchased for just 50 rubles. Its low cost is due to domestic production, as well as the minimum configuration (body and cover).

The second option also has a minimum cost - 46 rubles. It is made from propylene and PVD. Of course, it cannot be said that he will ever be able to compete with metal junction boxes, but he more than fulfills his function of protecting wires from precipitation and wind.

The third option, German-made, will cost you a little more, about 211 rubles. At the same time, the characteristics and dimensions of the junction box are not much different from the first two options. However, according to the manufacturer Hensel, the plastic used to make their products is of very high quality and meets all the requirements for electrical wiring elements.

Of course, all these are quite simple and cheap options. Electrical junction boxes with terminals will cost many times more. But even here we can say that their price is justified by the simplicity of connecting the wires and their further maintenance.

Helpful advice! If you don't want to skimp on safety, then you should consider purchasing an explosion-proof junction box.

Terminals occupy a special place in the arrangement of electrical wiring. Installation of this type of junction box is the most simple and does not require special skills. The bottom line is that the box is already equipped with special clamps that are designed to connect wires. Compared to conventional ones, such junction boxes have a number of advantages:

• installation and dismantling of conductors is carried out many times faster, while there is no need to use any additional tools;
• thanks to the use of a special paste, you can connect wires from different materials, for example, copper and aluminum;
• a special wire placement system helps to maintain order in the box, which reduces the risk of a short circuit to zero;
• the special design makes it easy to measure the current without having to remove the insulating materials from the wires and does not affect the integrity of the system at all.

For open wiring, junction boxes of this type have become the most popular option. After all, the absence of the need to independently twist and connect the wires made the use of the terminals very convenient. There are many different options on the market today, including an explosion-proof terminal box.

Connecting wires in a junction box for electrical wiring in various ways

It is generally accepted that good contact is the result of the correct connection of the wires to each other. If the work was done with insufficient quality, it will immediately become noticeable due to poor contact or its complete absence. In addition, problems can arise at the moment when you plug in some fairly powerful device.

All this, of course, causes a lot of discomfort. And it is much easier to take care of this in advance, even at the stage of wiring, than to try to solve this problem after a while. Consider the most popular ways to connect wires to each other:

• twisting wires in a junction box;
• crimping;
• welding;
• spike;
• use of contact screw terminals;
• bolted connections;
• self-clamps.

All these methods are quite simple to implement and do not require special skills. Let's look at each of them in more detail to get an idea of ​​how best to connect the wires in the junction box.

How to properly connect the wires in the junction box

In order to independently carry out all the work correctly, you should take into account only one main requirement that applies to the installation of junction boxes: it is necessary to provide free access to all wire connections. This is necessary in case of a malfunction of one of the sockets or the switch.

Note! If during the initial installation the junction box is hidden behind the finishing coating, then at the first malfunction it will have to be completely removed in order to carry out repairs.

It is far from always that the problem may be hiding there, but it will never be superfluous to check for contact. Therefore, think over everything in advance in such a way that any repair work can be carried out as easily and quickly as possible. In this case, the connection of wires in the junction box can be performed in any way convenient for you, which will be discussed below.

Connection of wires in a junction box by twisting and crimping

Almost everyone knows how to twist the cleaned ends of the wires. However, if we are talking about connecting wires in a junction box, it is worth remembering the regulatory documents that cover this issue.

Twisting is considered an unreliable connection option, since the contact area is very small, and it is impossible to count on full contact between the wires. In addition, over time, even this small contact tends to weaken, which makes it impossible to use powerful devices that put a serious load on the system.

A much more reliable way is considered to be crimping, for which a special connecting sleeve is used. The main parameter of its choice is the thickness of all the wires that will be placed in it. The material of manufacture can be either copper or aluminum, and the choice depends on what material the wires themselves are made of.

In order to ensure fixation, a special tool is used, with which the sleeve is compressed. This can only be done with press tongs. Use for this is absolutely not recommended. Otherwise, this technology fully complies with all norms and requirements stipulated by regulatory documentation.

Here is how the wires are connected in this way:

• insulation is stripped from the wires, taking into account the required length, that is, the length of the sleeve used;
• the stripped ends of the wires are twisted and inserted into the sleeve;
• using press tongs, the sleeve is crimped;
• with the help of electrical tape or the junction is isolated.

How to connect wires in a junction box using welding

This method is considered to be very reliable, since the result of the work is a single whole wire, which is practically not amenable to oxidation. By fusing the wires together, you get a reliable contact that will not weaken over time. However, the implementation of this method is a little more complicated than the previous one, because you will need welding equipment and the ability to handle it.

List of tools that are necessary for wire welding work:

• welding machine with a power of at least 1 kW and rated for 24 W;
• carbon electrode;
• rosin or flux, which will further protect the metal part of the wires from oxidation;
• personal protective equipment: welding goggles and gloves.

If you have at least minimal skills in working with a welding machine, as well as all of the above components, the further stages of work will not be particularly difficult for you. The insulation is cleaned from the wires, and their inside is cleaned with sandpaper to a shine.

After that, twist the wires in the traditional way and pour the flux into the recess of the electrode. Press the wires against it and hold until you see the appearance of a ball, the so-called contact point. After that, the process of connecting the wires can be considered complete. It remains only to clean the junction of excess flux, varnish and insulate.

Connecting wires in a junction box by soldering

At first glance, this method is similar to the welding method, but it has a significant difference. To solder the wires together, solder is used, melted with a soldering iron. This is an authorized method that provides a reliable connection. Its only drawback is that it is not very reliable in places where the wires are subject to strong heat.

Note! If you do not know how to solder, then this method is better not to use. The connection can turn out to be too fragile, and with the slightest mechanical load or tension, the wires can simply break at the soldering point.

In order to solder the wires you will need:

• soldering iron;
• tin-lead solder;
• rosin or flux;
• in the case of using flux - a special brush for it;
• fine sandpaper.

For the most part, the process of connecting wires is the same as in the case of welding. But it’s not the metal itself that melts, but only the solder. In this case, you need to carefully monitor that the molten solder must flow inside the twist for a more reliable bond. For the most part, this method is used to work with copper wires, however, provided that special solder is available, the same can be done with aluminum.

Use of screw terminals and bolted connections

The use of screw terminals is a fairly common method used by many due to its simplicity and convenience. However, it also has its drawbacks, which are useful to know about before starting work.

Initially, screw clamps were used to connect different metals together that should not touch. For example, it could be copper and aluminum, which, in the presence of moisture, begin to interact with each other. Over time, this method began to be used for connecting wires. And it was even fixed at the level of regulatory documentation.

Note! When using this method on aluminum wires, be aware that they will require periodic crimping to ensure that contact is not lost or weakened over time.

Bolted connections are also quite often used to connect wires, however, if it comes to hiding them after that in a junction box, then this method can be considered inappropriate. It's all about the bulkiness of the connections.

In order to connect the wires in this way, a steel washer must be inserted between them. This happens in the following sequence: a washer is put on the bolt, then one of the wires is put on, and then another washer. This is followed by a second wire and a nut that tightens the system. Of course, all this also requires good insulation, so the volume of the connection is decent.

Helpful advice! This method has its advantages - it is well suited for joining different metals, since a special paste can be placed inside to prevent oxidation processes.

Installation of a junction box for electrical wiring

Having figured out how the wires can be fastened together, let's consider how to install the system itself using the example of an IP55 junction box for outdoor mounting 100x100x50 mm.

Most often, installation is carried out in a blank wall of brick or concrete. This can cause certain difficulties in the process of drilling a niche for it, but the system will be securely fixed. If the box has round holes, then special drill bits can be used. For rectangular or square, use a grinder with a special diamond blade designed to work with concrete.

After the niche is ready, be sure to try on the junction box to make sure everything is prepared correctly. The junction box must be completely embedded in the wall so that, after installation, its front surface is flush with the wall.

Some junction boxes have special plugs that are specifically designed to run the cable in these places. They must be carefully broken or cut, while maintaining the integrity of the overall structure. The ends of the wiring are wound in them according to the diagram.

When you are sure that all the wires have been brought into the junction box, you can start preparing the mortar to fix it. The fixing principle is very simple:

• a certain amount of mortar is placed in the niche prepared for the junction box with a spatula;
• the box with the cables already installed is pressed inward as deeply as possible;
• excess solution that protrudes on the sides is removed;
• if necessary, the box can be held by hand for the first few minutes to allow the mortar to set a little.

Helpful advice! Alabaster can be used instead of mortar. It dries much faster and still holds the weight of the box just as well.

Both in working with the installation of a junction box for open wiring, and in the case when it comes to a closed system, high-quality installation largely determines the life and quality of electrical wiring. The main thing in working with electricity is to correctly assess your capabilities and, if necessary, seek help from professional electricians.