> As always this is a good explanation of proper trailer wiring, thanks Rick.
> I take exception with just one thing that Rick tends to say. Soldering is
> the absolute best electrical connection that can be made by the average
> person. It is not a good mechanical connection but neither is a crimped
> connection. The auto and RV industries use crimps because it's fast and
> soldering is very slow. In the instrumentation world (as in research and
> development) almost all electrical connections are soldered then tied down
> for a good mechanical connection. I use Powerpole and other crimped
> connectors but in special situations I still solder. Sorry but the
> disparaging of soldered electrical connections is a sore point with me.
>
> Tony
> WBCCI #6373
> 2000 Airstream Classic 28'
> 2009 Chevy Duramax / Allison
As an engineer I'm going to have to take exception to your comment about the
soldered connection in the context I was talking about Tony.
I don't disagree that soldering is going to produce the best possible
electrical connection. It is and does and I use it when appropriate. (DOD 2000
and MIl Spec 454G certified as an enginer/examinier/instructor for soldering,
etc.)
Soldering of a stranded wire connection causes wicking of the solder into the
stranding of the wire. This causes a point to be created that cannot flex. If
this portion of the connection is not supported to prevent vibration, then
there will eventually be a fracture failure at that point. Vibration will
cause flexure at the now immoveable point and it's going to fail. I encourage
anyone to do a test soldering of a Powerpole connector and compare the
flexability to a crimped connection. You will see the stiffness that the wicking
of the solder into the wire causes.
That's why I don't recommend them for mobile or high vibration applications.
Unless someone can support the wiring harness such that the affected portions
of the wire are unable to move, there will be issues.
The Anderson Powerpole lugs and crimpers are designed to make a good
electrical connection. These are specially designed, as you know, and force
the connection to be tightly made. A pull-test of the properly crimped lug
will reveal just how thght these are. And doing a pull failure test of the lug
is revealing. It's actually stronger than might be apparent.
Anyway, I still stand by my advice not to solder. I have thousands upon
thousands of these high current Powerpole connectors out there on high
vibration mission critical applications. And I'm not seeing issues that would
cause me not to recommend crimping over soldering.
But that's just me and my individual experience with them.
Not trying to disparage any other train of thought or anyone else's
experience. Anyone has to do what they believe is best for their particular
application and situation.
Rick Kunath
WBCCI #3060
This site is not sponsored by or affiliated in any way with Airstream Inc, Thor Inc, or the WBCCI.
0 comments:
Post a Comment