Anyone know a bit about auto electrics?

Dashiel · 23rd June 2011, 20:26

Just finished fitting a set of reverse parking sensors on my Tourer, and I am a bit uncertain about whether it is wise to use a standard 'block' style connector to join the sensor feed into the reverse light wires. Is it better to use insulated crimps that use pressure to connect? Or something else? Or is it nothing to be concerned about?

T-Cut · 23rd June 2011, 21:00

I'd avoid anything bulky like connector blocks unless you can be sure they won't get wet. Insulated bullet connectors or heat shrink covered are good. Whatever you use, make it's weatherproof. The OEM connections are little more than wires twisted together and wrapped with insulating tape. Pathetic.

TC

SD1too · 23rd June 2011, 22:04

John,

Look here for a good selection of automotive electrical connectors:

www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu

The "insulated crimps which use pressure to connect" a.k.a. 'Scotchlok' connectors are a dreadful concept and best avoided.

Simon.

Jakg · 23rd June 2011, 22:07

Schotchlocks are terrible.

Personally, I only use crimp connections. Much more durable, much better connection as well.

nisfo · 23rd June 2011, 23:33

http://www.maplin.co.uk/insulated-cr...-splices-42718

These with a silicone cover would work fine

eurorover · 23rd June 2011, 23:36

solder the cable in only way

Jakg · 23rd June 2011, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurorover

solder the cable in only way

A good crimp connection is just as good as solder. And for large cables (i.e. 0AWG / 50mm²) crimps are better, as solder can crack...

eurorover · 25th June 2011, 23:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakg

A good crimp connection is just as good as solder. And for large cables (i.e. 0AWG / 50mm²) crimps are better, as solder can crack...

And where would you find that size cable on a reversing sensor???

chrissyboy · 26th June 2011, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurorover

solder the cable in only way

i agree ,cut wire slide heat shrink over wire then solder the wires together then cover with the heat shrink

marinabrian · 26th June 2011, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by eurorover

And where would you find that size cable on a reversing sensor???

In a protective ring around the car, not unlike a dodgem

23rd June 2011, 20:26	#1
Dashiel Posted a thing or two Rover 75 V6 2.0 Club Tourer LPG Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South East Posts: 1,405 Thanks: 3 Thanked 39 Times in 34 Posts	Anyone know a bit about auto electrics? Just finished fitting a set of reverse parking sensors on my Tourer, and I am a bit uncertain about whether it is wise to use a standard 'block' style connector to join the sensor feed into the reverse light wires. Is it better to use insulated crimps that use pressure to connect? Or something else? Or is it nothing to be concerned about?

23rd June 2011, 22:04	#3
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,446 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	John, Look here for a good selection of automotive electrical connectors: www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu The "insulated crimps which use pressure to connect" a.k.a. 'Scotchlok' connectors are a dreadful concept and best avoided. Simon. __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce.

23rd June 2011, 21:00	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	I'd avoid anything bulky like connector blocks unless you can be sure they won't get wet. Insulated bullet connectors or heat shrink covered are good. Whatever you use, make it's weatherproof. The OEM connections are little more than wires twisted together and wrapped with insulating tape. Pathetic. TC

23rd June 2011, 22:07	#4
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	Schotchlocks are terrible. Personally, I only use crimp connections. Much more durable, much better connection as well.

23rd June 2011, 23:33	#5
nisfo Gets stuck in 75 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - Posts: 868 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	http://www.maplin.co.uk/insulated-cr...-splices-42718 These with a silicone cover would work fine

23rd June 2011, 23:36	#6
eurorover Posted a thing or two MG ZT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Swansea Posts: 1,231 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	solder the cable in only way