Thread: What kind of plugs/connectors can I solder? Low current, auto wire. (Spade?)

Originally Posted by Judo

I agree with your points and they are certainly some negatives to soldering. Like most things there are always pros and cons to consider. I would be interested to know what type of gear they use though - I doubt Boeing and AirBus have the same crimper I have.

To me it comes back to viable DIY options of crimp vs solder. The quality of my DIY crimps thus far have been poor and I consider my solder connections to be much better.

As always, discussion is uncovering some good options for both though.

wanna bet (well for some applications)

Just bet me to it jazza.

Carroll have standard automotive cable size weather proof connectors but for terminals for thinner and MUCH thinner wire than that used in standard automotive wiring, try Molex or Tyco.

These are just two of a number of companies who make extremely small terminal connectors and the tools to crimp them.

I do a bit of work with surface mount components and need computer style leads down 0.5mm2 wires and I often crimp and solder these small terminal connections.

BTW, in automotive applications, there is very little difference between soldered or crimped connections, BUT the Underwriters Laboratory, this is an organisation who specialises in testing things for safety and the likes.

You may already have products they have tested and certified. Have a look at an imported electrical appliance and you will often see the letters UL on the compliance plate.

Anyway, they have an article on soldered electrical joints verses crimped electrical joints and soldered joints were found to be stronger. Not 10 or 20 times stronger, just 13% stronger.

Further to the argument as to which is best, Anderson Power Connectors specifically state their terminals can be soldered or crimped.

If Anderson recommend either form of fixing wire/cable to their terminals, where is the argument for or against either form.