Simple wiring question

Pest · Post by **Pest** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:47 pm

Hi all. I have no experience in electronics whatsoever so... I have a circuit board with wires already attached that run to a small switch box. The wires, however, are too short to put the switch where I want to put it. I need about an inch or so more. Keeping in mind what I said before about my electronic experience this maybe a stupid question but, what could I do to add length to the wires? For example, could I just snip the wire in the middle and add a piece of wire to each side? Would I have to solder the wire or just twist the pieces together? I'm really clueless as to how to do this. As I said the system is already put together and working I just need more length. Any help/suggestions appreciated. Thanks

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:52 am

Yes, you should be able to simply splice in a new length of wire. Solder & heat shink tubing are optimal, but a good twist & heat shrink tubing works well in a number of hobby situations.

Heck, I've used the twist & masking tape method in the past.

Pest · Post by **Pest** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 1:07 am

Thanks Kylwell

jwrjr · Post by **jwrjr** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 9:58 pm

Splicing a bit in the middle of the wires should work fine. I would solder the connections, though. That way you KNOW that the splices will not come apart.

Pest · Post by **Pest** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 10:12 pm

Thanks for the replies. I'm assuming I should get as close to the same guage wire as I can or does that matter?

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 10:57 pm

smae size or bigger.

There are some crimp style connectors too if you want to stear clear of soldering on something you absoultely can't afford to mess up on. However they add considerable bulk to the joint. Soldering to wires twisted together is a good first practice joint, wires are pretty forgiving.

I had a good link showing the way to splice wires together, can't find it right now but here's a page showing you that yu should first strip and then twist the wires together in such away to give you a strong low profile joint.
http://www.dixieline.com/soldering/Soldering.htm

here's some notes on soldering circuit boards and stuff:
http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/N0SS_ ... otesV6.pdf