Sub loom

[stusco]

Im making up a sub loom to extend the wires from my zeel so i can fit it in the tail nice and neat ,what size of cable do you suggest? Im not up on wire dimensions and need to order some from kojaycat

[4l04ever]

1mm2 would work, but I would go up to 1.5mm2 to avoid any volt drop.

ALM do lots of wires too :-

www.almsolutions.co.uk/

[stirling11]

Before you buy, check to see what current the wire can carry

1mm2 from one manufacturer can vary greatly from another

The more strands the less resistance and hence less voltage drop and of course more current, check on that too

Also make sure you check that it’s the square mm measurements and not the cross section diameter,

The two are completely different

A good 1mm2 wire will carry 15 amps, a bad only 5, and the good one will have about 30 strands, the el cheapo only 10

[stusco]

The stuff i ordered has 21 strands and rated 21amps

[midlifecrisisrd]

Jeez, you jumpstarting the Audi off that 🤣

Zeel and Iggy are under 5a so you are well safe there 👍

Steve

[stusco]

I did say i didn’t know 🤷‍♂️

[4l04ever]

It can never be too thick.....at least that is what my Mrs says...

[stusco]

It will fit the 6mm crimps better

[4l04ever]

also....the new thin wall 1.5mm cable looks close to the OEM 1mm cables due to the older wiring having thicker insulation.

[midlifecrisisrd]

Admittedly the thinner wires don't crimp easily in the bigger connectors

I tend to crimp then solder them

A good solution for electrical connection but can cause a brittle point

Steve

[jon]

Feb 10, 2024 11:46:38 GMT 1 midlifecrisisrd said:

Admittedly the thinner wires don't crimp easily in the bigger connectors

I tend to crimp then solder them

A good solution for electrical connection but can cause a brittle point

Steve

I’ve also soldered connectors as well as crimping in the past. I get the logic some people say it creates a brittle point, but I’ve never had a problem.

Jon

[midlifecrisisrd]

Think it's more where there is a lot of vibration

Never had a problem either

Steve

[4l04ever]

Soldering is good if the connection is not moving about. If it is moving or flexing, then crimping is better.

[Tobyjugs]

In The past i have read not to solder connectors on vehicles etc. Personally i thought fussy buggers. My Bakker bike creates more vibration than a standard bike and the only wire which i soldered failed. Maybe just coincidence but i try to avoid soldering now.

[jon]

Feb 10, 2024 12:29:21 GMT 1 Tobyjugs said:

In The past i have read not to solder connectors on vehicles etc. Personally i thought fussy buggers. My Bakker bike creates more vibration than a standard bike and the only wire which i soldered failed. Maybe just coincidence but i try to avoid soldering now.

Purely out of interest which wire was it?

Jon

[Tobyjugs]

Feb 10, 2024 12:36:46 GMT 1 jon said:

Feb 10, 2024 12:29:21 GMT 1 Tobyjugs said:

In The past i have read not to solder connectors on vehicles etc. Personally i thought fussy buggers. My Bakker bike creates more vibration than a standard bike and the only wire which i soldered failed. Maybe just coincidence but i try to avoid soldering now.

Purely out of interest which wire was it?

Jon

It was an earth connector from the rpm meter to the chassis i used an old connector which i cut off another wire and soldered it.

[jon]

I see. I use non insulated connectors and only solder the clip bit not the strain relief bit. So in theory the wire still remains flexible from the connector end.

Jon

[JonW]

Solder joins, crimp connectors...

[Tobyjugs]

Feb 10, 2024 12:47:20 GMT 1 jon said:

I see. I use non insulated connectors and only solder the clip bit not the strain relief bit. So in theory the wire still remains flexible from the connector end.

Jon

Hi Jon i use non insulated connectors an then insulate them with the correct plastic sheath. I'm not really to savvy when it comes to Electrickery. There are so many different types of connection blocks to choose from, i always wonder which is the best type.

To be honest i really don't like those coloured plastic connectors and only use them when i have no other choice.

In the past i have had a small bollocking via PM about my wiring from a member here. I always look up to him so 9 times out of ten i listen to him and take his advice very seriously. 

[midlifecrisisrd]

I too tend to only solder the wire crimp and not the bit that grips the insulation

I do wonder if it's the non flexibility from the soldering or the heat affecting the copper

And those coloured crimps should be nowhere on a motorbike 🤣

Steve

[JonW]

Feb 10, 2024 20:31:44 GMT 1 midlifecrisisrd said:

I too tend to only solder the wire crimp and not the bit that grips the insulation

I do wonder if it's the non flexibility from the soldering or the heat affecting the copper

And those coloured crimps should be nowhere on a motorbike 🤣

Steve

SO TRUE!

(and using Scotchlocks should mean you get a rap in the knuckles with a hammer)

[4l04ever]

Soldering the wire basically converts it from flexible multi stranded to a solid core which will stress crack if bent many times.