If you have been looking for ways to make the wiring connections easier and simpler, then you have been finding tinning. Unlike its name, it has nothing to do with the tin, but it can ease the electric work by allowing you to convert the stranded wire strands to fine wires.
Do you want to tin the electric wires yourself? Although the process is simple, you need to be careful when dealing with electric wires.
Here we are sharing the complete procedure to help you understand the technique and learn some tips to help avoid mistakes.
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What does it mean to tin a wire?
Tinning a wire basically means soldering iron around a stranded electrical wire. The process of tinning is done in order to hold the wires together. Actually, it is a great way to be comfortable with your electrical work, as the wires are in one place. Once the wire is tinned it is easier to connect them to the screw terminals and other connectors.
Tinning a wire also ensures that all the wires are in line with an electrical connection. You can even use a simple soldering gun to tin a wire along with using a pair of wire strippers.
Well, before we move on to the process of tinning a wire; it is important to understand that not all wires are supposed to be tinned. The solder joints can actually break the wires when crimped. You must use the right type of solder and follow some basic tips and techniques to tin a wire.
Here we are sharing the complete procedure to help you understand the technique and learn some tips to help avoid mistakes.
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What will you need for wire tinning?
You’ll need the wires that you want to convert into fine wires and electrical grade solder. Soldering iron and the solder for putting up the thin layer on the wire are also needed.
How does it work?
You need to apply the heat to the wire with the soldering iron. The aim is to fill the voids of the wire strands with solder, creating a solid wire. Those wires can be easily bent and fixed into the terminals. After tinning wires, you can eliminate all the possibilities of loose ends in the connections.
Step by step procedure:
- To tin a wire, you need a bare one. So, if the wire you want to tin is insulated, you should strip the insulation off to one inch and then apply the procedure.
- Heat the soldering iron by plugging it. Use a damp sponge for a quick wiping off the tip. This is done to make sure that the oxidation of the iron during the heating could be removed.
- You need to create the liquid solder on the iron tip by touching the solder tip with the soldering iron tip. It is for creating a conducting medium. When all this is done, you need to touch the soldering iron tip to the bottom side of the wire, putting the solder pool in touch with the wire.
- Place the solder on the top of the wire. It should melt and must wrap around the wire strands. Continue moving the solder and soldering iron along the bare wire to cover the entire exposed tip.
- It is time for cooling now. Let it rest for some time. Once it cools, look for the thin layer of solder on the wire. It shouldn’t be very thick or heavy, as it will become a resistor then. Usually, the bare wire can be seen under the solder layer. To treat the excess solder, you should heat it again and wipe the excess layer off.
- And you are done with the tinning process.
Precautionary Measures:
You should perform the soldering procedure with great caution, as it can get extremely hot and can create severe burns. Be sure to use this technique over some heat-resistant surfaces and away from anything flammable.
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