E-Fan Wire, Solder or Connectors?

[iamdub]

Electric fans are relatively high amperage devices so their wiring needs to be on point. Solder is best, but only if done correctly. An incorrect solder job can be worse than a crimp. YouTube it, practice on junk wire, etc. Learn how to use flux. If the solder doesn't get "absorbed" into the strands and just sits on top, the electrical connection is very weak regardless of how strong the mechanical connection is. A poor electrical connection + high amps = heat.

 

[tom3]

Also for soldering wire, use a good sized powerful iron/gun instead of the pencil tip deal and have a blob of melted solder on the tip of the iron. That powerful iron and the liquid solder will transmit the heat real quick into the wires and with the flux you'll get the solder soaked through the connection. Keep everything clean and shiny. Don't forget to put the shrink tubing on the wire before connecting. Now that's aggravating.

 

[iamdub]

Don't forget to put the shrink tubing on the wire before connecting. Now that's aggravating.

Done this too many times! Like learning how to flow the solder, I chalk it up to one of the steps of learning.

 

[tom3]

Seems like that half and half wire twist used to be called a Western Union splice? Really strong mechanical connection for overhead wires - and when soldered, can't be beat.

 

[Alex_M]

Skip out on the wego's you've ordered. I don't recommend them in any application, but particularly terrible in automotive applications because of the vibrations.

Solder and heat shrink (when using good heat shrink that seals itself - you'll see a little "goo" come out of the ends) is optimal. For the cost/benefit, I usually end up going with heat shrink crimp connectors. I've never had one fail as long as it was crimped and heated well. Much quicker.

If you do the solder/heat shrink method, using flux makes a massive difference.