Changing the sealed connector on a cable.

[conor1n]

Hi Guys,

Quick one. We have a lead like the one shown below, supplying power to under cabinet strip lights in the kitchen. My dad has sourced some alternative LED fixtures, but the connector is slightly different. The plug and cable for the existing install is fixed to the rear of cabinet and quite difficult (impossible) to access...

So, I want to just chop off the sealed connector show below and join the wires to add the connector from new lights. I am assuming this is safe, as I see joins like this all the time. What is the best connector to use?

I see people use block connectors with screws all the time

I could use these, but just wondering how acceptable they are by modern standards.. or if if these crimp butt connectors are a better job.

Given the choice, I would be opting for the crimp butt connectors and run some heatshrink over all three, together. That would make for a nice tidy and safe job imho.

I don't do this much, so just checking.

Thanks.

 

[not done it yet]

No chance of offering advice without the specifications….

 

[Matrixx]

The best way would be to put them in a connector box .

Crimps are ok , but if you don't have a calibrated crimper or one that matches the crimp you can get a bad connection.
Some are symmetrical and will cut through the cable on a crimp designed for an asymmetrical crimper i.e. one that only partly crushes the cables insulation. I have had to refuse a complete panel that some one had done this on, it took them a couple of weeks to redo it.

 

[Dilkris]

This is interesting - anybody got any pictures of a symmetrical/asymmetrical completed crimp or the mouth of the crimping pliers that produces them?

 

[Matrixx]

asymmetrical crimper.
The crimps determine the type of crimper required.

 

[PhillipM]

Couple of Wagos, fast, easy and reversible.

 

[Dilkris]

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply Matrixx - much appreciated and understood.

 

[conor1n]

Sorry guys for the lack of specs.

The light unit is LED, max draw 6W from mains 220v source. The units supports daisy chain up to a max of 10. We plan on chaining 3 together.

Hope that helps. All good solutions so far. We have various crimpers here, it's just a matter of getting the correct crimp.

But, what about my proposed solution. 3 butt connectors under heatshrink doesn't seem bad, if the crimps are ok?

The wagos and connector box look good also.

Thanks a lot.

EDIT: Overthinking it and just go with these? https://www.screwfix.ie/p/ideal-32a-2-way-push-wire-connector-10-pack/42201

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Just get some wago connectors and a wiska box to put them in. But remember with wagos you join the lives with one, neutrals with another and earth's with another. Much better than choc blocks, and if you get the lever ones reusable should you need to swap the lamps again in the future.

 

[brightspark]

just use a cheap small round jointbox and screw it to underside of cabinet https://www.toolstation.com/axiom-l...QAq3WQFsf4FhexLb9pUaAjVjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[aesmith]

That shouldn't really be used with flex, as it has no strain relief. Look for something like the picture in Post 3

 

[brightspark]

That shouldn't really be used with flex, as it has no strain relief. Look for something like the picture in Post 3

its obvious you clip the cable up under the shelf so there is the strain relief

 

[Dilkris]

After you've read all of the suggestions - you just know you're going to twist the conductors together and wrap with insulation tape.....

 

[conor1n]

After you've read all of the suggestions - you just know you're going to twist the conductors together and wrap with insulation tape.....

Hahaha, I guess that's what a lot of people do. I really enjoy researching the correct way and doing the job correctly.

I've decided to go with one of these ones.

Thanks for all the input folks!

 

[Spark plug]

Ask 100 people this question and you will get 100 different answers.

This is mine:

Search The Site For Downlight junction box | CEF

 

[brightspark]

Ask 100 people this question and you will get 100 different answers.

This is mine:

Search The Site For Downlight junction box | CEF

there brill for doing the main feed switchwire and loop in loop out to other fittings . specialy the push fit ones no use for undercover lights though there 2 big . the cheapo jb are the best the chocbox are ok as well undercover