Twist And Tape Wiring Safe?

[budgetreno 0]

Hi everybody, my electrician just finished some of the works and I realised all the wires and joined by twisting the copper strands and then covered by black tape.

Is this standard practice or safe for long term use? Any advice is appreciated thanks!

[Pelect 3]

Hi everybody, my electrician just finished some of the works and I realised all the wires and joined by twisting the copper strands and then covered by black tape.

Is this standard practice or safe for long term use? Any advice is appreciated thanks!

This is not standard nor the proper way to join wires but unfortunately it is very common.

It is fast and cheap but unreliable and not safe.

As with the word safe, does it mean it will result in fire or electrocution?

Not necessary. Just like the warning not to climb the last rung of a ladder.

It is not safe but it does not mean the person will fall.

A safety hazard depends on several factors for mishap to occur but it is important to be aware of the risks,

just like not wearing safety goggles when grinding or drilling.

The proper way to join wires is to use a wire nut or other forms of connectors shown below.

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q614/worldtac/connectors_zpsb0336a1e.jpg

Do note however the good quality connectors (JST) are expansive and cheap connectors are as bad as twisting wires.

A good connector can cost $0.30 or more each.

The cheapest type most commonly used is the transparent connector with screws.

What I don't like about the screw type is the heat will eventually make the transparent casing brittle, crack and break off.

[budgetreno 0]

Thanks for the advice Pelect. Anyway I heard that the transparent screw terminals are not approved for joining mains supplies. Took a walk in sim lim tower and I realised that some of the wire nuts do not have a metal insert and I don't think it's going to hold up well.

I did some studies and found that if you must make a joint, it should be either soldered brazed or crimped. Otherwise it's got to be accessible in case it loosens etc.

As for my case, I got my electrician to use insulated cable lugs aka crimp, but I had severe doubts about his technique and tool. He was also not very enthusiastic about revealing how many more such joints are there in the entire wiring loom.

I have decided to suspend all my renovation work due to the electrical issues. Guys please monitor your electrical works carefully. This is becoming a nightmare. Any suggestions?

Edited June 19, 2014 by budgetreno

[budgetreno 0]

On further inspection I am shocked to find that some of my 6 wire power points (2xLive, 2xNeutral 2xEarth for higher current loading) were converted to 3 wires using the twist and tape method... \

Edited June 19, 2014 by budgetreno

[Pelect 3]

Thanks for the advice Pelect. Anyway I heard that the transparent screw terminals are not approved for joining mains supplies. Took a walk in sim lim tower and I realised that some of the wire nuts do not have a metal insert and I don't think it's going to hold up well.

>> The wire nuts I have on hand all have metal inserts.

I did some studies and found that if you must make a joint, it should be either soldered brazed or crimped. Otherwise it's got to be accessible in case it loosens etc.

As for my case, I got my electrician to use insulated cable lugs aka crimp, but I had severe doubts about his technique and tool. He was also not very enthusiastic about revealing how many more such joints are there in the entire wiring loom.

>> Yes, technique and tool are important and of equal importance, if not more, is the quality of the lugs. If you use poor quality lugs, you can pull the wire off the lug without too much force. (Please don't try it with a live wire)

I have decided to suspend all my renovation work due to the electrical issues. Guys please monitor your electrical works carefully. This is becoming a nightmare. Any suggestions?

[Pelect 3]

wire nuts and wall nuts

[GMC 12]

Hi everybody, my electrician just finished some of the works and I realised all the wires and joined by twisting the copper strands and then covered by black tape.

Is this standard practice or safe for long term use? Any advice is appreciated thanks!

direct copper contact is good.

using a black tape is ok, but tends to loosen up after some time.

so use a cable tie and zip tie over the black table. confirm safe.