If yes, then that is an example of spliced wire. The reason for splicing the wires is to allow the current flow to and from the power source and electrical equipment by providing a conductive path for even distribution of electricity. Wires are connected either in parallel or series connection in order to supply the electrical equipment or electrical devices such as switches, outlets and circuit protection devices.

The most commonly used wire splicing method is the rat tail and tap splice. They are usually used in our home electrical wiring system. Other wire splicing method are also used in building electrical installation, power distribution and many other infrastructures that utilizes electricity as their source of energy. The discussion below will take you through to the different types of wire splicing as well as their functions and purposes.

In 1882, Thomas Edison created the first power distribution system in New York City. He uses jute-wrapped copper rods in rigid pipes filled with bituminous compound. This was the time where a copper is used as a conductor.

Small, solid conductors are best spliced together with the Western Union splice. Wire splices of this type are the most common. Remove roughly five inches of insulation from both wires and cross the exposed wires to construct the Western Union splice. Wrap one wire five or six times around the other, then do the same with the other. Pinch the ends of the wires with pliers and cut off the surplus wires. Wrap tape around the joint after soldering it shut.

This is used where the tap wire is under considerable tensile stress .

Is used where the tap wire is under heavy tensile stress.

Fixture splices, also known as fixture joints, are used to link wires of various sizes. This juncture necessitates the removal of five inches of wire insulation. With a pair of pliers, hold the wires together and twist them a few times. For the joint to be secure, both wires must twist. Cut both ends of the wire to the same length, and then bend the twisted junction to line up with the wires. Extend the cut ends perpendicular to the wire and twisted portion of the wire. Wrap these two ends around the twist in the same direction. Wrap tape around the connection after soldering it together

A rat-tail splice, also known as a twist splice or pig-tail splice, is a very basic electrical join that may be done with both solid stranded wires and pig-tail wires. It's constructed by wrapping two or more wires of the same diameter symmetrically around each other on a common axis. Electrical tape or other methods can be used to insulate the bare splice. Mechanically, this common and basic splice is not very strong. It can be strengthened by soldering it or twisting it and then holding it in place with the internal metal spring or threads of a twist on wire connection, also known as a wire nut. The splice isn't designed to join wires that will be yanked or stressed because it's not particularly sturdy.

A Britannia Splice, sometimes known as a cable splice, is not simple or straightforward to perform. This splice is used on both the inside and outside of the building on large solid wires where twisting is difficult, however there is equipment to make this splice easier.

When creating drop cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the weight is carried by the knot rather than the copper conductors where they are linked to the terminals.

This is a two-tap wire that is turned at the same time and is utilized when the two tapped wires are subjected to high tensile stress.

This is a two-tap wire that is turned at the same time and is utilized when the two tapped wires are subjected to high tensile stress.

Wrapped tap or Tee joints are used on big solid conductors where wrapping the heavy tap wire around the main conductor is problematic. Both the main wire and the tap wire are skinned about 4 inches when using No. 6 AGW wire. The tap wire is bent into a L shape about 12 inches from the insulation to rest along the main wire's side. Using size No. 18 bare conductors, a wrapping wire is then created, terminating beyond the bend of the tap wire and up to the installation of the main conductor.

This is typically used as a temporary tap on construction sites. Tap wire movement will be aided by the simple twist.

Because the strands are flexible and can all be wrapped in one operation, this form of wrapping is commonly utilized on small cables

Fixture leads are linked to branching wire in an immediate place with a Through Fixture joint

A Double-crossed joint is similar to a regular-crossed joint, but it has the added benefit of being stronger.