TOPIC/LESSON 4

PERFORMING TERMINATION AND CONNECTION

AT THE END OF THE LESSON/TOPIC, THE STUDENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO :

Identify different types of electrical wires,connectors and termination methods.
Appreciate the importance of electrical and electronic safety regulations to prevent accidents and hazards.
Demonstrate proper terminating methods and connecting wires.

INTRODUCTION :

In the world of electrical and electronic systems, proper termination and connection of wires are essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. Whether in household wiring, industrial setups, or advanced electronic circuits, using the correct connectors and termination methods prevents hazards such as short circuits, power loss, and equipment failure. This lesson will provide an in-depth understanding of different termination techniques, their significance in preventing accidents, and the best practices for making secure and lasting electrical connections.

In electrical and electronic systems, proper termination and connection of wires play a crucial role in ensuring safety, functionality, and efficiency. Understanding different types of electrical wires, connectors, and termination methods is essential for making secure and reliable connections. Additionally, following safety regulations helps prevent hazards such as short circuits, overheating, and equipment failure. Through this lesson, students will not only learn to identify various termination techniques but also appreciate their importance in preventing accidents. Most importantly, they will gain hands-on experience in demonstrating proper wire termination and connection methods, ensuring both safety and effectiveness in real-world applications.

For ths topic,since we have learned the different termination and connection methods from lesson 3 and the safety in the workplace from lesson 2, We will just now focus on the different types of wires.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WIRES

BASE ON CONDUCTOR MATERIAL :

COPPER WIRE

Most common, excellent conductivity, and corrosion-resistant.

ALUMINUM WIRE

Lighter and cheaper than copper but less conductive.

SILVER WIRE

Best conductivity but expensive, used in specialized applications.

BASED ON INSULATION :

SINGLE CORE WIRE

Has a single conductor, used for small appliances.

MULTI-CORE WIRE

Multiple conductors inside, used for complex wiring.

SHIELDED WIRE

Has a shielding layer to reduce interference, used in communication cables.

2 COMMON CLASSIFICATION OF WIRES

SOLID WIRE

Made of a single solid conductor.Commonly used in Home wiring, outlets, and electrical panels.

STRANDED WIRE

Made of multiple thin strands twisted together.Commonly used in appliances, vehicles, and areas where flexibility is needed.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF WIRES USED IN ELECTRICAL

NON-METALLIC CABLE

Used for residential wiring (outlets, lights, etc.) and has multiple insulated conductors inside a plastic sheath.

THHN/THWN WIRE

THHN (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated) or THWN (Thermoplastic Heat and Water-resistant Nylon-coated) is used for residential wiring (outlets, lights, etc.) and has multiple insulated conductors inside a plastic sheath.

UNDERGROUND FEEDER CABLE

Used for underground installations, like outdoor lighting or running power to a shed and has a tough waterproof sheath.

ARMORED CABLE AND METAL CLAD CABLE

AC is used in older home wiring, has a flexible metal sheath while MC is Similar but with an additional protective layer, used in commercial wiring.

LOW VOLTAGE WIRE

Used for doorbells, landscape lighting, thermostats, and alarms and Typically around 12V, 24V, or 48V.

COAXIAL CABLE WIRE

Used for cable TV and internet. Has a single copper conductor with insulation and shielding.

Different wire sizes (AWG)

Wires sizes are measured as AWG or American Wire Gauge :

26 AWG - 22 AWG → Small signal wires (electronics, low-voltage applications).
20 AWG - 18 AWG → Automotive wiring, speaker wire.
16 AWG - 14 AWG → Household lighting, small appliances.
12 AWG - 10 AWG → Heavy-duty appliances (air conditioners, ovens).
8 AWG - 6 AWG → Electric stoves, sub-panels, high-power car audio.
4 AWG - 2 AWG → Main power feeds, large amplifiers.
1 AWG - 0 AWG (1/0) → Car battery cables, high-power circuits.
00 AWG (2/0) - 0000 AWG (4/0) → Industrial power, large machinery.

The typical wire sizes used in electrical work depend on the application but for most household wiring, 12 AWG and 14 AWG are the most common.

Some different types of wire connectors used in electrical :

WIRE NUTS

- The classic screw-on plastic connectors used for joining multiple wires together.

BUTT CONNECTORS

- Used to splice two wires end-to-end securely.

CRIMP CONNECTORS

- Includes ring terminals, spade terminals, and bullet connectors, typically used in automotive and industrial applications.

LEVER NUT CONNECTORS

- A modern alternative to wire nuts that use a lever to secure wires, making installation easier.

PUSH-IN WIRE CONNECTORS

- A quick way to connect solid-core wires by simply pushing them into slots.

TERMINAL BLOCKS

- Used for organizing and connecting multiple wires in electrical panels and industrial control systems.

INSULATION DISPLACEMENT CONNECTORS

- Common in telecom and networking, allowing connections without stripping the wire.

SCOTCHLOK CONNECTORS

- Used in automotive and low-voltage wiring for quick splices.

MOLEX CONNECTORS

- Common in computers and electronics for modular wire connections.

PROCEED TO PRACTICE

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