How to branch off a wire without breaking it

Often, we need to branch off the wires when we want to add another outlet block to the already finished wiring. So in this situation, it is not at all necessary to break the core and perform "twisting", it is enough perform a branch, and here's how to do it correctly and as safely as possible and I'll tell you in this material.

How can branching be done

There are several options for branching, namely:

1. Using a nut type clamp.
2. Using a piercing clip.
3. Using adhesive tape Lock connectors.
4. Classic twisting with obligatory soldering of the connection.

So, here are the main options for branching off existing wiring without cutting the core. And now let's talk about each of the options in more detail.

Nut type connector

This connector has a fairly simple design. The walnut consists of a carbolite body with a degree of protection IP20 and a "core" of metal plates, tightened together by bolts.

The following models are most common.

As you already understood from the above table, the first and rather significant drawback is the fact that the minimum cross-section of the trunk wire is 4 square millimeters.

And tell me, do many of you have a socket line with such a cross-section of veins? That's right, mostly 2.5 mm cores are used. But in fact this is not a problem, since you can fill the void with a piece of conductor of a suitable cross-section and get a reliable connection.

A much more difficult task will be to "hide" such a connection in the wall, since the "nut" is rather large, and do not forget that such a connection cannot be tightly walled up in the wall, since the connection needs to be serviced every six months (pull bolts).

Otherwise, this is the simplest and most reliable way to branch off the wire without breaking it.

Piercing clamp

A piercing clip is a kind of nut that is essentially disposable, but allows you to branch off the wire without even having to strip it.

Structurally, such a clamp is a hex head that performs the task compression of the cores, as well as barbed plates, which both pierce the insulation and provide reliable contact.

This embodiment of the branch directly in the house is not applicable. But such clamps are actively used by electricians to connect the inputs of residential buildings to a line made with a self-supporting insulated wire. And at the same time, stress relief is not required at all.

So it's a great connection, but not for home use.

Branching with Scotch Tape Lock

Another option for making a branch from the wire without breaking it is to use connectors, which are called Scotch Lock.

It is also a fairly simple product that works as follows: the cable is placed in a specialized latch, which, when pressed, pierces the insulation with a brass connector. As a result, in just a couple of seconds, a ready-made branch is obtained.

But personally, I think that this branching option is suitable exclusively for the lighting line, and there is nothing to do on the Scotch Lock outlet line.

Classic twisting with obligatory soldering of the connection

So, another option for making a branch from the conductor without breaking it is to use the good old twist. To do this, we need to strip the insulation on both conductors, and then properly wind the wire onto the main core in one of the ways shown in the picture below

Remember that ordinary twists are prohibited by the requirements of the PUE, so now you need to solder the resulting connection well and reliably insulate.

These are the most common options for branching wires from the main wire without breaking it. Remember that all work with the wiring must be carried out by professionals and with the voltage disconnected, and this material will allow you to control the work of an electrician.

Did you like the material? Then rate it and do not forget to subscribe to the channel so as not to miss new even more useful articles.

Thank you for your attention!