Butt Splice, Terminals Adapters, etc in AC Systems

[SantegoGuy]

I'm trying to splice in new Indicator lights for my AC panel. Can I use the normal butt splices and spade adapters that I would use for the DC wiring? It says they are good up to 600v. I'd prefer to leave the wire nuts in place, but I don't want to start a fire. Are there special terminal adapters and splices for AC?

Forgive my ignorance, and thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Butt Splice, Terminals Adapters, etc in AC Systems

We have no idea where or how you iintend to add these new indicators but the proper way to do the replacement is to undo the current connections, remove the current lights, add the new lights, and reconnect the new wires to the exisitng points. There is no reason to add more splices to a circuit just because you are replacing an indicator light. AC power can kill you or a passenger. With all due respect, your last statement would indicate you may need the help of a marine electrician. If the items you are looking at are labeled for use at 600 VAC they are ok to use -- however they may not be suitable for a marine environment.

 

[SantegoGuy]

Re: Butt Splice, Terminals Adapters, etc in AC Systems

I'm sorry, I should have described the situation more thoroughly.

The new indicator lights, like many components, come with bare wire tips.

At a minimum, to replace the old light correctly, I would have to attach a spade adapter to wire it down to the bus.

This is why I was asking if there were special adapters I should be using for AC systems.

What I understand from your response is that, no there are not, but there are special adapters for marine systems in general. I'm not sure what would make a spade adapter "marine", but this panel is in the cabin. The spade adapters in use don't look insulated to waterproofed in any way.

Now the other end of the indicator light (I assume it's the cold end) terminates in a very large wire nut from yesteryear that looks like it crimps as well. I cant pull it off, nor do I really feel like re-nutting the 5 other wires wired into the nut. This is why I would like to splice the new light line onto the old light line, so that I can leave it in the wire nut.

The butt splices I bought are labeled as waterproof.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Butt Splice, Terminals Adapters, etc in AC Systems

Posi-taps work great on motorcycles and are water proof. http://www.cosmicleds.com/posilocks/

 

[wingless]

Re: Butt Splice, Terminals Adapters, etc in AC Systems

Get a decent marine wiring book. Here is an okay link.

The usage of wire nuts is not permitted on a boat.