Help with 12 volt wiring and systems

[DCbusfam]

I have a 3/4-length schoolie that I have been working on for the last year+. I am making good progress but am slowed with my day job and not very skilled at soldering the 12 volt system. Is there anyone out there in the schoolie world and near DC who would like some side money to help wire lights, outlets, and appliances? Extra credit for someone who could advise and help install a solar panels (interverter/charger and solar controller already in-place), security and stereo.

[ComfortEagle]

Originally Posted by DCbusfam

I have a 3/4-length schoolie that I have been working on for the last year+. I am making good progress but am slowed with my day job and not very skilled at soldering the 12 volt system. Is there anyone out there in the schoolie world and near DC who would like some side money to help wire lights, outlets, and appliances? Extra credit for someone who could advise and help install a solar panels (interverter/charger and solar controller already in-place), security and stereo.

I also have a day job, but just curious, where in the DC area are you? I am in SOMD, zip 20637...

[TheHubbardBus]

Good on you for seeking assistance. Bump to that end.


One question, however. Exactly what do you mean by 'soldering'? What are you soldering or wishing to solder, & why?

[DCbusfam]

DC proper - 20001

[DCbusfam]

I have been soldering all 12-volt wiring based on the advice of the person who developed the electrical diagram. His thought was that the various butt connector joiners are easier to install but that soldering is stronger and provides better conduction.

[kazetsukai]

I'll just focus in on:

Originally Posted by DCbusfam

the various butt connector joiners are easier to install but that soldering is stronger and provides better conduction.

Sure, its a better electrical connection, but given the connectors are rated for the voltage/current I'm not sure its really of any tangible benefit. Personally given the choice I'd invest more in organization and safety- switches, (sub)panels with fuses, DC breakers, cable management, etc.



Having the ability to disconnect some things could be a good feature of a well organized system. Could be a safety feature even. Could be a detriment. What I wouldn't do, is apply one-is-better-than-another broadly without consideration. For one I wonder where soldering is deemed to be necessary and what the rationale is.


Hope you find the help you're looking for.

[Danjo]

I love this site. So many questions come up that I assume I know the answer for, but then I think, well maybe I don’t entirely. Here’s a YouTube video.

Oh, for some reason I’ve always preferred to solder a splice and use cold connections for terminal ends. Maybe I’m not too far off.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=faLn-SjVfwY

[ComfortEagle]

For what its worth, I have had good experience using these, although I usually still cover them with heat shrink.



And these are my favorites, Posi-Locks and Posi-Taps. They are super easy to use, very secure, and reusable, but they are not free... And I am still in zip code 20637.

[TheHubbardBus]

Originally Posted by Danjo

I love this site. So many questions come up that I assume I know the answer for, but then I think, well maybe I don’t entirely. Here’s a YouTube video.

Oh, for some reason I’ve always preferred to solder a splice and use cold connections for terminal ends. Maybe I’m not too far off.

That's an EXCELLENT video. Guy hits every relevant point, provides great explanation, & speaks truth. Great find.