HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs Short #5 - Wire Routing & Connection
In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some basic best practices for wire routing and wire connections in HVAC work.
When it comes to electrical work of any kind, the wires must have proper protection. For example, the wires must be in the proper conduits. They must also work on appliances that they are rated for. HVAC technicians must also understand their qualifications against local codes to ensure they have been authorized for electrical work.
You also NEVER want to route the wire through an opening you can't shove your finger through. If you can cut your finger on an opening, then that opening will probably cut the wire. If you need to run a wire through one of those difficult places, use a grommet. In any case, make sure you properly strap the wire, such as with zip ties. Do NOT trim wires to make them fit a connection.
When routing wire, you WILL be making connections inside the appliance. Make sure you know your connectors and their ratings to make the best, safest connections possible. Check if there is any tension at the connections and disconnects; if there is tension AGAINST the terminal, check your wire angles and adjust them until they sit still or have a little tension towards the terminal. The goal of creating a good connection is to avoid melting, arcing, and other unsafe conditions. Replace melted plugs and leads entirely if you come across them.
When you make a crimp connection, make sure you give them a good tug to check their tightness. Make sure there are no exposed wires by your crimp connections. Soldered connections are usually excellent connections, especially with heat shrink over them.
Bryan also discusses:
- Using torque screwdrivers
- Terminal crimping (insulated terminals, indentations, using ratcheting crimpers)
- Lineman splice
- "Doubling over"