24g wire to 18 or 16g

B

Bobby Joe

Been Around the Block
Newb question: So I have looked around and learned a lot of great things, but have not come across connecting a larger wire to a smaller wire. The new speedometer I got from DCC have LED idiot lights integrated into it. These use a 24g wire and my bike (71 CB500/4) uses 16g or 18g. Most connectors I see have a much smaller range of usable wire sizes (such as 18-22 on vintageconnections.com). Ideally, I wanted to stick with the stock bullet connectors so that I would only have to put them on the new wires.

How would you suggest connecting these two wires? I currently have incandescent lights currently, so I don't think I will need resistors.
 
24 gauge wire will be too small for use with most bullet connectors without a bit of trickery. When I have to use those types of connectors with very thin wires, try stripping a good long section and then folding it up to simulate a thicker wire. After crimping, solder the connections to ensure everything stays put.
 
IPC standard would say use a filler wire to build up the CMA (circular mil area). To do this, get you some 18 gauge wire, strip it, and use both it and the 22 gauge wire in the bullet crimp. You'll trim the 18 gauge wire flush with the end of the contact.

This link isn't complete, but you get the idea. I'm a certified trainer for this type of stuff.
http://www.ipc.org/toc/ipc-a-620.pdf
 
Sonreir said:
24 gauge wire will be too small for use with most bullet connectors without a bit of trickery. When I have to use those types of connectors with very thin wires, try stripping a good long section and then folding it up to simulate a thicker wire. After crimping, solder the connections to ensure everything stays put.
Click to expand...

Folding the wires over is a good idea, but you typically don't wamt to solder a crimped connection unless there are very specific (and unusual) circumstances.
 
Hey guys, just wanted to pass this on, I found a more complete link. It took nearly 5 minutes to download! It looks as if I will need the filler to consist of a short piece of insulated wire with the tip stripped rather than just a piece of bare wire. I guess that neither the wire and insulation are both not getting a good crimp, but it is more-so the insulated part since I can't fold that. I got some open ended barrels from Vintage Connections and the crimper too...time to get to work. Since the wire is so so small, I may toss on some solder for good measure.


http://www.gartechenterprises.com/downloads/IPC-A-620.pdf
 
If you want great quality connectors at an almost free price I found everything you can possibly need at http://www.corsa-technic.com/
 
TheJester said:
If you want great quality connectors at an almost free price I found everything you can possibly need at http://www.corsa-technic.com/
Click to expand...

you werent kidding when you said almost free! bookmarked hahaha
 
TheJester said:
If you want great quality connectors at an almost free price I found everything you can possibly need at http://www.corsa-technic.com/
Click to expand...
If QTY 10 4mm Bullets for $2.97 ( $0.297 each) at Corsa is almost free, then www.VintageConnections.com Qty 25 4mm Connectors at $5.00 ($0.20 each) is even more almost free?

It's good to have more sources....However, none of them are free... 8)
 
I was looking at the fancy waterproof jobbies. for the amount of connections I need on the little wheeler I can afford to buy good water tight ones for the way it will be abused and run through mud, snow etc. For the MC's the vintage connectors with di-electric grease is just fine.
 
I was more leaning towards the actual multi pin connectors when I was referring to almost free. Normally a weatherpack or similar connector will start at about $40.
 
Thanks for the vintage connections link to!
Corsa has very reasonable shipping rates to Canada, that is why I deal with them still. Noting quite as awesome as paying $40 for shipping a $10 part, then brokerage of $50 or more o top of that because they used UPS... /end rant
 
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