What is the optimal method for securing and insulating wires after proper soldering?
What is the optimal method for securing and insulating wires after proper soldering?
I am searching for a product that provides strong adhesion similar to hot glue, affordable, suitable for high voltage and high current wires. It should be inexpensive, easy to obtain, and designed for high voltage and high current applications. I need something to insulate and securely attach wires to a board. I have MG Chemicals Silicone and Acrylic conformal coatings, but they don’t meet my requirements.
Is the board affected by movement or vibration? Consider the environment—indoors or outdoors, humidity, temperature extremes, etc.
Uncertain about the effects of hot glue when handling high voltage and current wires.
Are you dealing with high wattage applications?
What specific voltages and currents are involved?
Connecting soldered wires to a board can be dangerous and may cause damage.
Consider checking local big box stores like Home Depot or Lowes, or electrical suppliers.
There are numerous options for securely holding wires in place.
A recommended solution is using fully rated terminal blocks or strips that match your current and voltage requirements.
It’s important to review local electrical codes about proper wiring connections and safety measures.
Search online for “Electrical codes for securing wires” or similar terms relevant to your project.
For clarity, here’s an example: Terminal block options are plentiful.
Safety should always be the priority.
Thank you for your response.
The board will not experience vibration, movement, or exposure to moisture.
It will remain near other parts, though.
I'm using a modular ATX power supply and converting it to a wired or non-modular setup. It's quite compact.
So the PSU is kept in its original state and not opened up—correct?
And everything you're doing involves using the modular cables from the PSU as a power supply for your project—correct?
That means connecting one end of the cable to the PSU and removing the connector from the other end, then using the stripped ends to supply power elsewhere.
Covered terminal blocks would probably be suitable. There are plenty of options available.
Safety comes first.
The terminal blocks must be rated or approved for the voltages and currents involved.
Even though the PSU's voltages might seem low, they can still pose serious risks.
To ensure safety, you must protect the end user from electrical shocks and maintain proper device grounding.
Power supply has been carefully dismantled, and the modular ports have been professionally removed from the board by a Solder Reworker. I plan to pay them to solder the cables onto the board. It is a low voltage power supply with no large capacitors on the board—maximum 63 volts.
I just wanted to apply something similar to hot glue over the solder points or wires, so they don’t touch each other and provide some insulation. Not actual hot glue, but a material designed to cover wires. The board is very compact yet made from a thick PCB. You’ll need a high-power soldering iron or station to work on it effectively. I don’t have one suitable for this job. The ports were taken out using specialized equipment; otherwise, the board would be damaged. So what I’m doing requires proper tools and shouldn’t be attempted by someone else without the right gear.
You can also obtain liquid electrical tape.
However, finding a suitable material to adhere to PCB boards is difficult, especially when it needs to endure high temperatures.
A lot of cleaning and etching are required to create a rough surface for proper contact.
I have utilized a short piece measuring 1.5 to 2 inches of 16/18 gauge solid wire to form a stiffening contact.
Wrap it around the first inch or so of the wire you are soldering, leaving about 3/8 inch protruding past your insulated power wire.
Tin the 16/18 gauge wire end.
Next, wrap the stripped stranded wire around the tinned solid wire, leaving a small gap of about 1/4 inch unwrapped.
Solder the stranded wire onto the solid wire.
Finally, solder the solid wire into the PCB hole.
Apply liquid electrical tape to the soldered area in sections about two-thirds of the way through.
These pieces can then be gathered and covered to form a large rubber plug with extensive surface contact.
This material can also serve as potting compound if you prefer a softer substance.
Watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7qnbmkqrt8