Dealing with large electrical connections, such as those found in high-current applications, often requires significant heat transfer to achieve a reliable solder joint. Based on the provided reference, traditional soldering iron methods may need augmentation, and for some very large connectors, crimping is the recommended alternative.
Soldering Approach Mentioned
When a standard soldering iron may not provide enough heat for a large connection, one method that has been used involves supplementing the heat source.
Augmenting Soldering Iron Heat
According to the reference, a technique employed to manage the heat demands of soldering large connectors is to increase the heat applied to the soldering iron itself.
- Method: Using a flame torch to add extra heat directly to the soldering iron.
- Effectiveness: This approach is stated to work in providing the necessary heat for the connection.
- Difficulty: The reference notes that this method is tricky to execute effectively.
Alternative for Large Connectors
For certain types of large electrical connectors, especially those designed for high current or heavy gauge wire, soldering might not be the preferred or even recommended method.
Crimping Recommendation
For specific large connectors, such as the Andersons SB120 and other connectors of a similar substantial size, the reference explicitly states a preference for an alternative to soldering.
- Recommendation: Large connectors like Andersons SB120 can and should be crimped instead of being soldered.
- Reasoning: While not detailed in the reference, crimping provides a mechanically strong and electrically stable connection often preferred for high-current applications involving large terminals.
- Applicable Types: This recommendation applies to Andersons SB120 and other large connectors of a comparable scale.
Summary
Successfully joining large connections, whether by soldering or an alternative method, depends on ensuring adequate contact and conductivity.
| Approach/Method | Description | Note from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering (Augmented) | Using a flame torch to add heat to the soldering iron | Works, but is tricky |
| Alternative: Crimping | Creating a mechanical connection with a crimping tool | Recommended for large connectors (e.g., Andersons SB120) |
This information highlights that while soldering large connections can be attempted with augmented heat sources, it is a difficult process, and crimping is often the more appropriate and recommended technique for substantial connectors like the Andersons SB120.
