Electricians, ECE majors, Makers and Tinkerers - need a little help

[Phil-X-]

So I'm rewiring a lil circuit and want to make sure I can de-assemble and re-assemble it in a new housing with longer wires.

This is the back of a 120v/10a KCD5 rocker switch. Any clue how to detach these? or should I just cut and use new lines? (id like to use a different switch all together) Im worried about those two connected in the heat shrink wrap, but are those just both linked to the same terminal? pls help.

+K for helpful answers. worst comes to worst I can splice the lines with extra length or replace the component all together. Like I said I'm replacing the toggle anyway

simply put- how do I detach these cables from the toggle so I can remove it from the panel?

(I'm a bit ashamed to be asking this considering my experience, but I've never dealt with a basic switch with weird ass connections like this, so sorry if this is question is full on)

 

[Tinga]

cut off the shrink wrap to get a better look at it. It doesnt look like a plug type connection. probably just bend it back and forth till it snaps an then re solder.

 

[corona]

the wires are crimped onto metal tangs. should be able to pull them off just fine, maybe easier with the heat shrink removed.

 

[NinetyFour]

I'd take a razor knife and cut the heatshrink tubing off. The terminals themselves are likely just a flat blade with a hole in the center, the wires will have been passed through the hole and then soldered in place. To get the wires out it should be as simple as heating the solder up with an iron or gun and then pulling the wire out of the hole.

 

[NinetyFour]

the wires are crimped onto metal tangs. should be able to pull them off just fine, maybe easier with the heat shrink removed.

Ooo it could be this to. Hopefully it's a soldered connection but yeah I could see it being a crimped connection. Aha regardless the consensus is, is that the heat shrink has gotta go.

 

[corona]

to visualize:

almost certain it would be this sort of thing attached to the wires

then crimped on to something like this

then covered in shrink wrap

 

[NinetyFour]

Aha holy shit I'm losing it tonight. 5000% sure it will be exactly as Vinnie posted above. I'm too used to soldering everything because airplanes, and not the simplicity and convenience of normal industrial electrical.

 

[Phil-X-]

Awesome responses, gonna cut the shrink off and see what it looks like. Its just weird because theres so many different connectors between the components I keep worrying Ill break a terminal

 

[Phil-X-]

ah perfect. this is exactly what I was hoping for. just soldered onto some terminals. I thought there was some sort of weird locking plug that inserted into it. thanks again.

anyone know a cheap easy shrink wrap method? I'm usually an electric tape kinda guy

 

[corona]

Aha holy shit I'm losing it tonight. 5000% sure it will be exactly as Vinnie posted above. I'm too used to soldering everything because airplanes, and not the simplicity and convenience of normal industrial electrical.

you called it though.

 

[Rusticles]

ah perfect. this is exactly what I was hoping for. just soldered onto some terminals. I thought there was some sort of weird locking plug that inserted into it. thanks again.

anyone know a cheap easy shrink wrap method? I'm usually an electric tape kinda guy

If you use the push on connectors you don't technically need shrink wrap, just a little caution. If it's very important that you don't trip a breaker or blow a fuse it's a good idea to shrink or at least tape it. Shrink wrap is not too pricey though and makes it that much more proper

 

[Scotty_B]

First Remove the wrap (looks like you've done that already)

Cut the connection around the middle w/ wire cutters or a pair of Linesmans

Re Solder when reassembling

Re-wrap with plastic shrink

"That was easy"

P.S. LABEL THE WIRES

 

[Phil-X-]

First Remove the wrap (looks like you've done that already)

Cut the connection around the middle w/ wire cutters or a pair of Linesmans

Re Solder when reassembling

Re-wrap with plastic shrink

"That was easy"

P.S. LABEL THE WIRES

lol Ive already figure it out.. and why on earth would I cut the connection terminal off?? Im going to heat the flux up and pull it off the switch... no need to destroy the component lol

 

[Phil-X-]

P.S. LABEL THE WIRES

psh, wire labeling is for lib arts majors. Wiring diagrams ftw

 

[Scotty_B]

psh, wire labeling is for lib arts majors. Wiring diagrams ftw

I wasn't really sure what kind of experience you had with this stuff so I wrote it out in layman's terms. Oh and watch that arrogance it might bite you in the ass one day.

 

[connory998]

anyone know a cheap easy shrink wrap method? I'm usually an electric tape kinda guy

Acquiring some shrink wrap will be the best way, if you know someone that might have some ask them for a piece, as you will only need a few inches. If not its pretty cheap. If you dont have a heat gun you can use a lighter or small tourch, just dont get too close & take your time to avoid melting the insulation on the wires.

 

[Phil-X-]

I wasn't really sure what kind of experience you had with this stuff so I wrote it out in layman's terms. Oh and watch that arrogance it might bite you in the ass one day.

u no I'm plyin b