Can Two 14 Gauge Wires Fit i nthe Same End on a Heat Shrink Butt Connector

Published 06/05/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10

(1104)

$13.84

14 Gauge, 4 Conductor Jacketed Wire - Per Foot

(133)

$2.85

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10

(1104)

$12.85

Question:

1. When using the butt connectors, can two 14 gauge wires fit inside one end of the connector? I'm looking for a way to splice a side marker light into the running light circuit. 2. Why does the deka jacketed 4 wire have the red wire in 14 gauge? Shouldn't that be 12? The chart referenced throughout your website says that minimum gauge for a red wire should be 12.

asked by: Colt

Expert Reply:

You would need a larger size heat shrink butt connector to fit two 14 gauge wires together in one end. The largest we have are for 10 to 12 gauge wire, # DW05745-10, and that size would likely work.

There isn't a specific gauge wire used for the color of the insulation around the wire. In some applications where the red wire is for 12 volt power a larger gauge should be used. But in a 4-Wire set up on a trailer where the functions are running lights, turn signals/brake lights, and ground 14 gauge wire works just fine. So # DW04923-1 would be fine for those lighting functions.

expert reply by: Michael H