Towbar wiring in - 13 pin electrics.

[Watchman]

Solder has no place away from a PCB. In wire to wire joints it's the very worst joint. In automotive wiring, you may as well not bother. Solder fractures when it's moved - precisely the environment in a car.

Proper automotive wiring uses crimps only. Scotch locks are usually deemed awful because they are usually implemented poorly, using cheap scotch locks, by people who don't know how not to crimp so hard they damage the interfacing cable, and by people who don't know how to test the joint. But if used properly, they are as effective as telecoms wiring - you've heard of punch-down connectors? That's what scotch locks are - same principle. Not as good as a crimp but in a car, better than solder.

[bearman68]

Mmmmm, I'm an auto electrician.

I would wholeheartedly support the use of scotch blocks. They are wonderful things, and should be used with gay abandon. I mention this, as my kids are starved, and could do with new shoes.

[DuraAce]

ColinM50 said:

. Tester has NEVER looked at or asked about how they're wired. I stand to be corrected and will buy you a virtual pint if you can tell me the section of the MoT which specs the towbar electrics and bans scotchloks.

I didnt say there was a ban of any sort on scotch locks, either at MOT, or any other time. Nor did I say the MOT makes any sort of specification requirements. Those are your words.

You said "towbar electrics aren't in their remit"

I said this was untrue and I did say that the towbar electrics (13pin) are tested using a suitable test box for correct connection/operation on the MOT. 7 pin electrics are not tested for operation, just a visual test for security of attachment etc
Nothing is stripped down or removed etc. Purely a check of what's visible. This is true. Section 1.9 refers (Class 4 vehicles)

Edited by DuraAce on Wednesday 31st May 04:37