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BlogConnect Your Wires Safely With the Best Butt Connectors
Last updated: 17 Jun 2024Unlike Marvel’s Electro, we cannot just walk away from getting electrocuted, let alone gain superpowers from it. So, we need to make sure we keep all the wire connections in our home 100% protected. Unfortunately, the twisting and taping method isn’t enough because the tape can fall off or the wires can get pulled apart. Soldering is not a practical option for most people due to the significant effort, specialized tools, and technical skill it requires. Thankfully, butt connectors, also called butt terminals or splices, are perfect for the job. In this guide, we highlight the best butt connectors of 2024, starting with our favorite from Qibaok. Plus, we provide a handy buying guide to make sure you make the most informed decision.
- Best Overall: Qibaok Butt Connector Shop Now ➔
- Runner Up: Haisstronica Butt Connector Shop Now ➔
- Most Durable: Wirefy Heat Shrink Butt Connector Shop Now ➔
- Most Waterproof: Kuject Butt Connector Shop Now ➔
- Also Consider: TICONN Butt Connector Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Best Butt Connector of 2024
Best Overall
The top on our list is Qibaok’s Butt Connectors, which come in 300 pieces and 600-piece options. This kit contains three connector sizes to join wires of different gauges., each of which features brass conductors with tin plating for good conductivity. They are also color-coded to help you identify the right connector with just a look. Additionally, this pick boasts PVC insulation to prevent the exposed wires from coming into contact with you. It also features a conductive wire stop structure, allowing you to insert the wire into the correct space for effective compression.
Pros
- Features an effective tin-plated brass conductor
- PVC insulation keeps you safe
- Color-coded conductors for easy identification
- Insulation barrels are flared for easy insertion
Cons
- Individual sizes are not sold separately
Runner Up
The runner up is Haisstronica’s Butt Connectors, which includes four different sizes which are color-coded for easy identification. The best part is that these connectors feature adhesive inside, which melts when heated. The heat-shrinking connector has a tinned copper core, making it easier to flatten and grip the wires. Additionally, there is a separator built into this product that keeps the inserted wires aligned, ensuring a good connection. It also comes in a pack of 200 connectors, adding exceptional value. The cherry on top is that they come with a replacement warranty of 12 months, so don’t worry if you’re not completely satisfied.
Pros
- Each connector is color-coded
- Features a built-in separator for wire alignment
- Heat melting adhesive for a secure connection
- Contains connectors of four different sizes
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
Most Durable
This butt connector pack by Wirefy is a solid choice for connecting any 16-14 AWG wire. The durable connectors feature thick, seamless copper barrels that, once crimped, prevent your wire from pulling out. They are made using high-quality tinned copper, ensuring they’ll provide great conductivity. Its tube is also heat-shrinking with adhesive lining to provide a secure, airtight seal around the connection point. Additionally, this pick requires very little heat to shrink, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the wires either. Available in various gauge sizes, these butt connectors are suitable for a wide range of wiring projects.
Pros
- Features a kit option for larger projects
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- IP67 rated for superior water resistance
Cons
- A bit pricey
Most Waterproof
This 120-piece kit from Kuject features four sizes of butt connectors to join various types of wires. It includes advanced adhesive rings that, when heated, create an exceptionally waterproof seal. In fact, these connectors surpass other brands with an IP67 rating, making them perfect for marine applications. Inside, you’ll find low-temperature soldering sleeves for easy wire soldering, increasing user-friendliness and safety. The cable connectors are designed for simplicity—no crimping required; just apply heat for a reliable, sealed connection.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof rated
- Doesn’t require crimping
- Shrinkable polyolefin tubing
Cons
- Only comes in a kit option
Also Consider
Featuring three butt connector sizes, this Butt Connector Kit features a thick copper barrel, allowing it to clamp onto the wires once crimped. It also boasts a dual-walled design, providing extra safety and protection.
The connectors have sealant linings that are activated by heat, creating a strong waterproof seal. It is also flame-retardant, making it ideal for cars, motorcycles, and various other vehicles. Additionally, all the connectors included in this kit are color-coded, making it much easier to find the size you are looking for.
Pros
- The dual-walled design provides added protection
- Thicker copper barrel for a secure connection
- Includes three connector sizes
Cons
- Only comes in one kit size
Buying Guide: Butt Connectors
What Are the Benefits of Using Butt Connectors?
Safer method
Butt splices offer enhanced safety and ease of use compared to traditional methods like twisting wires together and using tape. Over time, tape can loosen, risking electrical hazards as wires may unravel. These wire connectors feature a complete insulation tube that securely encases the wire, providing robust protection.
Easy and quick
One of the major downsides of soldering is it requires too much time and effort. Thankfully, electrical butt connectors are easy and quick to use. All you need to do is pop the wires into the connector, crimp it, and heat it — the whole process takes just a few seconds.
Terms Related to Butt Connectors Explained
IP rating
You will find that some butt terminals are IP-rated. This rating tells you how water and dust-proof these connectors are. Generally, a higher IP rating means the connector has better waterproofing, but you can use guides explaining what each IP rating means. The IP rating of the connector is usually stated in its product description.
Gauge
An electrical butt terminal typically indicates compatible gauge sizes in AWG units, specifying the maximum wire size suitable for that connector. The gauge size of a wire is usually written on it or stated on its box.
What to Look for When Buying Butt Connecters?
Conductivity
A butt terminal with low conductivity can ruin your wire connection. So, only go for the options that feature a core tube made with a highly conductive material such as copper and brass. This way, you won’t have to deal with dropping voltages or bad connections. You can check what materials a cable connector is made of by taking a look at its product description.
Size and supply
Make sure the pack you buy has the right connector sizes. You can check both the pack and connector sizes in the product description. It is generally best to get a pack size with twice the number of pieces you need, so even if a connector gets ruined because of a mistake, you’ll still have another one to use.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Flared barrel design
We ensured all the butt splices we chose for our list had flared and wide barrel edges. This makes it much easier to put the wires in, so you don’t feel like you are threading a needle. You can check if the butt connecter you chose has flared edges or not by looking at its pictures or reading its reviews.
Color-coded
We also made sure all the electrical butt connectors on our list were color-coded. This makes it much easier to pick the right connector size from the kit with just a glance, saving you time and effort. To check if the connectors you chose are color-coded or not, you can take a look at the product pictures or description.
Customer reviews
You can trust our top picks have proven their worth to customers. We paid close attention to customer feedback regarding the effectiveness of the seal and its performance over time.
Butt Connector FAQ
Can I crimp a cable connector using pliers?
You should not crimp the connectors using normal pliers, as you may end up crimping too hard or too soft. Instead, it is best to use crimpers for this purpose.
Can I use a lighter to shrink an electrical butt terminal?
You should never use a lighter to shrink the butt connector after installation. Doing so could burn the connector. Consider using a heat gun for shrinking the butt connector safely and more efficiently.
Can I connect two different wire sizes using an electrical butt terminal?
Yes, you can connect two different wire sizes using an electrical butt connector. Just make sure the wires aren't loose, as that may lead to a safety hazard. Check this by pulling on the wires gently once they're crimped.
Article Contributors
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