LED Ring Light

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by Jeff Pahl

Make sure you use a mechanically robust connection, such as a crimp butt splice

In the world of vehicle electronics crimp butt connectors are not considered robust. By reputable automotive electricians they are often referred to as emergency or temporary connectors or guaranteed failure points. For those that masquerade as "professional" technicians that use them they are referred to as job security.

The best ways in my opinion, to join the gauge of wire that normally is attached to the ring LEDs to the 18 ga wire would be to:

A. Solder them and cover them with adhesive lined heat shrink.

B. If you don't want to solder is to use a un-insulated parallel crimp connector and cover it with adhesive lined heat shrink. Even then I'd suggest soldering.

Those 2 methods meet the OEM level conditions for joining wire of different gauges or a splice of wire of the same gauges for either Ford, GM, Chrysler, Navistar (International) or Paccar (Kenworth and Peterbilt) depending on who's service literature you consult (with the solder in the second method).