Some interesting products here

[peteski]

On cutting, bending, breaking and other crimes against metals, it seems to be an alloy. My guess would be a CU-AL. Certainly doesn't behave like pure aluminum, and there is a hint of copper color in the tear after breaking off a chip.

Interesting . . . Up until now I didn't know that such alloy existed. But Aluminum Bronze does exist and is highly corrosion resistant.  But https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_bronze makes no mention of electrical usage. 

[C855B]

Well, there is some sort of alloy used in house-wiring components that is compatible with both aluminum and copper wiring. Not saying these cheap taps are is made of the same stuff, just that there is the possibility of something weird we don't know about. :shoulder-shrug:

[basementcalling]

I thought any mechanical connection in our wiring was best avoided on DCC because of increased resistance and voltage drops, plus the increased opportunities of bad soldered  joints and such interfering with the DCC signals? So wouldn't these be just as bad as terminal strips or Cinch Jones plugs?

[peteski]

I thought any mechanical connection in our wiring was best avoided on DCC because of increased resistance and voltage drops, plus the increased opportunities of bad soldered  joints and such interfering with the DCC signals? So wouldn't these be just as bad as terminal strips or Cinch Jones plugs?

It is not *THAT* grim!
Plus, if as you say we should avoid mechanical and soldered connections, what do you have left? 

[Kisatchie]

Plus, if as you say we should avoid mechanical and soldered connections, what do you have left? 

Hmm... welding...?

[C855B]

... Plus, if as you say we should avoid mechanical and soldered connections, what do you have left? 

Osmosis!

[sirenwerks]

Plus, if as you say we should avoid mechanical and soldered connections, what do you have left? 

Metaphysical, or you could just stick with plain old friendship.

[davefoxx]

It is not *THAT* grim!
Plus, if as you say we should avoid mechanical and soldered connections, what do you have left? 

@peteski,

Actually, @basementcalling suggested that we should avoid mechanical connections and bad soldered joints in our DCC wiring.  Not all soldered connections.

DFF

[C855B]

... @basementcalling suggested that we should avoid ... bad soldered joints in our DCC wiring. ...

Which is why many MRRs should just stick with mechanical systems. Just sayin'.   

[davefoxx]

Which is why many MRRs should just stick with mechanical systems. Just sayin'.   

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[basementcalling]

Which is why many MRRs should just stick with mechanical systems. Just sayin'.   

Obviously, you've never been to the Basement Calling Car Garage.   

[peteski]

@peteski,

Actually, @basementcalling suggested that we should avoid mechanical connections and bad soldered joints in our DCC wiring.  Not all soldered connections.

DFF

That is not what I got from Pete's post at all (and I just now re-read it couple of times).     But that makes no sense (as I eluded in my reply) because we have to use some kind of method of connecting pieces of conductor together.

Anyways, terminal strips and crimp connectors are perfectly acceptable in model railroad wiring. Those interconnecting methods, along with soldering too, have been used, and and still used in a majority of electric appliances. So are connectors (just look under the dash of your car).  But what makes a difference is quality of the parts used and of the workmanship.

[sp org div]

Received. Should have a chance to fool around with 'em later today.

I solder all my feeder wires under the layout, but Ive been using those inline taps for years on my trucks and RV.  I never had one fail (that I recall) after all the hauling and four-wheelin that they have had to endure... and I want to say they've been on there for well over 5 years including fuel pump cut out switches, RV pigtail connectors (exposed to environment), and more.  Mine were off the shelf from the local auto parts store.

[sp org div]

FWIW thats a tin coating on copper

[C855B]

FWIW thats a tin coating on copper

Aha! Thanks, that explains it. On cutting, the tin plating would crush into the cut and you wouldn't see much. On breaking, I saw something that looked like copper but wasn't real sure, as you read.

I solder all my feeder wires under the layout, but Ive been using those inline taps for years on my trucks and RV.  I never had one fail (that I recall) after all the hauling and four-wheelin that they have had to endure... and I want to say they've been on there for well over 5 years including fuel pump cut out switches, RV pigtail connectors (exposed to environment), and more.  Mine were off the shelf from the local auto parts store.

Interesting! I ran across a motorcyclist blog where they were down on these because of (evidence of) corrosion at the joint from exposure.

I'm not big on soldering feeders (after 55 years of soldering experience!) because doing it right is a tedious operation, and insulating the joint with heat-shrink isn't going to happen on an in-place 60' bus. So I'm exploring alternatives. 3M suitcase taps may be the end game, for what that's worth. :shoulder-shrug: