Introduction to the 3M Scotchlok™ connectors
These connectors provide a secure electrical connection between the two wires, typically to join the wires coming from our LED light boards to those coming from your motorbike.
The great thing about these connectors is that they don’t require any soldering at all. They are also much neater and more secure than the old bullet and spade style connectors, plus they are moisture-resistant too.
I guess most people won’t have used them before, so this is a quick guide to help ensure that you make some good electrical connections for your new LED light board.
Preparing the wiring
Where the wires have already been stripped back (for example, some of our LED board wires coming ready stripped and tinned ready for soldering), the bare ends of the wire should be cut off.
And that’s it, no more preparation is necessary!
Making the connection
The advantage of the proper tool is that it keeps the top of the orange button flat as it pushes it in, whereas standard pliers will tend to angle it because of the angle of the jaws.
This can be overcome by pressing the button in several stages, moving the pliers to different sides of the connector each time, to keep it as flat as possible.
An alternative method of pushing in the button to make the connection is to place the connector on a flat surface and use a hammer. Gently tap the button until it is full pressed in, rather than using a single blow.
These connectors are now available to buy separately in packs of 20 in our online store here.
Health and safety advice
Some of this may sealant may get squeezed out of the holes where the wires go in as you push in the button to make the connection.
There is a mild health and safety warning on the box regarding this liquid which I don’t thin will be a major concern for anyone, but I’ll repeat here for your information just in case:
CAUTION! Sealant may cause minimal eye and skin irritation.
Sealant contains: white mineral oil, butane homopolymer, silane treated silica, hydrocarbon polymer. Precautions: Avoid eye contact. Avoid prolonger or repeated skin contact. First aid: In case of eye contact, flush eyes with plenty of water and call a physician. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water.
So I guess that means avoid rubbing your eyes if you get any on your hands and wash your hands well after completing the job. Nothing that wouldn’t already apply to working on a motorbike anyway really!
[disclaimer]
Allô
triomphe T140v 750 1967 combien coûte pour l ensemble complet dell réponse s.v.p.
Hello Henri, I have sent you an email. Regards, James
Had an issue with the tail/brake light board install on my Triumph Bonneville. Only a few of the board LEDS came on as tail lights…no side or license plate LED’s at all. After a long time trying to figure it out, I was about to let you know I might have a faulty board…but I went back to the Scotch connectors to confirm proper connections and found the ground wire connector not fully seated. A few careful squeezes with pliers and suddenly all the LEDs came on as expected.
Hope this saves someone else time when troubleshooting….
Mike.
Dear Sirs
My name is Liv Andreassen. I work at the desk as a content developer at the NDLA (National Digital Learning Arena) in Norway. NDLA is a publicly funded joint partnership and co-ownership between 18 (out of 19) county councils in Norway. NDLA deliver free and open digital learning resources to pupils in upper secondary level in Norway.
I no assist the editor for Electricity and Electronics, and We are looking for photos showing the use of Scotchlok-clamps/connectors. It was not easy too find the right photos, but we have come across some images published on your website, and we would like to ask permission to publish them as part of our learning resources.
The images in question, is the three under “Making the connection” on this site: https://matchlessclueless.com/product-info/installation-guides/3m-wiring-connector-installation/.
We want to use them in content with our one text, explaining the use of the Scotchlock for the pupils.
You will of course be credited as supplyer of the images, and as I understand James Smith is the photographer and shall also be given credit? There also will be a link to your website.
We usually use Creative Commons licensing, but We ask that you specify the conditions for use.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Liv Andreassen
Content developer
NDLA tlf. +47 900 34 624