Extending a flex

Summary: Learn how to connect and extend a flex.

If you want to extend a flex without unsightly adaptors, simply connect the existing flex to a length of new flex via a one-piece connector.

Unscrew the connector cover and remove the brass terminals inside.
Prepare the flex for connection by stripping about 40mm (1 1/2in) from the outer PVC protective covering at the end of the flex using a sharp knife. Avoid cutting or nicking the insulation on the colour-coded cores and separate the colour-coded conductors.
The cores are connected to the flex connector by screw-down terminals. About 15mm (1/2in) of the colour-coded insulation needs to be stripped from each of the cores using wire strippers. With the coloured insulation removed, twist the strands of wire together.
Loosen the screws on the terminals.
Feed each core of the two lengths of flex into the terminals, ensuring that the brown core of one flex meets the brown core of the other; the blue core meets the other blue core; and the green-and-yellow meets green-and-yellow.
Tighten the terminal screws again.
To keep the flex in place at each end of the connector there is a plastic bar, or grip, secured by two screws. Take out the grip or swing it to one side and feed the flex underneath the grip. Re-tighten the grip screws.
Replace the connector's cover.