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.
Connecting flex
- 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.
Tools Needed
- Insulated screwdriver
- Trimming knife
- Wire cutters/strippers
Materials needed
- One-piece connector
- Flex
Important note:
The colour-coding system for electric cable changed in 2006, make sure you read Electric cable and flex to view the new information.