Technical-Vocational Education

Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NCII

PREPARE ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND
TOOLS

G8 Quarter 1 Week 2 Module 2

Common Wire Splices and Joints

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HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

Before you start answering the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will
disturb you while enjoying these lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully
follow the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this module.
2. Write on your notebook or any writing pad the concepts about the lessons.
Writing enhances learning.
3. Perform all provided activities in this module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers.
5. Analyze conceptually the post-test and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

• Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the lessons
in this module.
• Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge, and will give some hint about the
concepts to be mastered throughout this module.
• Looking Back - This section will measure what learnings have you gained from the
previous lesson.
• Brief Introduction- This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Activities - These are activities are designed to develop critical thinking and essential
competency. This can be done with or without a partner depending on the nature of the
activity.
• Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the lessons.
• Checking your Understanding - It will verify what you have learned from the lesson.
• Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire module.

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PREPARE ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND TOOLS

EXPECTATIONS
After reading this module, you MUST be able to:
1. Identify the different tools and materials needed in splicing and joining electrical
conductors.
2. Perform different splices and joints on electrical conductors.
3. Value safety in splicing and joining of electrical conductors.

PRE-TEST

INSTRUCTION: Read the questions carefully and write the best answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the first step in making a rat tail joint?

a. twisting of two unstripped conductors.
b. twisting the two stripped conductors.
c. placing the ends of the conductors in an X position.
d. Strip off the insulator of both wires.
2. After stripping the insulator and placing both wires in an X position, what is the
next step to make western union short tie splice?
a. Join the 2 wires by making 2 twists.
b. Join the 2 wires by making 3 twists.
c. Join the 2 wires by making 1 twist
d. Join the 2 wires by making 4 to 6 twists.
3. What is the last step in making a plain tap joint?
a. Turn the tap wire around the main wire making four to five turns.
b. Bend the tap wire over the main wire making a long twist.
c. Place the wires in crossed position.
d. Strip the tap wire end and the main wire.
4. What might happen if you use plain tap joint under heavy tensile stress?
a. Nothing unusual will happen.
b. The main wire will break.
c. The tap wire might lose its connection to the main wire.
d. none of the above.
5. Jeff used a rat tail joint to connect two wires. He also used rat tail joint to
connect five wires. Did Jeff made the right thing?
a. Yes, you can use rat tail joint in five to six wires.
b. No, five wires may not strongly hold together using a rat tail joint. Octopus
joint is much suitable.
c. Yes, you can use any type of joint in any number of wires.

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 d. No, five wires may not strongly hold together using a rat tail joint. Plain tap
joint is much suitable.
6. Jake and Dane both skinned the same conductor for their wiring installation.
Jake’s wire has several nicks, while Dane’s wire does not have any. Whose
work is better?
a. Jake, because nick in the wire shows how good someone in skinning.
b. Dane, because nick in the wire may result in breakage.
c. Both of their work is good.
d. Both of their work is bad.
7. What kind of joint is commonly used to join two or more conductors inside the
junction box? It is suitable for service where there is no mechanical stress
when wires are to be connected.
a. rat tail joint c. cross joint
b. plain tap joint d. tee joint
8. Which method of wrapping is generally used on small cables?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap
b. duplex cross joint d. Y-splice
9. What kind of tap joint is used where the tap wire is under HEAVY tensile
stress?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap joint
b. duplex cross joint d. plain tap joint
10. What kind of tap joint is used where the tap wire is under CONSIDERABLE
tensile stress?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap
b. duplex cross joint d. plain tap joint
11. Which of the following is the most widely used splice in INTERIOR wiring
installation in order to extend the length of the wire from one point to another?
a. cross joint c. western union long-tie splice
b. western union short-tie splice d. duplex cross joint
12. Which of the following is the most widely used splice in OUTSIDE wiring
installation in order to extend the length of the wire from one point to another?
a. cross joint c. western union long-tie splice
b. western union short-tie splice d. duplex cross joint
13. Which of the following tools is NOT needed in splicing and joining
conductors?
a. combination pliers c. side-cutting pliers
b. long-nose pliers d. slip-joint pliers
14. What do you call the small cut on a wire caused by improper stripping of
insulator?
a. kink c. sink
b. blink d. nick

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15. What tool is used to make terminal loop in the end of the conductor before
terminating it to an electrical device?
a. combination pliers c. side-cutting pliers
b. long-nose pliers d. slip-joint pliers
16. What kind of joint is used on large solid conductors, where it is difficult to wrap
the heavy tap wire around the main wire?
a. Y-splice c. knotted tap joint
b. wrapped tap joint d. plain tap joint
17. What kind of joint is a combination of two plain taps placed side by side with
each other?
a. plain tap c. cross joint
b. knotted tap d. tee joint
18. What kind of joint is a two-tap wire turned simultaneously and is used when
the two tap wire is under heavy tensile stress?
a. plain tap c. cross joint
b. knotted tap d. duplex cross joint
19. What type of joint can be used to combine three or more wires?
a. octopus joint c. rat tail joint
b. western union d. tap joint
20. What kind of tap joint is used as temporary tap usually used in construction
sites? The easy twist will facilitate tap wire movement.
a. aerial tap joint c. plain tap joint
b. wrapped tap joint d. knotted tap joint
21. Which of the following is NOT a safety shop practice?
a. Always use sharp tools.
b. Keep your workplace clean.
c. Wear your ID and jewelries when working.
d. Report any accident or injury to your trainer/teacher immediately.
22. Which of the following tools CANNOT be used to strip off insulators?
a. hacksaw c. set of pliers
b. wire stripper d. electrician’s knife
23. What can possibly happen if you forgot to perform housekeeping after your
activity?
a. Someone might get injured by slipping, caused by tools or supplies lying on
the floor
b. Tools may get lost.
c. Materials can get damaged.
d. All of the above
24. Which of the following is an example of good housekeeping?
a. Tools properly arranged.
b. Wires scattered all over the floor.
c. Tools and materials, combined in the tool cabinet.
d. Wiring boards full of chalk marks.

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 25. Which splice or joint will you use to join five electrical conductors?
a. western union splice c. rat tail joint
b. octopus joint d. tap joint

LOOKING BACK

INSTRUCTION: On a separate sheet of paper, name the following tools and

materials below.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

9. 10.

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LESSON 1.3 COMMON WIRE SPLICES AND JOINTS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

As a trainee in Electrical Installation and Maintenance, you should acquire the important
knowledge and skills in wire splicing and joining, and should be familiar with the actual
application it. This will serve as your great tool in performing actual wiring installation in the
future.

COMMON WIRE SPLICES AND JOINTS

Rat-tail joint. This kind of joint is commonly used to join two or more conductors inside
the junction box. It is suitable for service when there is no mechanical stress when
wires are to be connected in an outlet box, switch, or conduit fitting.

Y-splice. This method of wrapping is generally used on small cables because the
strands are flexible and all can be wrapped in one operation.

Knotted tap joint. This is used where the tap wire is under heavy tensile stress.

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Plain tap joint. This is used where the tap wire is under considerable tensile stress
circuit.

Aerial tap joint. This is used as a temporary tap usually done in constructions sites.
The easy twist will facilitate tap wire movement.

Duplex cross joint. This is a two-tap wire turned simultaneously and is used where
the two tap wire is under heavy tensile stress.

Western Union Short-tie Splice. This is the most widely used splice or joint in interior
wiring installation to extend the length of wire from one point to another.

Western Union Long Tie. This is used extensively for outside wiring to extend the
length of wire from one end to another.

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 Cross joint. The same application is done as in plain tap and the only difference is
that this tap is a combination of two plain taps place side by side with each other.

Wrapped tap or tee joint. This is used on large solid conductors where it is difficult
to wrap the heavy tap wire around the main wire.

ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY 1

Electrical Wire Stripping

Instruction: Perform electrical wire stripping together with your guardian. Your activity
should be video-recorded and submitted online or by softcopy within the week (7
days) after the activity had been discussed. You will be graded using the rubrics
below.
PERFORMANCE RUBRICS
CRITERIA 96-100 81-95 76-80 75
Workmanship Tools were There is an There are Most of the time
(80%) properly used. instance where a instances where tools were not
Safety tool is not tools were not properly used, or
procedures were properly used, or properly used, or safety
observed. All a safety some safety procedures not
stripped wires procedure was procedures not observed, or
has no nicks. not observed, or observed, or most of the
a stripped wire some stripped stripped wires
has a nick. wires have nicks. have nicks.
I. Material
- 5 meters #14 AWG solid wire

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 Punctuality The learner The learner The learner The learner
(20%) submitted the submitted the submitted the submitted work 7
work on time. work 1-3days work 4-6 days late or more days
late. late.
II. Tools
- Set of pliers/ wire stripper/ electrician’s knife
- pull-push rule
III. Procedure (Do not forget to video-record your activity)
1. Wear proper PPE.
2. Using pull-push rule, measure 3 inches on your wire.
3. Cut it using side-cutting pliers.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have sixteen 3-inch wires.
5. Get one 3-inch wire and measure two inches.
6. Gently strip off 2-inch insulator off your wire using your set of pliers, or your
wire stripper, or your electrician’s knife.
7. Strip off the insulator of the remaining fifteen wires.

ACTIVITY 2

Splicing and Joining Electrical Conductor

Instruction: Perform rat tail joint, western union short tie splice, and plain tap joint
together with your guardian. You will use the stripped wire from activity 1. This activity
should be video-recorded and submitted online or by softcopy within the week (7 days)
after the activity had been discussed. You will be graded using the rubrics below.

PERFORMANCE RUBRICS
CRITERIA 96-100 81-95 76-80 75
Workmanship Tools were There is an There are Most of the time
(80%) properly used. instance where a instances where tools were not
Safety tool is not tools were not properly used, or
procedures were properly used, or properly used, or safety
observed. All joint a safety some safety procedures not
were correct and procedure was procedures not observed, or
tightly made. not observed, or observed, or some most of the joints
a joint not joints not properly not properly
properly made. made. made.
Punctuality The learner The learner The learner The learner
(20%) submitted the submitted the submitted the submitted work 7
work on time. work 1-3days work 4-6 days late or more days
late. late.

I. Material

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 - stripped wire from the previous activity
II. Tools
- Set of pliers
III. Procedures (Do not forget to video-record your activity)
1. Wear proper PPE.
2. Following the video-recorded instruction from your teacher, make two rat tail
joint, two
western union short tie splice, and two plain tap joints.

REMEMBER

The connections of your splices and joints must be well made and the wires
should be tightly joined to prevent voltage loss. In high current situation, a poor
connection causes heat and oxidation that can make the conductor brittle or
worse, might cause fire.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

FILL IN THE BLANKS

INSTRUCTION: On a separate sheet of paper, write your answers on the

following questions below.

1. What kind of joint is commonly used to join two or more conductors inside the
junction box? It is suitable for service when there is no mechanical stress when wires
are to be connected in an outlet box, switch, or conduit fitting.
____________________
2. What joint is used on large solid conductors where it is difficult to wrap the heavy
tap wire around the main wire? ____________________
3. What do you call the method of wrapping generally used on small cables? It is
suitable to use because the strands are flexible, and all can be wrapped in one
operation.
____________________
4. What do you call the tap joint which is done the same as in a plain tap and the only
difference is that this tap is a combination of two plain taps placed side by side with
each other?
____________________

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5. Which tap joint is used when the tap wire is under heavy tensile stress?
____________________
6. Which splice is used extensively for outside wiring in order to extend the length of
wire from one end to another? ____________________
7. Which tap joint is used where the tap wire is under considerable tensile circuit
stress? ____________________
8. Which splice is the most widely used splice or joint in interior wiring installation to
extend the length of wire from one point to another? ____________________
9. Which tap joint is used as a temporary tap usually done in constructions sites? The
easy twist will facilitate tap wire movement. ____________________
10. Which tap joint is a two-tap wire turned simultaneously and is used where the two
tap wire is under heavy tensile stress? ____________________

POST TEST

INSTRUCTION: Read the questions carefully and write the best answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the first step in making a rat tail joint?
a. Twisting of two unstripped conductors.
b. Twisting the two stripped conductors.
c. Placing the ends of the conductors in an X position.
d. Strip off the insulator of both wires.
2. After stripping the insulator and placing both wires in an X position, what is the
next step to make western union short tie splice?
a. Join the 2 wires by making 2 twists.
b. Join the 2 wires by making 3 twists.
c. Join the 2 wires by making 1 twist
d. Join the 2 wires by making 4 to 6 twists.
3. What is the last step in making plain tap joint?
a. Turn the tap wire around the main wire making four to five turns.
b. Bend the tap wire over the main wire making a long twist.
c. Place the wires in crossed position.
d. Strip the tap wire and the main wire.
4. What might happen if you use plain tap joint under heavy tensile stress?
a. Nothing unusual will happen.
b. The main wire will break.
c. The tap wire might lose its connection to the main wire.
d. none of the above.

5. Jeff used rat tail joint to connect two wires. He also used a rat tail joint to
connect five wires. Did Jeff made the right thing?

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 a. Yes, you can use rat tail joint in five to six wires.
b. No, five wires may not be strongly hold together using rat tail joint. Octopus
joint is much more suitable.
c. Yes, you can use any type of joint in any number of wires.
d. No, five wires may not be strongly hold together using rat tail joint. Plain
tap joint is much more suitable.
6. Jake and Dane both skinned the same conductor for their wiring installation.
Jake’s wire has several nicks, while Dane’s wire does not have any. Whose
work is better?
a. Jake, because nick in the wire shows how good someone in skinning.
b. Dane, because nick in the wire may result in breakage.
c. Both of their work is good.
d. Both of their work is bad.
7. What kind of joint is commonly used to join two or more conductors inside the
junction box? It is suitable for service where there is no mechanical stress
when wires are to be connected.
a. rat tail joint c. cross joint
b. plain tap joint d. tee joint
8. Which method of wrapping is generally used on small cables?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap
b. duplex cross joint d. Y-splice
9. What kind of tap joint is used where the tap wire is under HEAVY tensile
stress?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap joint
b. duplex cross joint d. plain tap joint
10. What kind of tap joint is used where the tap wire is under CONSIDERABLE
tensile stress?
a. rat tail joint c. knotted tap
b. duplex cross joint d. plain tap joint
11. Which of the following is the most widely used splice in INTERIOR wiring
installation to extend the length of the wire from one point to another?
a. cross joint c. western union long-tie splice
b. western union short-tie splice d. duplex cross joint
12. Which of the following is the most widely used splice in OUTSIDE wiring
installation to extend the length of the wire from one point to another?
a. cross joint c. western union long-tie splice
b. western union short-tie splice d. duplex cross joint
13. Which of the following tools is NOT needed in splicing and joining
conductors?
a. combination pliers c. side-cutting pliers
b. long-nose pliers d. slip-joint pliers

14. What do you call the small cut on a wire caused by improper stripping of
insulators?

12
 a. kink c. sink
b. blink d. nick
15. What tool is used to make a terminal loop in the end of the conductor before
terminating it to an electrical device?
a. combination pliers c. side-cutting pliers
b. long-nose pliers d. slip-joint pliers
16. What kind of joint is used on large solid conductors, where it is difficult to wrap
the heavy tap wire around the main wire?
a. Y-splice c. knotted tap joint
b. wrapped tap joint d. plain tap joint
17. What kind of joint is a combination of two plain taps placed side by side with
each other?
a. plain tap c. cross joint
b. knotted tap d. tee joint
18. What kind of joint is a two-tap wire turned simultaneously and is used when
the two tap wire is under heavy tensile stress?
a. plain tap c. cross joint
b. knotted tap d. duplex cross joint
19. What type of joint can be used to combine three or more wires?
a. octopus joint c. rat tail joint
b. western union d. tap joint
20. What kind of tap joint is used as temporary tap usually used in construction
sites? The easy twist will facilitate tap wire movement.
a. aerial tap joint c. plain tap joint
b. wrapped tap joint d. knotted tap joint
21. Which of the following is NOT a safety shop practice?
a. Always use sharp tools.
b. Keep your workplace clean.
c. Wear your ID and jewelries when working.
d. Report any accident or injury to your trainer/teacher immediately.
22. Which of the following tools CANNOT be used to strip off insulator?
a. hacksaw c. set of pliers
b. wire stripper d. electrician’s knife
23. What can possibly happen if you forgot to perform housekeeping after your
activity?
a. Someone might get injured by slipping, caused by tools or supplies lying on
the floor
b. Tools may get lost.
c. Materials can get damaged.
d. All of the above.

24. Which of the following is an example of good housekeeping?

a. Tools properly arranged.

13
 b. Wires scattered all over the floor.
c. Tools and materials, combined in the tool cabinet.
d. Wiring boards full of chalk marks.
25. Which splice or joint will you use to join five electrical conductors?
a. western union splice c. rat tail joint
b. octopus joint d. tap joint

REFLECTIVE LEARNING

Write your learning reflections about this module on a separate sheet of paper,
or on your notebook.

I learned that….

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

PRE-TEST CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING POST-TEST

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 • ROMAN A. CABUSORA JR., Master Teacher I, San Francisco High School,
Bago Bantay, Quezon City

REVIEWERS:
• GIL P. CASUGA, Chief TESD Specialist
• REYNALDO S. DANTES, Senior TESD Specialist
• MARIA A. ROQUE, Senior TESD Specialist
• BERNADETTE S. AUDIJE, Senior TESD Specialist
• VICTORIO N. MEDRANO, Principal IV, SPRCNHS
• PARALUMAN R. GIRON, Ed.D., Chair, Sub-TWG on K to 10
• BRENDA B. CORPUZ, Ph.D., TA for K to 12 Curriculum
• OFELIA O. FLOJO, Retired Assistant Chief, EED, Region IV-A
• BEATRIZ A. ADRIANO, Principal IV, ERVHS
• AIDA T. GALURA, VSA II, ACNTS
• DOMINGA CAROLINA F. CHAVEZ, Principal II, MBHS

DOCUMENTORS / SECRETARIAT:
• PRISCILLA E. ONG, K to 12 Secretariat
• FREDERICK G. DEL ROSARIO, Head Teacher III, BNAHS
• EMMANUEL V. DIONISIO, Head Teacher III, AFGBMTS
• LYMWEL P. LOPEZ, Teacher I, AFGBMTS
• DANTE D. VERMON JR., Teacher I, AFGBMTS
• CHERLYN F. DE LUNA, Teacher I, AFGBMTS
• JOANNA LISA C. CARPIO, Teacher I, BNAHS
• ROMANO T. LOPEZ, Teacher I, BNAHS
• Dir. IMELDA B. TAGANAS, Executive Director, Qualifications Standards
Office K to 12 Learning Area Team Convener, TLE/TVE
•

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This learning module was developed for Electrical Installation and Maintenance
(EIM), Grade 8 of the Special Program on Technical-Vocational Education (SPTVE)
Curriculum with the assistance of the following persons:

Module Writer Reviewer/Validator

MERVIC MERCADO JESUSA Y. ALCARAZ

Teacher 1 Head Teacher VI
A.J. Villegas Vocational High Sch. A. J. Villegas Vocational High Sch.

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