Installing handwarmers - how to "cut in"

[mudcow007]

This morning was baltic like cold here, my balls only started coming down from inside of my chest by about 10am

Anyways, i have got me a cheap set of handwarmers from fleabay, which came with absolutley no instructions whats so ever, but would presume the "live" wire needs to be cut into a switched live on the bike (and fused too)

Should this be done with a scotchlok? personally i hate them as ive cut through wires with them in the past

Suggestions an answers on a postcode card

[ADSrox0r]

Do a proper job, strip right back and lineman splice it in with a nice bit of solder and heatshrink.

Or don't. Up to you really.
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Current bikes: '08 VFR 800 VTEC(yo) , '07 ZZR1400 Winter hack: '95 Aprilia 650 Pegaso Currently lusting after: RC30

[Rogerborg]

Go with a fused relay, e.g. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111581062672 (but fit a 5A fuse).

Procedure is as per stinkwheel's excellent guide:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=2444272

[UnknownStuntm...]

I'd use something like these: https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-automatic-wire-stripper/97204?kpid=97204&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=Cj0KEQiAvNrBBRDe3IOwzLn6_O4BEiQAmbK-DlG7xzRSXUJtW-RY1mV6Cb9Gj0kPOdqTOnl3V6igBOQaAlWO8P8HAQ
strip a small opening in the wires, solder, heatshrink and insulation tape. Anything that makes heat has the ability to draw a fair bit of current. And scotchlocks aren't really designed for current.
And I don't care what their marketing department say.

[stinkwheel]

If you must "splice in".

Replace a single terminal with a double one.

Or cut the wire and re-join it with a double terminal.

My heated grips can draw up to 3A so make sure whatever wire you are attaching to can cope with that AND the current it's already carrying. A relay is better.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[mudcow007]

Awesome I had forgotten about that awesome wiring guide.

Next question - which is probably stupid but hey ho, do the heating elements go :- on top of the grips or underneath.

Im guessing the cheap nasty ones i have bought go on top as they have come with a pair of novelty size heat shrink, which im guessing is designed to go over the grips?

Suppose if they go over the grip they arnt then heating the bars?

[Rogerborg]

Over the grips. If they're the same as the ones I just fitted, then you want the wires elements on the inside, facing the grips. The pads curve easily in that direction, but not the other way. A hairdryer should be sufficient for the shrink wrap, although I used a scorchy hot air gun.

[mudcow007]

[Rogerborg]

[Polarbear]

[Rogerborg]

[tom_e]

[mudcow007]

Mission is a success

As per "Stinkies" guide, I installed the hardwarmers with use of a relay.

Weirdly the relay i bought had a built in 30A fuse . I swapped that out for a 5A, an just because i had one, also fitted an inline jobbie too

The heaters work a treat, but I dont like them. It feels weirdly having warm sweaty palms an freezing cold finger tips

[Rogerborg]