t taps v soldering

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Security and Convenience
Forum Discription: Car Alarms, Keyless Entries, Remote Starters, Immobilizer Bypasses, Sensors, Door Locks, Window Modules, Heated Mirrors, Heated Seats, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=125238
Printed Date: May 03, 2025 at 2:45 AM

Topic: t taps v soldering

Posted By: howie ll
Subject: t taps v soldering
Date Posted: December 25, 2010 at 4:36 AM

Please let's end this daft debate once and for all.

In the UK we have an organisation called MIRA.
The Motor Industry Research Association.
NOT government funded but the by the motor manufacturers and insurance industry.
For a car alarm to qualify (Cat 1 type), there are certain build standards it has to adhere to the principle ones are as follows:

Metal casing for the brain.
All power ground and starter and ignition cut wires black.
Battery back up siren.

There are certain insulation features to be adhered to as well:

Brain to be stealthed and secured either T20 security, M4 bolted with nyloc insert nuts or cable tied in a place that can't be seen from casual, i.e. without removing panels observation.
All joints to withstand 15lbs pulling (strain) stress.
Use of compound ratchet type crimpers is mandatory.
ALL JOINTS TO BE EITHER SOLDERED OR USE ADHESIVE LINED CRIMP CONNECTORS. Use of T Taps not allowed.
Door, hood and trunk triggers mandatory.
MIRA, based in Thatcham, Berkshire sets these standards for Europe, the Middle East and Australia, NZ.
Please note the heavy typing.
They've relaxed the adhesive lined crimp part, the only receptacles I crimp are fastons for switches and relays and ring terminals, even so I sleeve them in heat shrink to keep moisture out, scrape the paint from grounding bolts and spray with moisture retarders.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

Replies:

Posted By: godd dan it
Date Posted: December 25, 2010 at 5:13 AM

I never use T-taps or butt connectors. Soldering is the best.

I have ripped out alarms and/or remote starters and have seen T-taps used for the heavy gauge remote starter wires. posted_image All wires are important, but I think any wire or wires dealing with the immobiliser is most important. If you have to cut the wire in half.......make sure you solder it! It could mean the difference between the car starting or not.

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Posted By: zerepdivad
Date Posted: December 25, 2010 at 3:36 PM

It seems the t-taps are popular with diyers with mullets, and dealershipt installs it seems...
I honestly kind of cringe a bit when i see them...

you guys have metal cases for your brains? as in you guys put them in metal casings or that any alarm/remote starts made for the uk are cased in metal?

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A DMM is a beautiful thing.

MECP Advanced Installer Certified.