How far should distribution wires be laid out straight before splicing?

The recommended distance for laying out distribution wires straight before splicing is 10 feet. This standard is in place to ensure that the wires can be properly aligned and maintained straight, which is crucial for effective splicing. A straight section of wire allows for a cleaner splice with a better electrical connection, minimizing resistance and the potential for failures later on.

Maintaining a 10-foot straight section helps ensure that the wires are free from kinks and bends, which can cause issues during the splicing process and lead to unreliable performance. It provides enough wire length for the splicing technique to be effectively applied, whether using mechanical connectors, soldering, or other methods.

In practice, following this guideline helps to ensure safety and reliability in electrical systems by promoting good splicing techniques and reducing the risk of electrical faults.