Can You Solder CAN Bus Wires?

When establishing a connection between a CAN bus and a new device, soldering is a commonly applied method. However, an error often made is using an electric soldering iron for the job. The sound advice is to always use a gas-heated soldering iron instead.

Advantages of Soldering CAN Bus Wires

Soldering CAN bus wires offers several advantages:

Provides a secure and reliable connection that is less prone to loosening over time compared to crimped or screw terminals.
Reduces resistance in the connection, which can improve signal quality and reliability.
Allows for a compact and streamlined wiring layout by eliminating the need for bulky connectors4.

Disadvantages of Soldering CAN Bus Wires

While soldering has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Soldering can make the wires more rigid and prone to breaking when subjected to repeated flexing or vibration.
It can be more time-consuming and difficult to troubleshoot or modify a soldered CAN bus connection compared to using connectors.
Improper soldering techniques, such as using an electric iron, can potentially damage the wires or introduce impurities that degrade signal quality4.

To mitigate these drawbacks, it’s crucial to use proper soldering techniques, including using a gas-heated iron, ensuring a clean and secure connection, and providing strain relief for the wires. Additionally, it’s generally recommended to solder CAN bus connections only when they will not require frequent modification or troubleshooting.