wirespoked

Wirespoked is a term used in electronics and maker communities to describe the practice of threading or inserting wires through small openings or through partial insulation to reach contacts, or to route a wiring harness. It may refer to the act of creating a connection by poking exposed conductors into terminals, pins, or through chassis holes, often in improvised or provisional assemblies. The resulting wiring is sometimes described as a wirespoke harness or a wirespoked setup.

Origins and usage: The term is informal and derives from the combination of “wire” and “poked.” It appears in online DIY and hobbyist discussions, where it characterizes a pragmatic, sometimes temporary, method of making electrical connections without standardized connectors. It is not a formal engineering standard.

Techniques and applications: Wirespoked work is commonly seen in rapid prototyping, repair work, automotive diagnostics, or art installations where time or space constraints favor a direct, hands-on approach. It emphasizes routing and grounding by physically guiding conductors through openings or around obstacles. In many cases, practitioners supplement such work with insulation, strain relief, or other stabilizing measures to reduce movement and the risk of short circuits.

Safety and alternatives: Because wirespoked connections can be mechanically unstable and prone to shorts, they are generally discouraged for permanent or high-current use. Alternatives include soldering, terminal blocks, crimp connectors, or printed circuit board traces, which provide greater reliability and safety. Proper insulation and adherence to electrical codes are important when any exposed conductors are involved.

See also: Wire harness, insulation piercing connector, soldering, crimp connector, terminal block.