As a general rule, what is the maximum number of widely spaced bolts that should be safety wired together?

Safety wiring is an essential technique used in mechanical assemblies to prevent bolts, nuts, or screws from loosening due to vibration or movement. When applying safety wiring, it is crucial to limit the number of fasteners that are wired together. This ensures that if one fastener fails or loosens, it does not affect the integrity of the others that are connected.

In general, the maximum number of widely spaced bolts that should be safety wired together is three. This is because more than three can lead to complications in the torque applied to the bolts and may increase the risk of failure in the assembly. By keeping the safety wiring to a maximum of three, you can ensure a manageable and effective method of securing multiple fasteners without creating unnecessary interdependence between them. This practice promotes safety and reliability in mechanical assemblies, minimizing the chances of significant issues arising due to one loose connector affecting others.