What should the end goal be when completing a splice?

The primary objective when completing a splice is to maintain a reliable connection. A splice must ensure that the flow of electricity or data continues without interruption, and that it meets the required performance standards. Achieving a reliable connection minimizes the risk of data loss, signal degradation, or electrical faults, which are crucial in utility service applications.

While considerations like reducing the amount of cable used or making the splice visually appealing might have some relevance in specific contexts, they do not directly impact the functional aspect of the splice. The focus should always be on ensuring that the connection remains stable and operational over time. Ensuring ongoing access to the splice is also important for maintenance and troubleshooting, but it is ultimately secondary to the fundamental goal of reliability in the connection itself.