My soldering iron died mid-run on a 42-zone panel install in Phoenix last Tuesday

Dakota Ramirez · 2026-10-17T20:35:05.052383+00:00

Last Tuesday I was halfway through wiring a 42 zone panel at a new build out in north Phoenix when my old soldering iron just quit on me. I had 18 zones left to land and the supply house was 25 minutes away, so I pulled out the backup I keep in the van and finished the run with it. The backup heats up way slower, which meant each joint took me almost twice as long, and I ended up staying an hour past dark to finish. It got me wondering how many of you actually test your backup tools before you need them, or do you just toss them in the van like I did? Also curious if anyone has a brand of iron that holds heat better on those longer runs.

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My soldering iron died mid-run on a 42-zone panel install in Phoenix last Tuesday | Alarm System Installers - Thought Shares