Alternatives to terminal strip connector blocks ?

[Boo2]

Hi,

Sunrunner has a hinged switch panel and the switches are wired to fixed terminal strip connector blocks like these then the wiring runs from those to the rest of the boat. This is OK, I suppose, but they are ugly and lack any redeeming features like waterproofness or a high bling factor. I just wondered what alternatives there are and how other peoples' boats are wired ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[sailorman]

http://www.marineexpress.co.nz/shop/Electrical/13531.html

 

[aluijten]

Mine uses a DIN-rail system. you can see a lot of that stuff here:

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Terminal_Blocks

There is a wealth of connection systems based on these DIN rails you can choose from. My guess is that RS-electronics will sell much these systems.

 

[David2452]

Barrier strips with rising blocks are a good replacement for the choc block which simply shouldn't be there. If you crimp on bootlace (uninsulated) ferrules over the conductors before inserting in the barrier strip it will protect the strands from damage.


http://www.sourcingmap.com/pcs-dual...gle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=ukfroogle

 

[Tranona]

Similar good quality mini bus bars available from Merlin www.power-store.com

You can also get the chocolate strip type with stainless inserts which are better than the normal ones.

 

[aluijten]

You can also get the chocolate strip type with stainless inserts which are better than the normal ones.

Tried to find those a while back. At least in Holland nowhere to be found anymore for normal consumers.

 

[Tranona]

Tried to find those a while back. At least in Holland nowhere to be found anymore for normal consumers.

Have seen them in the little junction boxes that Index Marine make and our local chandler used to stock them, but since I started using the type from Merlin have not bothered to look.

 

[David2452]

Choc box strips, even brass and stainless ones are not the thing to use, the problem is they are designed for single conductor cable and the screw, even the shielded type can damage and fray strands. This can be negated somewhat by using bootlace ferrules but why not just use the right thing in the first place.

 

[CreakyDecks]

DIN rail terminal blocks would look a lot better than the chocolate block you have. You buy them individually and then build up what you need. You can also get them with built in fuses, special earth coloured ones etc. If you want more "bling factor" mount the rail in an IP65 enclosure with a clear front

 

[aluijten]

DIN rail terminal blocks would look a lot better than the chocolate block you have. You buy them individually and then build up what you need. You can also get them with built in fuses, special earth coloured ones etc. If you want more "bling factor" mount the rail in an IP65 enclosure with a clear front

I once was on a 44ft yacht (brand new) where the owner used to have a trading company in electro-technical supplies.
He negotiated with the yard to build in the electrical system himself.
I have yet to see a system neater installed then on this boat. He made throughout use of DIN rails and IP65 stuff. Cable were laid out with a ruler. Almost a shame he put the whole thing in a cabinet. But it did raise the build cost quite a bit (not for the owner though )

I think, if your boat has a complicated electrical system, it does pay off to invest in some proper hardware. You don't want electrical failures especially while sailing or when away from the boat.

 

[Wunja]

Barrier strips might be the answer. Can be used with crimp on eyes etc.

RS Components

 

[2Tizwoz]

ECS have a wide range at reasonable prices Their Marine section includes tinned internals.

Blade fuses can be replaced by trips

for easier use.