An alternative to 'choc' block connectors?

[NickHar]

Seem to have more & more small gauge wiring around as the 'gadgets' increase - mainly NMEA.

I've used block connectors before - often in water-resistant housing like the sort supplied by Index marine. They do the job, but I find them fiddly & its sometimes difficult to tell if the really thin wires have a good contact. I've also go a couple of gel-filled 'telephone' type connectors, & they're fine for just one or two wires..

What I'm really after is something like in my Raymarine AIS, where there's a bank of what appear to be spring-loaded connectors, with a lever for each connector that can be pressed with a screwdrive to open it... but when you release the lever it it seems to hold it very firmly with a good (visible) surface area. Really quick & easy to use (although I guess cable needs to be secured so it doesn't pull too much).

Does anyone know what this type of system is called (or where to buy it)... or have any other recommendations for easy-to-use connectors?

Many thanks!
Nick

 

[colvic987]

this type of connector might be what your looking for.

http://img-asia.electrocomponents.com/largeimages/R779605-91.jpg

look for rs.

 

[jusw]

Have a look at www.hylec-apl.co.uk - They stock a pretty wide range - I think you're after screwless terminals

JuSw

 

[JimC]

this type of connector might be what your looking for.
http://img-asia.electrocomponents.com/largeimages/R779605-91.jpg
look for rs.

Have a look at www.hylec-apl.co.uk - They stock a pretty wide range - I think you're after screwless terminals
JuSw

Neither of these seem likely to be of use to the OP as they don't appear to quote for small quantity purchases to individual customers. In the UK retail market (e.g. local hardware shop, B&Q, Wilkinsons etc.) the 5 amp size chocolate bar connectors can be used for fine (e.g. NMEA) wires if the wires are bent back on themselves to double their thickness and the assembly is saturated in silicone spray (Halfords, Comma etc.) after tightening the clamping screws to prevent corrosion.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Try here http://uk.rs-online.com/web/4649744.html or do a search for "leaf screw terminal block"

If I have a small wire to put in a terminal I tend to crimp a pin lug on the thin wire and add some silicon sealer into the lug before crimping to help seal the end of the cable to reduce corrosion.

 

[chuzzlewit]

I'd stick with choc block,

the kind where the screw presses down a metal plate . It grips the finest wire. Try Merlin of Poole.

 

[Boo2]

I think you're after screwless terminalsJuSw

I think CPC.co.uk will sell to private individuals, they have some here.

Boo2

 

[NickHar]

Thanks to all...

... for the tips, not just about what to buy... but about folding/crimping on lugs etc to smaller wires to make for a better contact, & corrosion avoidance too.

I'd forgotten about RS components... I like the look of their 'Plastic screwless' terminal blocks, & might order a few to try (maybe the quick connect ones - see here)

Thanks again!
Nick

 

[Martin_J]

I have not had time to search for any UK sites.. but I just searched on google for 'IP55 plastic junction box' and pictures and found exactly what is used for some of the NMEA connections on my Moody. I was hoping to find a supplier but never had the time to research where they came from.

They seem to be very lightweight, small.. and keep the damp off the connections. Also - you could stick a label on them to show what is connected and with a clip on lid you don't need to fuss over four screws to get the lid off!

First site I found showing them...
http://philippines.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2526166

Seriously.. It's still RS components.. Just need to find a supplier now.

 

[Martin_J]

I'm not sure the dimensions are correct on the RS site.. the datasheet shows the 05002 as being 65x65x45mm
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=0151612

and inside it is the usual choc block connecting strip.

 

[Boo2]

First site I found showing them...
http://philippines.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2526166

Seriously.. It's still RS components.. Just need to find a supplier now.

Does this help ?

Boo2

 

[halcyon]

They seem to be very lightweight, small.. and keep the damp off the connections. Also - you could stick a label on them to show what is connected and with a clip on lid you don't need to fuss over four screws to get the lid off!

First site I found showing them...
http://philippines.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2526166

It's a standard box type that RS / Farnell / CPC etc stock, think I even have some lying around.


Brian