wiring - terminal blocks/connectors

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Cable runs for instruments etc.

I try to avoid terminal blocks if possible, but when I do need them what are the best type to use?

Normal choc' terminals have rusted in places??

 

[Cliveshep]

How about the red, blue or yellow (dependant on conductor size), crimped connectors, installed with a proper ratchet crimper (not those stupid things that come in the kit and tend to chop the whole thing in half), and a heat shrink sleeve to completely cover the joint and seal it? Ratchet crimpers are only a few pounds, they and heat shrink sleeve from Maplins or any good electrical wholesale shop. It makes a professional joint job and the heat shrink not only supports the wires at the joint but it also excludes moisture.

 

[Malish]

Spade connectors are the best way to go and if you are trying to join a small number of wires then you can get 3 & 4 way male connectors to connect several female together. If lots of cables to join (i.e. and earth / negative) then a small bus bar is the way to go, with crimped eye connectors. I fully endorse the use of a decent rachet crimper.
I buy such bits from
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu
They have an on-line catalogue

 

[RestlessL]

I use these for instrument wires. Simple and reliable.

 

[RobBrown]

Echo RestlessL's suggestion- he advised these (& kindly provided a few) for reconnecting my Nasa wind unit @ top of mast & combined with SA tape, still working fine 2 seasons later. Only downside is if very fine wiring, then can require doubling up, but no fiddly wire stripping required & self waterproofing.

 

[ShaunG]

for 12v wiring, then these http://bluesea.com/category/9/36 are probably the best, put a ring terminal on the end of the wire and the screw down to the terminal blocl, you can also then link circuits with a connector that blue sea supply, I think a 8 way 10 amp is about £4. I have been using these for about 5 years, makes testing and adding additonal circuits easy

 

[Evadne]

I would agree about the ring terminals and clamps. If you are going to use terminal block or strip, use bootlace ferrules (also red.blue/yellow crimps) rather than sticking the wire in directly.

 

[SimonP85]

Can anyone recommend somewhere to buy a smaller quantity of the 3M connectors from? I don't really need 100 but they would be perfect for connecting up our new log.

 

[ShaunG]

If you are anywhere near chichester you are welcome to a handful, or i can post some if you want, i have a couple of thousand

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

thanks all thats helped a lot
Scotty