Splice Block/Organizing LV wiring spiderwebs

Robert O'Connor_3

Hi gang, I'm wiring an injection panel (the WM packaged version) and I want to try to harness the slew of LV wiring going on here (xformer to to tstats & actuator end switches, tsats to 4 actuators, end switches to IPC, you know the spaghetti) and I was thinking instead of tying multiple wires under a single lug, I would use some sort of splice block to tie all appropriate leads together. Anyone ever use something like that? Any other good ideas or pictures out there about taming the 18gauge spaghetti monster? Thanks.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Strip back insulation a good way, twist wires together to form a secure mechanical connection, tin (lightly solder) them together, trim to appropriate length and install in a properly sized, high quality crimp-on connector?

Good way if you don't believe that changes are likely in the reasonable future.

Matt Undy

connectors

Or look at "european style" terminal strips where the wire inserts into a hole in a block of metal and is secured with a screw taped into the side of that block. Should be able to neatly put multiple wire into it. Also look at automotive type wire loom and clips of the screw mount or reclosable type to help bundle and neaten up the wires. The ultimate would be to get a wire label prionter and label every cable at both ends...

Matt

Caselli

http://www.wago.com/web/us/pdf/wall.pdf

Wouldn't work here, but here's something worth knowing about. Wall-Nuts. Push-Wire connectors.

16 - 12 gage for stranded though. One 4-conductor connector model has one 18-gage port -- intended for ceiling fans, lights...

Robert O'Connor_3

Thanks for the replies. The euro-connector may be something to use, if I can find them. Simple crimp starts looking sloppy with 3+ wires. Those wagos are OK- Ideal actually has a version that accepts 18GA in all ports:

http://www.idealindustries.com/wt/IdcPushin.nsf

If I was able to fasten these to my mounting board, they would be perfect. As it stands, if I don't find anything else, the ideals will win (they actually sell smaller quantity blister packs at the orange box).

Dave Bush

Radidio Slack

Radio Shack sells 12 position european terminal blocks rated for thirty amps. (Check the back of the package, because there are lower rated versions that look like it.)

I've used this type numerous times. I usually get them from an electrical supply, but I find that most Radio Shacks sell them, if you get in a pinch.

This type can be cut to length, also, if needed, with side cutters.

I like them, they're versatile, and can handle up to 1 12 solid in each slot, but they're perfect for 16-18 ga control wiring.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Barrier Strip

Common, old-time component. As supplied used for making a big series of simple one-to-one connections.

As an accessory there is a piece of metal that looks like a big-toothed comb. The "comb" attaches to one side of the strip and you can make any number of individual connections on the other side all linking together through a single connection on the "comb" side.

Radio Shack should have them as should decent electrical supply houses.