On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 16:36:19 -0000, JohnDW
wrote:

Peter Bennett, in article 0inhu2helpvoua2dr1h3ekkopfsr67qjp1
, says...
On Fri, 2 Mar 2007 16:05:36 -0800, "Lynn Coffelt"
wrote:

A good deal of modern boat electronics wiring is connected to terminal
blocks by sticking the end of the wire into a hole where a screw-down clamp
holds the wire in place. It always looked like a not too smart idea to me,
but they neglected to ask me when the equipment was being designed.
My question is: How do you experts treat the wire ends that go into the
terminal block holes?

Europeans frequently use these compression terminals (Phoenix,
Weidmuller and other make nice terminal block systems using them), and
use ferrules (sp?) on the wires - metal sleeves, possibly with a
plastic part to go over the wire insulation - the ferrules are crimped
on the wire, before inserting the wire in the terminal, and make a
very neat installation. The normal ferrules do make it difficult to
get two wires in a terminal, but there are ferrules designed
specifically to handle two wires (I've never used them myself.)

These ferrules and crimp tools are available from Digikey, Newark and
others.

These European terminal block systems make really nice assemblies -
much nicer than our usual barrier blocks. With the optional parts
that allow you to bridge terminals, you can make quite fancy
distribution systems. See
http://members.shaw.ca/peterbb/dinblock.html


As a European of the British variety I would never use
(European designed) DIN rails on a boat - or anywhere subject
to moisture. They are intended for power wiring in enclosed
locations ONLY. OK, if you enclose them in a waterproof box
but not otherwise.

I think I'm agreeing with Larry - Use crimped ring terminals
on screw connectors. At least, with these, if the screw does
loosen due to vibration, the wire doesn't become disconnected
and go walkabouts. As an alternative, I'll use screw
connectors with the wire crimped into a bootlace ferrule or,
preferably, one with a hook on the end so the wire won't come
out in the event of the screw vibrating loose. (similar to
this: http://tinyurl.com/32pmmu)

And, yes, keep the metalwork the same so you don't get
electrolytic corrosion.

Ring terminals, hooked blades, bootlace ferrule or spade connectors,
IMHO if the terminal comes a bit loose you have probably got a burn
out on the connector and wire end anyway!
If you are considering Din rail mount terminals then take a look at
WAGO spring loaded terminals, no screws to come loose at all!

--

Richard

Nb "Pound Eater" Parkend G+S
"Governments are like Nappies, they should be changed often."
(For the same reason)