Terminal block for multiple live/neutral connections

[Hogarth]

In a control panel, is there an easy way of splitting the mains input into a dozen or so connections? I've seen earthing blocks which do the same, but wondered if there's an insulated equivalent for the live and neutral feeds? I had a look on ebay but don't really know what to search for. Thanks in advance!

[Pinto]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/x-50-Wago-8-W ... 19e64cb2d4

Depending on how many ways you need - 1 input, 6 ways and 1 jumper to the next WAGO block - and you can do this ad infinitum as long as you dont exceed the 24A loading limit of the blocks in total.

Very compact too - about the side of two 5p coins side by side.

Use the lever-type ones for stranded cables.

[Aleman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/x-50-Wago-8-W ... 19e64cb2d4

Depending on how many ways you need - 1 input, 6 ways and 1 jumper to the next WAGO block - and you can do this ad infinitum as long as you dont exceed the 24A loading limit of the blocks in total.

Very compact too - about the side of two 5p coins side by side.

Use the lever-type ones for stranded cables.

How dare you post that!! I've just had to buy the Professional Installers Kit!!! I don't have any need for it yet, but it looks really cool . . . and you can get DIN Rail mounting holders for them

[themadhippy]

I've seen earthing blocks which do the same, but wondered if there's an insulated equivalent for the live and neutral feeds

there are sevral options,wagos for smaller cables,din rail terminals with a jumper bar or if your into proper size cables between 10mm-50mm then a henley block is often the weapon of choice.

[UpTheToon]

I used standard terminal block things when I built my STC controller and it was a real pain to get it into a compact case.

I built a different controller with a PID and discovered the leaver/push blocks posted above.. its a whole new world! Really easy to work with and much neater.

[Jocky]

Oooh. I like those a lot and may have to buy a big box of them for quick man points.

I shudder at the memory of when investigating why a light was flickering I pulled down the fitting to find a mass of twisted together cable, electrical tape and other crap that was a nightmare to sort out with terminal block. It went kind of like this:

*Twist together three cables, push into terminal*
*Start screwing down terminal*
*Arms start to hurt as they've been above my head for the past 15 minutes*
*Wire pops out*

"G******!!!"

*Undo screw, push wires back together, successfully screw down terminal*
*Give it a light tug to ensure solid connection and one wire pops straight out*

"********g m**** f*****!!!"

These would have made things a lot easier.

[themadhippy]

*Twist together three cables, push into terminal*

not twisting the wires together makes life much easier ,especially if you need to modify things later

[Jocky]

What's the difference between the push fit and the lever type WAGO connectors?

[UpTheToon]

What's the difference between the push fit and the lever type WAGO connectors?

Just the method of connection. The lever one is preferable in my opinion, just lift the lever again to remove the cable. You have to twist and pull to take it out of the push fit one and it can be a bit tricky.

[Hogarth]

Awesome. Wagos look just the ticket. Thanks, guys!

[Pinto]

What's the difference between the push fit and the lever type WAGO connectors?

WAGOs are designed for single core wires as they need to have "body" to push in to the connector - the lever type ones are designed for stranded cables as you open the coneecter, insert and then"trap" the cable inside with the lever. You can always tin multicore cabes with solder and use them in the push type if you want.

IMO, the lever type are easier to use but I find they can "slip" if the wires are pulled after installation - the push fits are a more positive joint (and you can remove wires from them too - just pull and twist at the same time)