Distibuting AC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: FrankT
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 08:22:15 am
content: In my current project, I have 4 AC modules that I need to distribute mains AC to in the enclosure.Is there a standard/safe way of doing this?Normally I use barrier terminals for AC, like this...http://www.altronics.com.au/p/p2130a-12-way-17.5a-450v-terminal-block/but each connection point only connects to the other side. I usually add small loops on the input to daisy chain the power to multiple points.Is it ok to do this or is there a better way?

author: nali
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 08:30:24 am
content: If you have room use DIN rail distribution blocks - Google that & you'll no doubt recognise them...

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 08:44:49 am
content: You link does not work and you have not explained much about what you are doing or the power involved.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 11:02:58 am
content: Have a look at the Wago connector range, very nice.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 12:44:49 pm
content: Those chocolate block strips are fine in an enclosure for low amps, de-rate them by 50% of the claimed amps and leave a blank connection as a guard between the live,neutral and earth.

author: IvoS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 01:25:07 pm
content: We use these:https://www.google.com/search?q=wirenuts&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=VWqiVfjdMZKqogS9oqDgBQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1152&bih=651

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 01:27:55 pm
content: You have different types and sizes DIN mounted or free mounted terminals.They come in a few different series the main differences are usually:-wire diameter 1,5 v 2,5 , 4 and even larger- screw or clamp connection- 1:1 connection as you now have or 2:2 4:4 etc in stages.Nice thing is that most normal size series let you put connections in between in the middle of the terminal. That way you can connect two 1:1 terminals as a 2:2 or three as 3:3.Manufacturers are many like Phoenix contact, Wago and Weidmuller to name a few.If size is extremely important check out the Wago 260 series although they do not have the nice interconnect option without sacrisfying inputs.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 01:29:19 pm
content: Quote from: IvoS on July 12, 2015, 01:25:07 pmThose are (at least in our country) outdated and only allowed for massive wire.

author: dom0
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 04:13:55 pm
content: For good reason.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 10:16:43 pm
content: I use this style barrier terminal strips with the bridging jumpers. If you do a little searching, you can find jumpers that bridge more than 2 terminals.Oregon Electronicshas some examples.Some jumpers from Mouser (VERIFY DIMENSIONS MATCH TERMINAL BLOCK):JP-2 JUMPER BRASS 9.53MM CENT-LNEorFBS 5-6 GY Plug-in Bridge

author: flynwill
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2015, 11:44:07 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on July 12, 2015, 01:29:19 pmHow big is "massive"? Here in the US that sort of wire nut are pretty much the standardway of doing electrical connections in household (mains) wiring.But I will agree they are less than elegant to use inside an enclosure. I would vote forbarrier strips with the jumpering also.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2015, 07:17:44 am
content: Quote from: flynwill on July 12, 2015, 11:44:07 pmMiscommunication due to the languagebarrier and google translate, my fault.I meant to say thatthese connectors were only allowed for solid wireThe Wago 222 and successor can be used for both solid or stranded wires.The turn connectors have some problems like the plastick can loosen even fall off leaving an exposed mains.Rewiring was not allowed but in practice it was done so the connection could get worse over time.Anyway those Wago connecting terminals are terrific. Here is a nice demo I really like because a lot of (non-technical) people still believe that the Wago is the weakest link on 16 Amp 2,5mm2solid copper wire while in fact the wire is the weakest link:

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2015, 08:27:24 am
content: Here is an example of a properly wired power distribution chassis using barrier terminal strips or the euro-style connectors you mentioned. The terminal strips need to be mounted to the chassis and the wires crimped with wire lugs if using the terminal strips. Also, the wires should be laced together with period strain relief chassis tie-downs.This also the same technique is needed for signal wires. However, the power and signal wiring should be bundled and routed separately.

author: dom0
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2015, 08:44:58 am
content: These barrier strips are very uncommon in the EU (except for old telephone wiring), if you open any box with lots of cables here it likely uses a bunch of these: