Options for wire-into-enclosure interfacing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: mdszy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 12:29:52 am
content: So I have a project that involves wires being brought into an enclosure. Specifically, wires from limit switches, possibly 12V power from wires (or a barrel jack, but I have that connector situation handled as it's obviously super basic) and wires going out to a garage door opener circuit. I currently have the circuit set up so I have a 2 pin connector, a 4 pin and a 6 pin.My original goal was to use plug-and-socket style terminal blocks (see attachment) and I feel like these would be the best option. However, they're not super cheap from what I've seen. The plugs cost $1.50-$2 from DigiKey each in low quantities, and the terminal blocks are about $0.60 each (which is reasonable, the plugs are the worrying part for me in terms of cost)Are there any suppliers that it would be better to get these from? I've even looked on eBay and it's hard to find these in decent quantity in the pin numbers I want for really cheap.My other option is to consolidate the terminal blocks into a 2 pin and a 10 pin, which would make the unique part count lower, saving a little (I hope) in cost.Or, are there any better/cheaper options for what I want? None of these have to handle significant current, so that's not an issue. Maybe some kind of crimp-connector system would be better?

author: max_torque
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 06:38:45 pm
content: How big is your device, do the wires need sealing (ie environmental protection), do they need to be easily disconnected, and how many are you making?Most "low cost" devices use basic, unsealed, cheap connectors, and pretty much, are mostly awful.IME, for anything low volume, using a direct wire to board type connector that avoids having to make up internal looming ends up being cheaper due to the massive time saving.One cheap option if you have space and don't need sealing is "spade" crimp terminals on the wires to pcb solder tags ie: fastons or similarandDisadvantages are obviously there is nothing preventing you getting the wires in the wrong place as there is no keying

author: mdszy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 06:54:09 pm
content: Quote from: max_torque on July 19, 2019, 06:38:45 pm1. Approximately 4in x 4in x 1.5in tall, basically like a "Junction box" with some circuitry inside2. Not really, it's going inside of a garage, so not much risk of water protection, slight dust protection would be nice.3. It's a set-and-forget sort of thing, so no real need for disconnection.4. I'm making one of these for now.That's a fair idea there with the spade terminals, right now I ended up planning on using the plug and socket style terminal blocks, so we'll see how that goes.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 08:22:45 pm
content: Quote from: mdszy on July 18, 2019, 12:29:52 amThe best deal from Digi-Key is On Shore Tech, which makes connectors compatible with Phoenix Contact and Weidmuller, but significantly cheaper.I get these from a local distributor for about half Digi-Key's price, but I have to order months in advance.Jon

author: mdszy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 08:26:50 pm
content: Quote from: jmelson on July 19, 2019, 08:22:45 pmOkay, good! I had looked into those and I'm glad to hear they're compatible with Phoenix's connectors as those are what I planned to use. Thanks!