Ferrule crimp & associated terminal blocks

[PeterT]

I need to do some hobby project wiring in the 14-12 gauge range of stranded wire. I'm interested in this square section crimp style vs the typical ring & spade stuff which I never really got along with.

But what I'm fuzzy on is the matching generic (I think they are called) terminal blocks. What do these crimped square ends plug into when you need to make strip connections like the conventional screw down style for ring & spade? Can someone point me to a system that is common / reasonable cost. FWIW I recently placed a DigiKey order & they were super speedy & reasonable delivery if you happen to source from there.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073TZ5BBG/?coliid=I1KLVTBARTSEYS&colid=2WY9MDX3L53NA&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&tag=chmw099-20

 

[Darren]

In one of Clough42's videos about his vfd conversion he went into some detail on these. Sorry I don't remember which specific video

 

[PeterT]

Thanks for tip. Maybe this episode? Kind of funny, majority of his crimps he uses the Binford5000 AliExpress unit for the very ring & spade style I was trying to move away from because he has to marry wiring with existing fixtures with screw hold downs. However he does use ferrules ~15:00 which ultimately were to connect an outlet fixture that has compression clamps... which doesn't work on the ferrule for a different reason & he ultimately abandons anyways. LOL. Maybe I'm after something that isnt as common or I'm visualizing using these in the incorrect way.

​

 

[Former Member]

I bought my set from Amazon.ca

Works great for to keep stranded wire from becoming a rats nest.

 

[PeterT]

@Degen I can source the crimp tool & ferrules no problem. But I'm more curious about if such a thing as matching terminal blocks for that ferrule system exist because that is what I will require for this project. If I cant find those quite as readily then maybe I wont go down this path. Digikey is awesome, but its vast.

 

[Tecnico]

You're looking for something like Weidmuller WDU screw type, pass through DIN rail terminal blocks. You would also need the DIN rail, end blocks and blanking plates (for the end terminal).

You choose which size depending on the current you need to carry and conductor gauge. They also have PE (Potential Earth) terminals for carrying your ground passes.

A search result of what Digikey carries: WDU Terminals

2.5 Amp version: WDU 2.5

Phoenix Contact also have a similar product.

D

 

[RobinHood]

@Degen beat me to it…

Here are examples of the terminal block used in the DIN electrical wiring system.

The main thing is to keep the strands together in the terminal. If you don’t it is possible that a few strands have to carry the full current leading to electrical fires/arcing. It is standard on all stranded wires in Europe.

I have the crimping tool and the ferrules - if you want to try some, let me know

 

[PeterT]

Aha, that's a bit more 'industrial' than the flat plate type screw terminals. But I see the logic behind the system & now recognize what is probably inside a lot of machines & controls etc.
I will have to ponder this now that I see the physical size. I might not have the real estate inside the box I had envisioned. ps - its a glow plug driver / distributer for the 5-cyl radial engine. I still have to conduct some testing between different competing components, hence it would be nice to be able to reconfigure things kind of breadboard style.

 

[Johnwa]

B&E Electronics in Calgary carry some DIN products. I picked up some rail and a couple of relays from them.

 

[PeterT]

Now I get how they clamp for conduction. Good system to bear in mind. Thanks for input.

 

[RobinHood]

This type of screw terminal blocks are also very popular in Europe. They come in many different sizes and you cut off as many as you need for your application. You still ferrule stranded wires going into them.

I have a decent selection of them as well - in case you want to go down that route.

 

[PeterT]

That looks very compact. So if I understand, the ferrulled wire goes in the square ends (red) and screw the down (green arrow)

 

[RobinHood]

They are compact. You are 100% correct in your analysis Peter.

 

[YYCHM]

ps - its a glow plug driver / distributer for the 5-cyl radial engine.

Distributer? Since when do glow plugs need to be timed?

 

[PeterT]

Oops, bad word choice on my part. I just mean supplying voltage to each plug simultaneously in parallel from a central common power source. Yes all plugs are 'on' full time when voltage is applied like start mode & idle mode.

 

[YYCHM]

Oops, bad word choice on my part. I just mean supplying voltage to each plug simultaneously in parallel from a central common power source. Yes all plugs are 'on' full time when voltage is applied like start mode & idle mode.

I'm surprised your engine build isn't spark plug based?

 

[PeterT]

Its my first engine build & that was actually my preference because I have a lot more experience with methanol/glow engines. Its net simpler over spark but it still can have some challenges on multi-cylinder arrangements. If the engine ends up in an airplane (low enthusiasm there) glow is typically lower weight. The plans were specifically orientated to glow ignition & that drives quite a few related design features right from the get-go.

Spark ignition (using gasoline) would be my preference on a future build. It is another layer of complexity. Mechanical distributers can be challenging because electron flow doesn't necessarily scale by 1/4 like mechanical things can. So people way smarter than me have had to solve tough electrical problems to make them run properly - arcing across shorter distributor contacts, modifying or winding their own miniature coils, special braid high tension wires so they don't look as thick as the exhaust pipes, miniaturizing advance/retard, even shop made plugs/insulators if 1/4-32 is too big for the scale. There are some success stories but its not for the faint of heart.

http://modelicengine.la.coocan.jp/k080302.htm

http://modelicengine.la.coocan.jp/k080401.htm

The easier way is modern electronic ignition where the black box does the magic. This company makes glow to spark conversions & standalone spark modules for X cylinder engines. I could probably convert mine at some point but it would still take some work.

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[PeterT]

Glow ignition & methanol can pack a punch! LOL

 

[Former Member]

@PeterT time permitting in my lifetime on my bucket list to build one at least once, we'll see if I get to that one.

Great info though.

 

[Former Member]

I was at a show in Toronto years back and there was a guy that built from scratch a smaller running version 8 cylinder version along with a clone of a Harley Twin because he made some spare cylinders.

I heard the twin run and sound wise had that Harley stumble.

Great info though. Post photos of the final result.