Low voltage connectors
- Thread starter Gene Neill
- Start date
I have had very good luck with both of these low voltage connectors when used in specific projects.
IDC Connectors
Wago Connectors
ABYC Friction Connectors
@Maine Sail wrote up an article at his old pbase.com URL that I think never made it to his newer marinehowto.com site. I've had success with the crimper he recommended and ring terminals connected to terminal blocks. E.g. when connecting tiny LED light wires to 16- or 18-AWG power feeds (you can find #6 ring terminals for the larger wires too; fuse appropriately).
I typically double-up the wire and use the red (18-22 g) connectors. I also tend to use a terminal strip for ring connections rather than butt connectors. If I can pass a pull test, that's good enough for me.
I've used these. There are also telephone wire connectors available, worked great.
Agreed, I've used the WAGO connectors on many small electrical projects. They are used in Europe for mains power, make a solid electrical and mechanical connection and can be used with solid or stranded wire to 24 gauge (like those tiny AIS/GPS wires behind the VHF). They are neat and tidy too, can be double stick taped to equipment or bulkheads to keep all in place.
These provide mechanical connection, you can tug on them. They are reusable so a good choice when piecing a project together.
I think the IDC connectors are intended for solid, not stranded wire but they will work. Shrink wrap over the connector and wires helps with the mechanical connection.
That's what I just did. I needed to get the job done without delay. I had an assortment of good heat-shrink connectors and just got it done, long story short. I wrapped the connections in electrical tape, then heat shrink tubing over it all. Considering it should never be under any strain or exposed to water, I'm quite satisfied. The job is done. It looks clean and it's as strong as 22AWG can be.
Such a tiny little thread of a wire, with such an important job.
Share my joy! I now have a 100% brand new VHF system, from microphone to masthead and all points between. Bigger, better, 35 years newer. Best of all, we're in the DSC club now. Very excited about that.
