Connector blocks in DBs

sparx northeast · Nov 30, 2015

I've heard it said many times that connector blocks are not allowed to extend cables inside DBs and whilst I agree it's not good practice, I've never found a regulation that specifically prohibits the use of connectors blocks. Does anyone know of a regulation number regarding this?

malcolmsanford · Nov 30, 2015

There isn't a regulation that says you can not use them. Like most "good practice" guides over the years it as morphed into a "regulation against" 134.1.4 is the guide.

DPG · Nov 30, 2015

sparx northeast said:
I've heard it said many times that connector blocks are not allowed to extend cables inside DBs and whilst I agree it's not good practice, I've never found a regulation that specifically prohibits the use of connectors blocks. Does anyone know of a regulation number regarding this?

A DB is full of screw-terminal connections already - can't see the problem with another one! Daz

R G · Nov 30, 2015

As said not a reg against this , I often use din rail connectors myself If I need to..

davesparks · Nov 30, 2015

Connector blocks are allowed but ideally should be fixed in place not floating.

telectrix · Nov 30, 2015

i use these if it's just 1 or 2 extensions indise the DB.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Connector blocks in DBs

davesparks · Nov 30, 2015

I use wago 221's and fix them inside the enclosure with some double sided tape

Dizzy_Maskell · Nov 30, 2015

I just twist together tape and move on.

Joke by the way I've used wago before inside when all other avenues exhausted and can't practically or financially be avoided

telectrix · Nov 30, 2015

what's wrong with wirenuts?

amlu · Nov 30, 2015

splice, solder and heatshrink if you are on a budget.

telectrix · Nov 30, 2015

12p for a push-in splice connector 30 secs to fit. solder and heatshrink + time about £8. which is best for a budget?

jackhammerJIM · Nov 30, 2015

Dizzy_Maskell said:
I just twist together tape and move on.

Joke by the way I've used wago before inside when all other avenues exhausted and can't practically or financially be avoided

I served my time at a firm who had a spark nicknamed " Terry twist and tape "

Ooh he was rough !

snowhead · Nov 30, 2015

telectrix said:
what's wrong with wirenuts?

Painfull I'd imagine..
Have you tried ointment??

amlu · Nov 30, 2015

telectrix said:
12p for a push-in splice connector 30 secs to fit. solder and heatshrink + time about £8. which is best for a budget?

£8 will give 100g of solder and 11meters of heatshrink. that should last for a while. takes 2 minutes to do the joint if you have already hot iron.

telectrix · Nov 30, 2015

time to plug iron in. search the van for solder, wait for it to warm up, solder the joint, then unsolder as you forgot to put the H/S on first, then get the heat gun from under the front seat where you forgot it was. sod it. i'm packed up and in the pub while youre waiting for your iron to cool down.

Leesparkykent · Nov 30, 2015

telectrix said:
i use these if it's just 1 or 2 extensions indise the DB.View attachment 30801

What Amp are they? I've never used them...will have a look at them when in the wholesalers next.

Andy78 · Nov 30, 2015

Leesparkykent said:
What Amp are they? I've never used them...will have a look at them when in the wholesalers next.

32A. Ideal also do 2, 3, and 4 port 32A connectors in the standard configuration, but they are no bigger than wago 20A connectors.

telectrix · Nov 30, 2015

beaten to it. 32A and the beauty is that, as thery're in line. 1 conductor each end, they's neater than wagos. line products do them, as do amazon and ebay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ideal-Spl...tor-Box-100-/400824478360?hash=item5d53002a98

Marvo · Nov 30, 2015

telectrix said:
beaten to it. 32A and the beauty is that, as thery're in line. 1 conductor each end, they's neater than wagos. line products do them, as do amazon and ebay.

Ideal Spliceline? In-Line Push-In Wire Connector - Box 100 | eBay

Are they 14.27 quid each or is that for a packet of them?

**edit** sorry, ignore that I see it's a box of 100.

I usually ferrule and heat shrink, always found it most reliable, quick, cheap and easy plus it leaves a very low profile connection not much thicker than the wire itself.

Dave OCD · Nov 30, 2015

That's for a pack of 100.

davesparks · Nov 30, 2015

Marvo said:
Are they 14.27 quid each or is that for a packet of them?

**edit** sorry, ignore that I see it's a box of 100.

I usually ferrule and heat shrink, always found it most reliable, quick, cheap and easy plus it leaves a very low profile connection not much thicker than the wire itself.

I suspect your definition of ferrule is somewhat different to ours then!

Marvo · Nov 30, 2015

davesparks said:
I suspect your definition of ferrule is somewhat different to ours then!

Not sure Dave, maybe a language thing, what do you guys call ferrules?
I was referring to these which are used with an indent crimper.

Simonslimline · Nov 30, 2015

Marvo said:
Not sure Dave, maybe a language thing, what do you guys call ferrules?
I was referring to these which are used with an indent crimper.

View attachment 30805

A through crimp i believe.

Marvo · Nov 30, 2015

Simonslimline said:
A through crimp i believe.

I like learning new things.

I've never heard them referred to as a 'through crimp' before.

So, out of interest, what do you guys refer to as ferrules?

Simonslimline · Nov 30, 2015

Marvo said:
I like learning new things. I've never heard them referred to as a 'through crimp' before.

So, out of interest, what do you guys refer to as ferrules?

This is the sort i was using a few weeks back.