Model Train Journal

I think I'm done with Euro-style terminal blocks, maneuvering under the layout to hold wires in place while I screw them down, and trying to figure out shoddy connections. The thought of making over 1,000 of these types of these makes my head spin. I've read about Wago Lever Nuts and want to give them a try, but have some specific questions. I'm hoping someone here has used them and can provide input.

• How well do these work with small wires like those used in the Z-Stuff components, e.g. DZ-1008 relays & DZ-2500 switch machines? I believe these wires are 22/24 AWG and 24 AWG, respectively. What model of connector would you recommend for this purpose?
• Do these connectors come in multiple configurations? By that I mean, can connect multiple wires in the same housing, like the Euro-style terminal block?
• How do you mount these to plywood bench work? (I hate dangling wires).

Thanks,

George

Wago 221 series may be what you are looking for. No direct experience with the product but the corporate literature indicates that the 221 is designed for smaller diameter wires while most of the other products are for much higher diameter/current applications. I sympathize about the issues with almost any other kind of connector where you are working under something with limited clearance.

As far as mounting the wires to keep them up and out of the way releasable zip ties can work well. We used these in data communication set ups (racks) and they allowed us to open up a bundle to add/remove/relocate cables without having to cut the ties and replace. This allows you the option of dropping sections of trunks if you need to work/re-work an area. You can put a service drop loop that will hold the "excess wire" and drop the wires to where its easier to work on and then loop it back up when done. Wires are out of the way so it looks neat yet they can be dropped down when needed.

chuck wrote:Wago 221 series may be what you are looking for. No direct experience with the product but the corporate literature indicates that the 221 is designed for smaller diameter wires while most of the other products are for much higher diameter/current applications. I sympathize about the issues with almost any other kind of connector where you are working under something with limited clearance.

As far as mounting the wires to keep them up and out of the way releasable zip ties can work well. We used these in data communication set ups (racks) and they allowed us to open up a bundle to add/remove/relocate cables without having to cut the ties and replace. This allows you the option of dropping sections of trunks if you need to work/re-work an area. You can put a service drop loop that will hold the "excess wire" and drop the wires to where its easier to work on and then loop it back up when done. Wires are out of the way so it looks neat yet they can be dropped down when needed.

Thanks Chuck. I'll check them out.

George

I am looking at these in both the 2-wire and 3-wire flavors.

https://www.showmecables.com/ur-idc-but ... gel-filled

George

G3750 wrote:I am looking at these in both the 2-wire and 3-wire flavors.
https://www.showmecables.com/ur-idc-but ... gel-filled
George

Used quite commonly in telephone wiring, I have used them (single-wire version) before. They are easy to use, just leave a little longer pigtail in case you have to make changes later.

I used cable ties to bundle and hold wiring up under my layout.
I used regular, standard ties but fed the end through from the "wrong"side.
They will just pull out without cutting and can be reinserted.

rogruth wrote:I used cable ties to bundle and hold wiring up under my layout.
I used regular, standard ties but fed the end through from the "wrong"side.
They will just pull out without cutting and can be reinserted.

That's a good idea! Maybe I'll be able to overcome my OCD enough to do that.

I've ordered some of the gel-filled connectors as well as a few Posi-Locks https://www.posi-products.com/ connectors for evaluation.

Right now, I'm somewhat blocked. There are some scenery items to be worked on, but I want to get on with wiring and can't.

George

Reverse feed for a cable tie works fine so long as the weight of the bundle doesn't overcome the friction of the plastic. Too much weight and they tend to pull apart. Sometimes one fails and then they start to go like dominoes. We had that happen when a student employee was assigned the task or reworking/rerouting several bundles from a switch in one rack/bay to another one two racks over. Nothing damaged but the kid was a) embarrassed and b) had to redo the bundles. Good news was he had the "root" cinches correctly so he didn't have to start from scratch. Room was noisy from the air handling equipment (I wore ear plugs and an overcoat when working in that room for any length of time) so he didn't notice there was no "zip" noise when he was applying the ties.

There are also velcro cable wraps that do allow for reworking bundles. Some are available in colors or coding.

BTBTW we found some zip ties with label tabs. A fine pointed Sharpie allowed us to flag bundles.

Well, the test of the gel-filled buttsplice connectors did not go well. The connectors failed to take the specified AWG size wire and the connections did not function properly. They are out.

The Posi-Locks are due this week. I hope they are the answer. I dread the thought of using those Euro-style terminal blocks.

George