Does anyone have an on-line source for these? Also, how about for pre-tinned wire? All this for DCC bus wiring. Thanks!
Not sure about pre-tinned wire but here is a link to a PDF file from Mouser Electronics with Scotchlok IDC types.
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/627/1172.pdf
I ordered from them and they shipped quickly and about a week later I received a paper catalog from them that was thicker then my telephone book.
Lowes, Home Depot or Mennards should have them or a generic “Suitcase” connector. Are you close to one of these stores?
JIM
Karle,
If you’re looking for the pre-tinned wire for your track feeders, you’ll find it if you live close to a Fry’s electronic store. I found several colors of 22, 20 and 18 gauge wire in 100 foot rolls that were all pre-tinned. They have an online store at http://www.outpost.com. I hope this helps.
Don Z.
Two questions for those that have used suitcase connectors. I plan on using 12 ga stranded for my DCC busses (bussoose?) for NCE PowerCab.
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Will the light blue connector, which accepts 14 solid wire, work with 12 ga stranded?
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If not, what size wire will I need to use for the track feeders off of the buss, if I use the yellow suitcases, which are for 12 ga and 10ga (stranded) wire? Will I have to stick with 12 or will I be able to get reliable connections with say 16-18?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Do a little more search at mouser and online. You should be able to find IDCs that are made for 10-12ga for the run and 18ga for the tap. Start with the 3M website.
I found mine at my local NAPA Auto Parts store. I have heard tell that they can also be located at Wally World.
Chris
Joe Fugate uses the smaller connectors with #12 wire by precutting the insulation, just running an knife around it, and then putting that slot in the fork of the connector. Claims over 10 years with no failures using this method.
Wal-Mart also sells a similar product called Posi-Tap. Much easier to use.
Here is a link to the manufacturer that shows how they work:
I saw those as well; they were more expensive than the IDC’s.
Chris
The Posi-Taps are reusable!
But wouldn’t the plan be to only use it once, anyway?
Good point. I did not know that. With my daily changing views on my layout, those would probably be very helpful to me.
Chris
You could try Graybar or Anixter (I am not sure about Anixter’s sales policies to individuals).
Vail & Southwestern RR
But wouldn’t the plan be to only use it once, anyway?
Yeah that is the plan… However the Posi-Taps are so much easier to use while under the work bench. No awkward position trying to close them with pliers or what ever you use. And being able to move them if needed is really easy.
Besides I am 72 years old and anything that is easier to use while under the work bench is a good reason for me to use them.
Oh, I forgot… each tap can have up to 4 feeders, so you get 4 for the price of one!
I wasn’t meaning to be critical, in the least. Your other reasons for preferring them make a lot of sense, and give me a reason to look into them. The re-use angle really didn’t, so I appreciate the further info.
One thing is for sure. You should use what works for you. Some folks won’t touch IDCs and insist on soldering everything. I wouldn’t go that way, but if it is right for them, it certainly isn’t wrong!
Hello,
I use the blue, 3M connectors for my 12 GA (and sometimes 10GA) bus and 18 GA feeders without a problem. You can reuse them if you are careful with removal, but only have had to do when I was a complete NOB at placing one pair! Good luck… I will be using them this weekend to wire a new bunch of track… love em, but as V&S said, some peeps don’t like them. Me, well, I hate solder splashing on me, so I chose these. Good luck.
Brian
I’ve used suitcase connectors enough to know that I don’t want to use them anymore.
Ditto, in spades. My rail feeders run from the rail (soldered to, not dependent on rail joiner connection) to a screw terminal strip, then to a screw terminal strip at the rear of the local control panel. The terminal strips are under the aisle edge of the layout, readily accessible to a seated electrical maintainer. They are also exhaustively labeled, which makes troubleshooting a lot easier.
Some people swear by suitcase connectors. Others swear at them. Count me in the latter camp.
Chuck (running analog DC, MZL standard)
Well, you folks sure have given me a lot of info. Thanks to all that took the time to write.