I wanted to try lighting some structures, and purchased some Miniatronics terminal blocks. Upon giving them a close look-see, it would seem that the power input blocks are not connected, so that to make them hot, I would have to wire jumpers from the inputs to the other blocks, which is more work than I wanted to do. Is there a terminal block available that would allow 6-12 outputs with only a single set of input/power wires (jumping is internal)?
Some of the places that sell terminal blocks also sell jumper strips to tie together multiple segments. Check Demar Electronics (www.demarelectronics.com) for one example. I think Miniatronics also makes an internally-jumped block like you described, but the cost-per-terminal is much higher than just getting a standard terminal block and jumpering it yourself.
I have all my building lit. I use Atlas connectors. I run two wires from the transformer (power source) to the connector and then connect several connectors together. Each connector has a place for 3 sets of lights. I double them up, so each connector handles 6 sets of lights. I have a row of connectors for DC and AC. Thei set up allows me to adjust the light level on the DC side. It takes some room, but it works well.
Bill [:-^]
Frank,
I don’t recall seeing any that come wired that way. I think the manufacturer’s consider flexibility more important.
As someone stated, there are small pieces you can purchase that will do it, but I’ve always just used small wire to jumper the ones I want jumpered. I agree it’s a bit of a bother initially, though. But I guess the flexibility to do what I want makes it an acceptable trade-off.
Mike Tennent
Thanks to all who posted replies!!!