Hello All,
I am making progress on my first 2-channel amplifier and deep in the middle of the "best layout" design process. I have looked all over trying to find the best solution for my mains wiring inside the case but have yet to find a proper solution.
I have two separate toroid transformers. One is the large one for the PSU and the other is a small 9v, both have dual primaries that will be wired to run on 115v AC from the mains outlet. There will be a single switch on the front panel and of course that is where the combined "single wire" for each of the "hot" and "neutral" will lead.
There are many ways to connect all 4 "hot" and all 4 "neutral" from the two different transformers and I am looking for the safest and cleanest approach.
1) I could simply strip all 4 of the red wires leading to the primaries, twist them together and solder covering the joint with shrink tube. I could do all 4 of the black in the same fashion.
2) I could also make a small copper buss plate that would accept 4 ring terminals on one end and have a single ring leading out, but then I have an exposure issue with mains. Unless I were to also build it in a box. UGH!
3) I could use a tektronix ceramic terminal strip to accomplish the same thing with identical exposure issues.
4) And last but not least I could use a proper terminal block like this one .......
I do like the concept of this last one. It makes everything clean, safe and tidy. I can easily remove the trannies if necessary and nice solid connections. This last option while perfect is quite large as it is made for industrial power applications. No way I want it in my case, simply over-kill and not enough room.
Has anyone used or seen something similar for their diy efforts? Something that is made more for the wiring for electronics instead of huge power terminals? With some digging I found what some in the "car audio" groups refer to as a "power distribution block", but these are for 2, 4, and 8 gauge wire.
If you have a better way of making all this work properly and in a tidy fashion, I am very open to suggestions. NOTHING is outside the realm of possibilities. I want to hear your thoughts.
Cheers,
David
I am making progress on my first 2-channel amplifier and deep in the middle of the "best layout" design process. I have looked all over trying to find the best solution for my mains wiring inside the case but have yet to find a proper solution.
I have two separate toroid transformers. One is the large one for the PSU and the other is a small 9v, both have dual primaries that will be wired to run on 115v AC from the mains outlet. There will be a single switch on the front panel and of course that is where the combined "single wire" for each of the "hot" and "neutral" will lead.
There are many ways to connect all 4 "hot" and all 4 "neutral" from the two different transformers and I am looking for the safest and cleanest approach.
1) I could simply strip all 4 of the red wires leading to the primaries, twist them together and solder covering the joint with shrink tube. I could do all 4 of the black in the same fashion.
2) I could also make a small copper buss plate that would accept 4 ring terminals on one end and have a single ring leading out, but then I have an exposure issue with mains. Unless I were to also build it in a box. UGH!
3) I could use a tektronix ceramic terminal strip to accomplish the same thing with identical exposure issues.
4) And last but not least I could use a proper terminal block like this one .......
I do like the concept of this last one. It makes everything clean, safe and tidy. I can easily remove the trannies if necessary and nice solid connections. This last option while perfect is quite large as it is made for industrial power applications. No way I want it in my case, simply over-kill and not enough room.
Has anyone used or seen something similar for their diy efforts? Something that is made more for the wiring for electronics instead of huge power terminals? With some digging I found what some in the "car audio" groups refer to as a "power distribution block", but these are for 2, 4, and 8 gauge wire.
If you have a better way of making all this work properly and in a tidy fashion, I am very open to suggestions. NOTHING is outside the realm of possibilities. I want to hear your thoughts.
Cheers,
David
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