I'm building some linear PSUs where I'd like to be able to use pluggable terminal blocks such as Wago etc to switch transformers.
Unfortunately one of the boards has a 6.35mm pin spacing for which I couldn't find compatible pluggable terminal blocks on Octopart, Mouser or DigiKey.
Standard screw down blocks from Phoenix etc will do the job, but I'd prefer plugs and sockets to avoid mistakes.
So I'm looking for plugs and sockets on flying leads, 2-4 poles. I'm familiar with the Molex type, don't much care for them. I've also used Anderson which are better.
Are there others, or is there a better way of doing this?
TIA 🙏
Unfortunately one of the boards has a 6.35mm pin spacing for which I couldn't find compatible pluggable terminal blocks on Octopart, Mouser or DigiKey.
Standard screw down blocks from Phoenix etc will do the job, but I'd prefer plugs and sockets to avoid mistakes.
So I'm looking for plugs and sockets on flying leads, 2-4 poles. I'm familiar with the Molex type, don't much care for them. I've also used Anderson which are better.
Are there others, or is there a better way of doing this?
TIA 🙏
There are a number of options that I've tried, but they all have pros and cons.
Since it's transformer swaps => AC, I wouldn't think that it would be hyper-critical to have the connections keyed. It's relatively simple, IMO, to ensure primaries and secondaries are separated properly. However, if the plan is to have a stash of transformers that are "plug and play", then you'd probably want to use a keyed configuration and leave the connectors attached to the transformers.
For non-keyed applications, where Phoenix-type connectors won't work, I've used latching connectors of various "in" / "out" combinations. I personally like the ones that have mounting holes for a clean chassis mount. Search your favorite on-line retailer for "latching connectors" or "lever-type connectors". It's also nice that many of them have 'measurement holes' for quick voltage validations.
For keyed applications, you hit upon my favorite up to this point, the Anderson Powerpole series. A tad expensive compared to other options, but they've been bullet-proof in my builds. The crimper for building is critical.
I too, don't love using Molex type. Building my own is a bit of a hassle. A proper crimping tool, and good quality pins / females are critical. Pre-built ones are fine, but I like to color-code my wires consistently, since I'm a bit of a dodo.
Takes me about 10 mins to swap transformers for anything but my regulated supplies. The regulated supplies take me a bit longer to tweak the target voltage.
Since it's transformer swaps => AC, I wouldn't think that it would be hyper-critical to have the connections keyed. It's relatively simple, IMO, to ensure primaries and secondaries are separated properly. However, if the plan is to have a stash of transformers that are "plug and play", then you'd probably want to use a keyed configuration and leave the connectors attached to the transformers.
For non-keyed applications, where Phoenix-type connectors won't work, I've used latching connectors of various "in" / "out" combinations. I personally like the ones that have mounting holes for a clean chassis mount. Search your favorite on-line retailer for "latching connectors" or "lever-type connectors". It's also nice that many of them have 'measurement holes' for quick voltage validations.
For keyed applications, you hit upon my favorite up to this point, the Anderson Powerpole series. A tad expensive compared to other options, but they've been bullet-proof in my builds. The crimper for building is critical.
I too, don't love using Molex type. Building my own is a bit of a hassle. A proper crimping tool, and good quality pins / females are critical. Pre-built ones are fine, but I like to color-code my wires consistently, since I'm a bit of a dodo.
Takes me about 10 mins to swap transformers for anything but my regulated supplies. The regulated supplies take me a bit longer to tweak the target voltage.
The 6.35 mm is exactly 1/4" so it's an old board. Try looking at American made parts.
There are many, many Molex parts. My old paper Molex catalog was over 2" thick.
There are many, many Molex parts. My old paper Molex catalog was over 2" thick.
Yes, as @rayma noted, 6.35mm is a fairly common pitch, but I'd assumed you'd checked into that.
Example link should take you to DigiKey and some of their Phoenix brand products with a 6.35mm pitch.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products...AyqwE4CWAOwDmIAL6EAtBGggUkDDgLEyIAEwB2dY1E6gA
Example link should take you to DigiKey and some of their Phoenix brand products with a 6.35mm pitch.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products...AyqwE4CWAOwDmIAL6EAtBGggUkDDgLEyIAEwB2dY1E6gA
@ItsAllInMyHead summarised the options well.
No problem finding 6.35mm through-hole screw-down terminal blocks. The difficulty is that afaik, none are pluggable. Digikey list one latching connector, which is out of stock. There are more options in 5.0/5.08mm.
Let me know if I've missed something.
As I'd prefer keyed connectors, Anderson Powerpole, which I've used before, seem to be the best option so far.
No problem finding 6.35mm through-hole screw-down terminal blocks. The difficulty is that afaik, none are pluggable. Digikey list one latching connector, which is out of stock. There are more options in 5.0/5.08mm.
Let me know if I've missed something.
As I'd prefer keyed connectors, Anderson Powerpole, which I've used before, seem to be the best option so far.