How to Use a Terminal Strip for Wiring
Terminal strips, also known as barrier strips, are plastic pieces with screws, designed to connect multiple low-voltage devices to a single output. These terminals are relatively inexpensive, and are used to access wiring for a device without potentially damaging the permanent wiring to the circuit.
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Things You'll Need
- Philips screwdriver
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Soldering iron
- Lead-free solder
- Philips screws
Instructions
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1
Heat up the soldering iron to the ideal operating temperature.
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2
Set the lead-free solder against the terminals on the back of the strip. Touch the soldering iron to the terminal, device wiring, and solder, until a small bead flows onto the wiring and terminal.
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3
Attach the terminal strip to the desired mounting surface, using the Philips screws and screwdriver.
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4
Cut the wires leading to the screws on the terminal strip to the desired length using the wire cutters.
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5
Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire. Loosen the Philips screws for the individual terminals.
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6
Insert the positive and negative wires in each pair under the Philips screws on the top of the terminal, corresponding to the soldered wires beneath. Tighten the screws to secure the wires.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If the terminal strip has two rows on the top, the incoming power feeds to one side, with the corresponding connections on the other. Both sets screw to the top rows of terminals. This is useful for adding multiple 12-24 volt devices to a single strip.
Only apply electricity to the terminal after the connections are completed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit spools with a wire image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
