Electronics > Beginners
Proper way to mount binding posts in a metal front panel?
ledtester:
I am mounting a pair of 5-way binding posts into a metal front panel, and I'm concerned about the shafts shorting with sides of the hole I've drilled.
For now I'm using heat shrink to insulate the first centimeter or so of the screw threads, but I was wondering what the standard solution is.
RobertHolcombe:
There are similar style panel mount which are designed with isolation in mind
https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_image__500px_x_450px_/public/products/slideshows/2143.jpg?itok=aFdDx7yr
Or more commonly the individual panel mount jacks
https://uk.farnell.com/productimages/standard/en_GB/1654713-40.jpg
beanflying:
Not use the one you have. Most of the ones I use have a raised washer to keep it away from the metal. Even the very cheap and nasty ones.
The one on the right is Beryllium Copper and if you have to ask the price you don't need it ;)
Your heatshrink is sort of OK but maybe look at an alternate.
Better - Make or 3D print some stepped washers then over drill your holes to suit.
Ian.M:
A cheap and dirty way that's only suitable for low voltages is to put a close fitting O ring over the stud, slightly thicker than the panel and drill the hole to just clear the O ring OD, measured when its on the stud. For high voltage work, you need proper insulating shoulder washers (aka: 'Top Hat' washers) with a bush long enough to provide enough creepage distance + a thick back washer to support the long bush. I would be very reluctant to trust 3D printed ones a they really need to be a solid piece of plastic with no micro-voids or other defects. Such washers are commercially available, but you may have difficulty finding them in the flange and bore diameter combo you need.
beanflying:
--- Quote from: Ian.M on December 10, 2018, 06:48:44 am ---I would be very reluctant to trust 3D printed ones a they really need to be a solid piece of plastic with no micro-voids or other defects.
--- End quote ---
So what you are saying is a void or 'Air Gap' is an issue or may be lower resistance than fully formed plastic, show me the data?
Typical 3D printing done properly has no defects on a well setup machine but like any manufacturing process including injection molding can have flaws done badly. Where it may lack a little is strength but PETG, Nylon or even Poly Carbonate will take care of that at a doddle.
O'Rings are simply WRONG!
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