General > General Technical Chat
IDC vs. Crimp vs. Spring Connectors
(1/3) > >>
martincho:
I am working on a design that requires wire splicing.  One set of wires is carrying 400 VAC at about 1 A.  Another set is 100 VDC at 3 to 5 A.  No vibration other than whatever the product might be exposed to during shipping.  No temperature extremes.

The options are:


* Insulation displacement connectors (3M Scotchlok)
* Crimped butt connectors (TE PIDG or Plasti-Grip
* Spring Connectors (Wago)
Here are random examples of the above (these are not selected for my application):

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Specialty/560B-BULK?qs=3gW96gqhLborxsSEYKXv0A%3D%3D

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity/34067?qs=2ECNu9wPwy5ix9YN1BeGuA%3D%3D

https://www.wago.com/us/wire-splicing-connectors/splicing-connector/p/222-413

IDC connectors are attractive because they reduce labor.  You don't have to strip the wires and don't have to deal with any of the issues that can arise from stranded vs. solid wire.

Crimp-type butt connectors require stripping.  The advantage I see is that you can use full-cycle tooling to ensure a solid connection.  Generally speaking, crimp connections are very reliable and reasonably resistant to moisture.

The spring-type connector is interesting.  I am less familiar with reliability on these.  They do require wire stripping, so there's that extra step in time and labor.  They seem to be rated for a wide range of wire size and currents.  This could mean stocking a single part number to cover the range I mentioned above.  Not sure how these do with regards to moisture and long-term reliability.

I am looking for general commentary from anyone who might have considered these wire-to-wire joining options in applications with similar requirements.


Thanks,

-Martin


jpanhalt:
I have done no comparisons, but in  a recent motor installation, I used spring connection like you show instead of wire nuts. 

For anything except telecoms and very low voltage, I do not use IDC.  I like IDC for some narrow pitch signal connectors as it is easier to do than crimp with my cheap tools. 

To me, crimp connection are great for a permanent connection.  They are the most difficult to redo without reducing the conductor lengths.  Wire nuts used to be a standard in the US for such things a household and infrequently re-done connections.  Spring connections are supposed to be a better alternative to wire nuts.
martincho:
There's also these push-in connectors:

https://www.wago.com/us/wire-splicing-connectors/compact-pushwire-splicing-connector/p/2773-403

They are UL rated for 600 V and 20 A.   Very low cost.  Interesting.
thm_w:
Surprised that 3M part is rated 7 to 15A. Its basically a vampire tap, which are not known to be terribly reliable.
martincho:
Here's an interesting set of videos where some of these connectors are tested to brutal limits:







I feel far more confident about standardizing on these now.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod