Connectable terminal blocks vs vibration?

• Connectable terminal blocks vs vibration?
  Posted by Mad ID on 11 Feb, 2014 16:11
• Hi,
  in my current project I'm using connectable 3.5mm terminal blocks like the one in the picture:
  http://www.sauro.net/img/pro/sch/CTF00T.jpg
  
  Since the electronic module will be mounted on the truck, I'm worried that screws that hold the cable wires can get loose?
  Does anyone have experience with vehicle electronics and this type of connectors?
  
  BTW cables will not have any force on them as they go though cable glands couple of centimeters away.
  
  Thanks.
  
  
• #1 Reply
  Posted by alank2 on 11 Feb, 2014 16:23
• I may be wrong here, but I would think the "spring tension" placed on the screw by it pressing into the wire would hold the screw from vibrating too much like a lock washer might.  This is a guess.  I suppose it depends on how much vibration.
  
  Have you seen the push button terminal blocks?  I use these quite a bit because they are easier.
• #2 Reply
  Posted by pickle9000 on 11 Feb, 2014 17:00
• As a general rule on heavy equipment the connector should have some sort of clip, screw or be caged to keep it in place. If your item is being mounted in a box high density foam or rubber block on the top of the connector (between the connector top and box wall) will cage it.
  
   
• #3 Reply
  Posted by fcb on 11 Feb, 2014 17:02
• If your going to use that type of connector, I suggest the 'cage-clamp' variant, no screw to loosen.
• #4 Reply
  Posted by jmaja on 11 Feb, 2014 17:21
• Quote from: Mad ID on 11 Feb, 2014 16:11

  Hi,
  in my current project I'm using connectable 3.5mm terminal blocks like the one in the picture:
  http://www.sauro.net/img/pro/sch/CTF00T.jpg
  
  Since the electronic module will be mounted on the truck, I'm worried that screws that hold the cable wires can get loose?
  

  
  I'm using the same terminal blocks and its just on its way to vibration test (mainly intended to see that all components stay on the PCB). I'm not worried about the screws. They need to be quite tight in order to keep the wires in place and screw terminals are common in automotive use. I was a bit worried about the whole connector keeping in place, but it seems to have quite high clamping force, at least for the 8 wire connector. Interesting to see what happens in the test!
• #5 Reply
  Posted by CaptnYellowShirt on 12 Feb, 2014 05:31
• Quote from: jmaja on 11 Feb, 2014 17:21

  I'm using the same terminal blocks and its just on its way to vibration test.
  

  
  Can you link in some information about the test company or procedure?