I am wiring my layout using a MTH Terminal Block to simplify the wiring for myself. I have been using spade connectors that I had in my shop, but I am runnig out and need to buy more. I am planning on buying 100 from Mouser but I am not sure which stud size I need to fit into the terminal block. Mouser sells the following #2, #6, #8, and #10. The connectors I have that worked are 1/4" wide. What stud size is equivilant to 1/4"? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Scott
This thread had quite a bit of info on the spade connectors, maybe it will help, not sure .
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1018931/ShowPost.aspx
Thanks, John
Bob Nelson
The termial strip uses fork lugs right? If that is what you are looking at then the #6, #8, #10 is the size of screw that the lug will fit around. The same is true for ring lugs. Spade lugs are flat and either male or female and only mate to another spade lug the sizes on those are .110 .125 .187 .250 and this relates to the decimal equivalant to the inch measurement ie .250 = 1/4 in.
If the lug is insulated then the insulation is color coded for the size of wire that they fit
Red 18-22 gauge
Blue 16-14 gauge
Yellow 10-12 gauge
I Don't have a MTH terminal block, but the ones I have have a #6 screw in them.
John
Fork lugs are also called spade lugs. What J calls spade lugs are Fastons or quick (dis)connects. The color coding is correct for 3M. Other manufacturers vary. A-MP, for example, uses yellow for small as well as large wires. Many terminal strips use uncommon 5-40 screws.
I obviously misunderstood the reference to #whatever, thinking it was to wire gauge. And the width that I saw in the catalog was the width of Fastons; I didn't notice that the width of spade lugs is not given. Your best bet is then to get the smallest size that fits your screws, which is what I think J had in mind.
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