European Terminal Strips or Old School Screw/Plate for Feeders?

[Capt. Grimek]

I'd like to know if the European terminal strips with the small screw set clamping down a wire end is as dependable over time as an "old fashioned" screw and metal/plastic plate style. Is it desirable to crimp connector and solder the feeder ends to a strip terminal, or are the European style as resistant to corrosion, wire breakage, etc. as the older style? Is a "gas tight" connection necessary? I'm thinking it's impossible anyway due to the connection screw or hold down screw/plate... I'm dropping feeders with the help of a good buddy and would like experiences/opinions a.s.a.p. please. Thanks!

[Grampys Trains]

 Hi Capt.: I have a couple of those European terminal strips in a drawer, somewhere. Little set screws in nylon threads vs. metal screws in metal threads. I went with regular barrier strips and crimp connectors. But, that's just my opinion. DJ

[MisterBeasley]

I use those barrier strips (the black ones with metal screws and threads) for things like structure lighting or signals, that I might need to remove or repair at some point.  For track feeders, which are basically permanent, I solder the feeder to the bus.  It's cheaper and more reliable, and once I'm under the layout with a soldering iron, it's actually easier.

[retsignalmtr]

I've been using the european style barrier strips for several years now and like them very much. They come in several wire sizes and i have used the largest one most of the time. Used to get them from radio shack but I found them at allelectronics.com for half the price. I use them on my home layout for my DCC buss and other buss's that i need for power. When I make the buss I use 14 AWG stranded wire and strip the insulation only where it passes through the strip. There is also room to add several 20 AWG feeder wires from the rails. I have 5 feeder wires in the same segment as the buss wire with no problems. There is no reason to crimp a connector on the wire and no screw to fall out. Most of them come in 12 position strips and are easy to cut into smaller lengths (minimum of 2 positions)  as needed and have a screw hole for mounting. I have also used them on my clubs show layout and our permanent layout for the power and DCC buss's with great success

[gandydancer19]

 I have used the barrier terminal strips for years.  But since my supply has dwindled down, I am switching to the Euro type, as is our club.  However, if you are just securing track feeders to the bus, solder it.  It's cheaper. 

So far, the only things I have found with the Euro strips are:

1- Use solid wire or tin any stranded wire you want to use.

2- If you use AWG24, you risk having the screw cut the small gauge wire if it is tighted down too much.

3- Easier to secure multiple wires to one terminal.

Hope this helps,

Elmer.

[Seamonster]

Electrically, I don't think you have to worry about any differences between them. Connections go faster with the European terminal strips because you don't have to take the time to wrap the wire around the screw, just shove it in and tighten the screw. One thing I've found with them though is that if I'm using a small gauge wire, it can slip over to the side and not get caught under the clamp when I tighten it. I always give the wire a tug after I've tightened the screw. If you look inside many large appliances, you will find that the manufacturers use European terminal strips quite often. I use both. I've got barrier strips for the interconnections between the sections of my layout with lugs on the wires. For everything else, I use the European strips. One thing I really like about them is that I can make a terminal strip of any length I need by cutting them apart with a razor saw. They have mounting holes between every terminal.

[Capt. Grimek]

Thanks for the feedback guys. If anyone else has advice/opinions please don't hesitate...these Euro terminals are new enough "in these parts" that I'm sure others are wondering about them. Especially seeing as how it's getting harder to find the traditional types at Radio Shack, etc. Stock isn't replenished very quickly.

[jbinkley60]

I've been using the European strips for 5 years with no issues.  I am very happy with them.