I see posts comparing solid and stranded wires, and I see posts comparing makers of suitcase connectors. Can anyone tell me I won't regret using suitcase connectors on my stranded wire?
MicroMark's technical advisor told me today that he doesn't recommend his product with stranded wire. I'm committed to stranded bus wire (16g). I prefer to keep the 50 soldered track feeds already in place made of stranded wire (also 16g).
Would I come to regret using suitcase connectors?
Instead of suitcase connectors I use terminal blocks and crimp-on terminals. If you use the wrong (too small) size suitcase connector with stranded wire it cuts strands and diminishes the current capacity of the wire.
Why are you purchasing from Micro-Mark -- suitcase connectors are much cheaper from many local sources such as Wal-mart or an automotive parts dealer, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.
I don't know why MicroMark would have told you that. You should take a look at the official documentation from 3M. For example, the documentation for Scotchlok 558 that I use all over my layout (with 22 AWG hookup wire) says:
22-16 AWG Solid or stranded, tinned or untinned (.5-1.5 mm2 str.) copper conductors. For use with common thermoplastic insulated wires such as: T, TF, TFF, TFN, TFFN, AWM, TEW, SAE-GPT with a maximum insulation diameter of .120 inches (3,0 mm). Maximum recommended current for general purpose applications: 22 AWG - 3 AMPS, 20 AWG - 4 AMPS, 18 AWG - 7 AMPS, 16 AWG - 10 AMPS.
You can read the document here.
Just do a Google search. You can find these connectors from many distributors.
Slowly building a layout since 2007!
I have both, don't see any difference as far as troubleshooting or maintenance.
Bob
I use both standed and solid wire. I use terminal blocks, and suitcase connectors. No problems.
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
I have 14AWG stranded bus lines and 22AWG solid feeders. They are connected by suitcase connectors from Fry's ($9.99 per 100). I have had no problems.
When you remove them, they do leave a gap of exposed and crunpled wire, however I have never seen the wire strands break.
Greg
Greg Amer
The Industrial Lead
I use red suit case connectors for all track connections. Never had a problem til a few weeks ago when I bought some 3M connectors. They recently changed the design of them and they are hard to snap shut and they cant be reused. I get mine now either at Radio Shack or Walmart. Cheaper than 3M too. As for type of wire, I use stranded. Never tried solid wire.