Dr.Glum Posted September 7, 2021 Share Posted September 7, 2021 I'm going to seem really dumb about these WAGO connectors. I've looked at the Wago site, the Screwfix site and here in RMweb, but still am unsure! I want connectors for the two wires of my DCC power bus, to bridge joints that will rarely (if ever) be separated after the main construction phase of the layout is over. a) do they come in male female pairs? None of the photos seem to show that. b) in the Screwfix site, minimum cost seems to be over 20 pounds because they're in 50s or 100s etc. I'll need just 4 (or 5 for an unforeseen spare). c) The photo at the head of this thread may show something that could dangle from cable. Previous layout was joined like that. Or this time I could have one connection screwed to the underside and the other connector free hanging. Any clarity would be much appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crosland Posted September 7, 2021 Share Posted September 7, 2021 11 minutes ago, Dr.Glum said: a) do they come in male female pairs? None of the photos seem to show that. No, the connection is made within the Wago connector. The 5-way example is designed to join 5 conductors. 11 minutes ago, Dr.Glum said: b) in the Screwfix site, minimum cost seems to be over 20 pounds because they're in 50s or 100s etc. I'll need just 4 (or 5 for an unforeseen spare). You can get them in smaller quantities from CPC, Farnell, RS, etc. 11 minutes ago, Dr.Glum said: c) The photo at the head of this thread may show something that could dangle from cable. Previous layout was joined like that. Or this time I could have one connection screwed to the underside and the other connector free hanging. Yes, it will dangle on the cable. They are designed to be used inside "choc boxes". Lots of info on YouTube, e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGv6h5bacdg which uses a Wago box. For MR use you can, e.g., velcro or hot glue somewhere convenient. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Glum Posted September 7, 2021 Share Posted September 7, 2021 Many thanks Andrew. Shows clearly I need something else, more 'plug 'n play'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAF96 Posted September 8, 2021 Share Posted September 8, 2021 I bought mine (3-way) in packs of five and they were dirt cheap at the time. Memory fails as to where from. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold MalcT Posted September 8, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 8, 2021 On 07/09/2021 at 15:34, Dr.Glum said: Many thanks Andrew. Shows clearly I need something else, more 'plug 'n play'. I think you're looking for something like this : CN179 Pluggable Terminal Block | Brimal Components (bclstore.co.uk)https://www.bclstore.co.uk/product-page/cn179-pluggable-terminal-block Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 On 07/09/2021 at 15:34, Dr.Glum said: Many thanks Andrew. Shows clearly I need something else, more 'plug 'n play'. Although you can easily open them up to remove wires, the Wagos are not meant to be used for regular, or irregular disconnection of wires. For joining layout sections, or baseboards that you might want to separate (either regularly, or only very occasionally), then a plug and socket type connector is what you should be looking at. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wuggie Norple Posted September 9, 2021 Share Posted September 9, 2021 (edited) If you are using the 5-way Wago 221 connectors and want to attach them to your baseboard, there is a handy mounting carrier available, part number 221-505. These are available from CPC amongst other suppliers. In the photo, to the left is the carrier as supplied, in the middle I have trimmed off the front section which I do not require (I use the screw holes under where the Wagos clip in), and the right hand image shows the Wagos fitted. As shown, multiple carriers can be joined together. These carriers are also available for the 2 and 3 conductor Wago 221s. Edited September 9, 2021 by Wuggie Norple more info 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted September 10, 2021 Author Share Posted September 10, 2021 On 07/09/2021 at 15:34, Dr.Glum said: Many thanks Andrew. Shows clearly I need something else, more 'plug 'n play'. Have you decided on your connectors? I've used the plug and socket ones as well as the wago connectors and they are both easy to use, cheap and so far reliable, I've just glued my wago connectors to my baseboard and as Ron Ron Ron said "for for regular or irregular disconnection of wires" the plug and socket ones would be best and are dead easy to use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joppyuk1 Posted November 5, 2021 Share Posted November 5, 2021 I have a situation where I need to move my controller around from mini layout to mini layout, being too mean to buy seperate ones for each. I have been looking for a small version of those rubber two piece three prong cable connection plugs and sockets but can't track anuthing down. Being an electrical idiot I wonder what other plug and socket gadget anyone can recommend? I'll be using normal peco wired track type wire. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted November 6, 2021 Author Share Posted November 6, 2021 (edited) 20 hours ago, joppyuk1 said: I have a situation where I need to move my controller around from mini layout to mini layout, being too mean to buy seperate ones for each. I have been looking for a small version of those rubber two piece three prong cable connection plugs and sockets but can't track anuthing down. Being an electrical idiot I wonder what other plug and socket gadget anyone can recommend? I'll be using normal peco wired track type wire. I swap controllers between layout, cant remember exactly what I use but soon as I'm back home I'l! Put some pics on. Hope that helps.. Edited November 6, 2021 by sb67 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Izzy Posted November 6, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted November 6, 2021 I have just always used standard 5-din plugs and sockets. Quite cheap and easy to source. In the past I made a modular DC setup using them, boxed transformer, handheld etc, and now have one on the end of my DCC system output, so it just connects to whatever layout I want to use. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
joppyuk1 Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 7 hours ago, sb67 said: I swap controllers between layout, cant remember exactly what I use but soon as I'm back home I'l! Put some pics on. Hope that helps.. Pictures would be delightful (a picture's worth ... etc.) , thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2E Sub Shed Posted November 6, 2021 Share Posted November 6, 2021 (edited) Look at 4 pin XLR connectors . I use these for controllers in preference to DIN connectors. Chassis and in-.line male / female available. More robust than DIN series. (Also some might find them easier to solder to) Edited November 6, 2021 by 2E Sub Shed Spelling 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliff park Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 DIN plugs and sockets were originally intended for low power audio signals, and as such are not ideal for power. They also have small pins for soldering. SLR connectors are designed for power and have solder buckets and more space between pins, all making life much easier. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold AndrueC Posted November 7, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted November 7, 2021 (edited) How about Anderson Connectors? Most golf trolleys use them and from my own experience they are reliable and pretty tough. They have to be because no golfer wants to fiddle about for half an hour gently assembling their trolley. Power connectors on golf trolleys have to be a 'slam together, stay connected for hours' solution and even tolerate rain, vibration and a little mud. https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/anderson-power-connectors.html Edited November 7, 2021 by AndrueC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 I've been recently using Aviation connectors. Two to fifteen pin and in three sizes. For my DCC bus pair and a 12 v layout lighting feed pair I've used 20mm dia. (GX20) four pole connectors. They have a large pins and locking rings to retain the plug secure. Example... eBay example Prior to these I used XLR connectors, but was limited in the number of ways available. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sb67 Posted November 8, 2021 Author Share Posted November 8, 2021 (edited) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262491747560 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264497822506 I've a Gaugemaster walkabout controller and these are the 6 pin DIN plugs I use. The socket on the right is a power jack plug that I plug the power supply for the controller in to, which is, in turn, wired to the DIN plug. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224043216434 The way I've wired it I can also plug in my DCC controller if need be as well. They all work fine for me, at home with limited use. Edited November 8, 2021 by sb67 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpman46 Posted November 9, 2021 Share Posted November 9, 2021 Another vote for 4 way XLR connectors. Installed these on an 0 gauge layout allowing controllers to be swapped over if necessary. LED is driven from 16V ac supply to indicate power available. Mike 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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