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I am planning to use this spring terminal block:

Spring t block

Voltage and current requirements: 220 VAC 5 amps max

Wire type : Multi strand wire - 1 sq mm to 1.5 sq mm like this:

Wires

Datasheet says that I can use 0.2 sq mm to 2.5 sq mm:

datasheet

I have never earlier used spring terminal blocks. Online reading suggested use of ferrules for multi strand wires in some articles but other articles and youtube videos were fine with directly stripping and inserting the stranded wires.

What is the preferred way to use such connectors with multi strand wires?

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    \$\begingroup\$ I used similar spring terminal blocks and didn't have a great experience. I'd suggest going for a terminal block with screws. They last longer and are much easier to use \$\endgroup\$
    – Sachin
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 9:43
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Sachin - can you please share link to the exact product that you chose? Can you further explain the issues that you faced? Thanks \$\endgroup\$
    – Whiskeyjack
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 9:47
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    \$\begingroup\$ I used the ones on the bottom left of this image: global.wago.com/media/catalog-media/group/00182046_0.jpg The issue with these was after sometime of usage, the springy buttons used to come out of the terminal block permanently, and they then had to be replaced \$\endgroup\$
    – Sachin
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 10:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ See my answer to electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/213996/…. I reckon that in a cage clamp ferrules give a reduced contact area compared to squashed strands. See the photo in the link. \$\endgroup\$
    – Transistor
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 10:11
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Sachin - Thanks for the link and your update. I want to know - did they come out due to repeated use or did they come out just like that during sitting period? In my use case, they won't be used repeatedly - putting the wire in, pulling them out. I want to know if that is a variable in your failure case. \$\endgroup\$
    – Whiskeyjack
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 10:31

4 Answers 4

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Of course ferrules like these --> Ferrules are always good for such terminal blocks but they are not mandatory.

Depending on the thickness of the used wires, it can become very hard and ugly to place them in the terminals.

If you have them, use them but as I said they are not mandatory

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Placing the ferrule crimped wire seemed to be the only problem because they essentially increase the wire's neck dia. Placing two wires adjacent to each other will be a pain if I put ferrules on them. \$\endgroup\$
    – Whiskeyjack
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 9:48
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    \$\begingroup\$ you mean because of the plastic insulator? normally it is flexible and it will give in, so it is no big deal \$\endgroup\$
    – S.G
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 10:31
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    \$\begingroup\$ Much of what I do is to come up with ways to produce assemblies faster, cheaper, and more reliably. Ferrules help in this regard in that they keep all of the strands together, preventing shorts. It also makes inspection and reconfiguration much more reliable. I would suggest: One ferrule per spring clamp. If you need 2 wires, put 2 wires in the ferrule and crimp. The reliability of the spring clamp should be a function of the clamp manufacturer, not the presence of the ferrule. We use them often, and are very pleased. Investigate the terminal block quality, and go from there. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Knudsen
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 11:56
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In my case I prefer using a terminal on the wire when I used it with a spring terminal block. This way it holds the wire better and the wire doesn't get loose so easily.

A normal terminal like this one is ok:

enter link description here

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  • \$\begingroup\$ sorry, left the PC for a while and didn't see the answer. was already there. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dimitri
    Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 11:20
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I'm a really big fan of screw terminal blocks for similar reasons to what have already been written. But regarding this spring terminal block, I'd only ever use ferrules with it. Issue is you could go over the 2.5 sq mm, however leaving them all frayed like that is really not in your best interest. It introduces safety issues and random shorts can happen.

If you really don't want to use ferrules I'd recommend twisting the wires to keep them neat and organized (see picture). It's a little safer than just pressing them in frayed like that but still not ideal.

http://www.komaxgroup.com/-/media/Wire/Images/MO/X1582/Komax_wire_sample_twisted_strands_X1582_01.jpg?bc=White&h=260&w=465&hash=46D31098CC1325D7EC32DD3B30A6A96A5A841F99

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For these I always use ferrules, because the spacing is close and these bend the wire if you don't. If you don't use ferrules by the second or third time you use a wire in one of these even a twisted end has frayed and is prone to shorting to the adjacent terminal. The core issue is not that it is a spring clip but that your wire spacing is small. Just always use crimps or ferrules or solder. etc. when you have closely spaced stranded wire.

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