I've just got some LED spots to go in a small cloakroom. What connector should I use to connect them to the mains? The mains wires to the driver are tiny (about 20AWG).
Is there are recommended connector for these, or should I just use Choc-blocks?
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I think in the UK you guys typically use terminal blocks, right? Why do you think they are not applicable to this situation? – Tester101 Oct 22 '14 at 13:41
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It's not that I don't think they're applicable - just wondered if there was a better solution. Was just thrown by how tiny the wires were as I guess I'll have 2 x 1mm^2 mains cable on one side and this flimsy wire on the other. – Ben Oct 22 '14 at 16:19
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By the way - just spotted these, which look ideal. Do you have something similar in the US? http://www.edwardes.co.uk/en/products/hager-ashley-j501-16a-4-way-downlight-junction-box (or these are pretty cool too: http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/Products/size_3/TLCT100C.JPG) – Ben Oct 22 '14 at 16:27
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Those are pretty neat. We don't have stuff like that in the US, because we're not afraid of twist-on wire connectors. – Tester101 Oct 22 '14 at 16:44
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I personally don't like terminal blocks because the screws can damage the wires. I would use crimp connectors or twist on connectors with a couple of wraps of electrical tape, ('cos I live in the US!) – user19614 Oct 23 '14 at 12:44
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I'd use wire nuts to attach those to standard lamp cord, and put a standard plug at the other end...
keshlam
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Nobody in the UK uses wire nuts (twist-on wire connectors). They think they're crap, and cause wires to spontaneously combust or something. – Tester101 Oct 22 '14 at 13:44
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Also... You'll have an exposed splice with no strain relief, which sounds dangerous. – Tester101 Oct 22 '14 at 13:55
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The fixture shown in the photo is intended for mounting through a hole in a panel. I presume wiring would be behind said panel. If the querant is doing something else, we need more detail. – keshlam Oct 22 '14 at 15:12
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1If you don't like wirenuts, you could use crimp connections. Or terminal blocks, but that's far more "exposed" than a wirenut splice. – keshlam Oct 22 '14 at 15:13
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Electrically, yes. Physically, I'm presuming (a) a long piece of zip cord will be needed to reach the power supply, and (b) that this isn't going to simply be stapled to the wall -- or at the very least, will be attached to the cloakroom's ceiling so the splice will be out of reach. ("Out of sight, out of mind," said the blind maniac.) – keshlam Oct 22 '14 at 15:30
