Try as I might, due to the abundance of various types of low voltage wire connector types, I can’t seem to find exactly what I’m looking for.
I do a lot of LED strips and DC powered automations and I’ve used many Wagos and soldered some stuff in place. These tend to have some problems though. Wagos can take up too much space, especially when connecting power to LED strips that can’t be tucked away. Soldering in place sucks and usually ends with a poor connection. LED snap on clips are ridiculously unreliable and weak connections. Barrel connectors are nice and small but the connection has the potential to pull out.
The holy grail IMO would be a very small plastic two wire housing that can clip together like a plastic belt buckle or those connectors that often come with 12V DC batteries in battery backups/motorized kids toys. I have no idea what term to search for to find these.
Anybody got any hints?
I like the idea of presoldering these onto the ends of LED strips in lieu of barrel connectors, so once you are ready to install in the location it’s as easy as snapping in place. If the LEDs burn out it can be replaced easily as well.
Molex MicroFit 3.0 are my gold standard for general purpose low voltage connectors. I buy from an electronics distributor (Digikey or Mouser) and crimp my own connectors. However, I did find a listing on Amazon for pre-crimped jumper wires and connector housings.
The issue with soldering I was trying to convey is that it isn’t an ideal process to make connections “in the field”, aka in a tight corner or behind a cabinet. A proper connection is solid, but it’s not feasible to make a proper connection if you’re upside down under a cabinet or standing at the top of a ladder.
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Can also check out Phoenix connectors
https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/connectors
Molex MicroFit 3.0 are my gold standard for general purpose low voltage connectors. I buy from an electronics distributor (Digikey or Mouser) and crimp my own connectors. However, I did find a listing on Amazon for pre-crimped jumper wires and connector housings.
https://a.co/d/hrrtj3f
Maybe up your soldering game. A proper connection will be solid.
And know that solder shouldn’t be used for structural support. Especially for anything that moves or is subject to vibration, etc.
The issue with soldering I was trying to convey is that it isn’t an ideal process to make connections “in the field”, aka in a tight corner or behind a cabinet. A proper connection is solid, but it’s not feasible to make a proper connection if you’re upside down under a cabinet or standing at the top of a ladder.
Ok then up your circus skills!
Or if you’re not ready to run away and join, these solder seal heat shrink connectors are a good choice:
https://amzn.to/3Ui0DpY
There are inline screw terminal connectors. A quick Google of ch2 and ch3 connector will give you an idea.