Wiring options

[newbie-]

I'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations for alternatives to terminal blocks?

The thing I don't like about terminal blocks is I have to run wires to two different places for everything. I.E my chart plotter has a simple cable.. that then runs to different terminal blocks. By the time all the electronics are connected there are +/- cables running to different places and it makes tracing and managing things much more difficult than simply plugging/unplugging something.

N2K is an amazing power solution. But I worry about stressing the backbone with too many electronics on it.

Is there a marine 12v "plug" that could help make everything a lot cleaner?

[smac999]

why do you need to unplug stuff? why do you need terminal blocks?

electronics breaker - central located multi fuse block - home run feed runs to each piece with butt splices. if you need to "unplug" things just pull the fuse.


most electronics are not powered by nmea 2000. only small things. the rest still needs own power connection.

[goboatingnow]

I hate loading up terminals with multiple wires. If I have multiple feeds , typically 12v and GND from a breaker , I establish a local distribution block.

Fault finding is easy.

What’s a nuisance is crimps with 2, 3,4 wires in a crimp making separating the feeds a nightmare

[newbie-]

I'm just curious if there are other options out there. Maybe not.*

To my eye, blocks have a lot of problems. I suppose they're not bad on board a vessel with excellent wiring. But the truth is that's probably not many of us here

- They're not sealed, exposed to the elements, and prone to corrosion.
*
- It's difficult to label anything on a block. So you almost always have to trace every wire from scratch. I've never seen a block with proper labels.

- They're an electrical short hazard and fire hazard. It's really easy for a loose wire to catch one. Just last week I had a thick radar cable connector slip and shower sparks as it brushed over a block.

- Some of my terminal screws have multiple leads under them. So I have to disconnect multiple things to get to the one I was trying to find. Previous owners / my own fault here but this is probably very common.

- The screws can bee a huge pain in tight spots. I've spent 20-30 minutes getting simple cables in and out. Getting a screwdriver on a loose screw in the blind with cables pulling on it is a great time!

[japawil]

https://youtu.be/lEaEMK_32gk
This guy answers lots of questions including this one.

[newbie-]

Originally Posted by japawil

https://youtu.be/lEaEMK_32gk
This guy answers lots of questions including this one.

Unfortunately, this didn't address any of my concerns.

Although, I am looking in to DIN rail solutions. Promising. That could be what I'm looking for

Going to try a test setup in a week once the parts arrive.