Is There Anything Like a 'Parallel' Terminal Block?

[barnet1234]

Hi,

I'm about to replace a pendant with a new-style, flush light fitting. The wiring itself will not be a problem. I have a 15-amp terminal block to connect the three lives - two reds into one end and the third into the opposite end (will wrap in insulation tape afterwards).

To a non-professional like me this looks inelegant. The old loop-in ceiling rose allowed the various wires to be inserted in parallel. So my question is whether there's something like a 'parallel' terminal block which is small in size (i.e. for uses like being tucked inside the light fitting), since a junction box would be too big.

Or am I being silly about wiring 'looking' odd?

 

[ericmark]

There are special junction boxes designed for where there will be no access that are smaller than the old round hard plastic type. No screws all push in connections and clamps for cables. Hagar I think make them.

 

[sparkyspike]

http://www.wagobox.com/shop/pushwire/

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I have a 15-amp terminal block to connect the three lives - two reds into one end and the third into the opposite end

What about the neutrals and earths?

(will wrap in insulation tape afterwards).

Noooooooooooooo - use a choc-box.

my question is whether there's something like a 'parallel' terminal block which is small in size (i.e. for uses like being tucked inside the light fitting), since a junction box would be too big.

Like this?



Might be too big to go into the light fitting, but will be fine above the ceiling.

 

[The Dentist]

I like them, where do you get them from?

 

[TicklyT]

Whatever you use, don't wrap it up in PVC tape.

Over time the adhesive softens and the tape comes unravelled, just leaving a horrible sticky mess on whatever you thought you had taped up.

How do these sound?
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/35855...itchen-Lighting/Loop-In-Loop-Out-Junction-Box

Or a box to put your choc bloc in.
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/46538/Electrical-Supplies/Cable-Accessories/Cable-Connectors/Chocbox

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I like them, where do you get them from?

Try clicking on the picture....

And I'm sure that other suppliers are available.

 

[slup]

What about these?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Useful if you see yourself needing to unplug the light frequently, but other than that no benefit over a choc-block - there's still only 1 terminal for loop, 1 for neutral etc etc...

 

[The Dentist]

Try clicking on the picture....

D'oh!

 

[RMS]

choc blocks wrapped in insulation tape normally = bad news

 

[barnet1234]

Thanks guys.

I think sparkyspike might have the answer - each 'hole' of that connector takes one wire. In the pic below, there are actually two earths going into each side of the choc box - nothing wrong with it but my point was that it just seemed odd to me as a DIYer.

Untitled

• barnet1234
• 2 Feb 2009
• 1

But I'm glad I posted - will avoid insulation tape and buy a really really really small choc box cover.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I think sparkyspike might have the answer - each 'hole' of that connector takes one wire.

So you'll need 3 x 3-ways and 1 x 2-way, which will cost how much compared to a 4-way piece of choc? Or even the Ashley J501? Yes, I know you'll end up with lots left over - will you use them?

Also, don't forget that with those Wago connectors you'll still need a box to put them in....

In the pic below, there are actually two earths going into each side of the choc box

And 2 neutrals on the LHS, and two lives on the RHS (bottom terminal).

Nothing wrong with it - take off one of your sockets and you'll see 2 conductors in each terminal, you'll find 2 conductors per terminal in 2-way light switches....

 

[securespark]

I don't fit my conductors into connector blocks from both ends, I do them all from one end then clamp the conductors with both screws, finishing off with a choc box.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You can insert from both sides and still clamp with both screws.

The choice really should be driven by which directions the cables run, or which is easier to dress?