Connectors for multiple LED lamps

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

I have mounted a lot of LED lamps around and about my lathe, several in the locker spaces in the lathe stand, more under shelves above and behind the lathe and more shining down on the lathe itself, both fixed and mobile. It looks bright and is functional and I am pleased with the set up which sort of "grew" over time.

I am not so pleased with the rats nest of bell wire which has developed behind the lathe and which connects all the lamps up to the same 12 v supply. To make the system tidy and also adaptable to any future changes it needs a socket strip rather like a miniature version of the mains power strips which are readily available. I had thought of using XLR or phono type plugs on each lamp lead but I can't seem to source a power strip. Clearly, I could buy a lot of sockets and a box and make one, but are commercial ones made? It does not have to be XLR or phono, just something suitable for 12 volts and a few hundred milliamps max.

thanks Rod

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

It probably doesn’t get you much further, Rod … but the DIN loudspeaker connectors [one pin, one blade] are adequate, convenient, and cheap.

There may be a suitable strip available somewhere, but I’ve not seen one.

MichaelG.

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

How about something as simple as a couple of rows of 5-way Wago stuck to a backboard? Infinitly expandable.
wago

pgk

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

What about powerpole connectors? You can build up your own multi-way connector.

[DC31kParticipant @dc31k]

Search Google for 'xlr multicore stage box' or 'xlr punched panel'. Maybe your best option is to buy an empty box and the correct number of sockets and assemble it yourself.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

How about stackable 2 pole banana plugs

**LINK**

Bit cheaper than XLR's

regards Martin

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

I have the following connector system on some small audio interfaces which would work well the male plugs (8mm wide) have small screw fixtures for the wires – however I don't know the manufacturer

[Kiwi BlokeParticipant @kiwibloke62605]

It's not clear just how easily adaptable or 'professional', or well-shielded you'd like the system to be. A red and black (if it's a d.c. system) 'ring main' could be run around the area and broken into using el-cheapo 'chocolate-block' screw terminal connectors for spurs to lamps or other devices. If it's got to be a pluggable system, 4mm banana plugs? (I guess I'm a bit tight, but I like cheap-but-effective solutions.)

[Dave DanielsParticipant @davedaniels93256]

Posted by Frances IoM on 28/03/2020 20:28:25:

I have the following connector system on some small audio interfaces which would work well the male plugs (8mm wide) have small screw fixtures for the wires – however I don't know the manufacturer

Colour looks a bit like Camdenboss.

The O.P. might look here to see if there is anything suitable.

ttps://cpc.farnell.com/w/c/cable-leads-connectors/connectors/pcb-connectors/pcb-terminal-blocks/pluggable-terminal-block-headers-sockets/prl/results?brand=camdenboss&pageSize=100

D.

[Enough!Participant @enough]

As an alternative suggestion Rod, have you considered setting up a switch panel and simply hard wiring to that …. eliminating all the connectors? Simple single-pole switches are all that's required (and perhaps a master switch to turn everything off at the end of the session).

I have a series of these above my lathe, mill and two benches, all wired with speaker wire to a central control switch-box and it works out very well for me.

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

Thanks to everyone who responded to this question and all the suggestions made.

I have not really decided which to go with, and this time it may be a matter of seeing what is actually available since so many firms are not operatng normally.

I am rather taken with the idea of Wagu connectors as they don't have lots of little screws and are cheaper than XLR.

Rod

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