Recent content by nhamilto40

"The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from." Andrew S. Tanenbaum That said you probably have a cord coded to IEC 60446. http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/reference/chpt-2/wiring-color-codes-infographic

Yes; the blocks are independent and can be used for any ac/dc voltage within their rating.

Low cost microcontrollers usually use ceramic resonators these days (cheaper if precision timing isn't required).

The reality is a little more complicated: mains power in the US and Canada goes like this. high voltage distribution (kV) -> transformer with center tapped secondary (120V-0v-120V) -> residential breaker box -> loads and receptacles 120V loads are wired between the center tap (0V) and...

http://www.studyelectrical.com/2014/07/miniature-circuit-breakers-mcb-types-characteristic-curves.html

A little info for those who are new to band heaters: These heater are intended to be firmly clamped around a steel barrel (typically for thermoplastic extrusion or injection molding). If they are powered without being tightened onto a barrel/pipe/etc they will overheat and burn up in seconds...

14-3 SJOOW is rated for 300v, 18 amps.

Ferrules or not are based on the design of the DIN terminal block. This is in turn based on the code requirements of the target market. So DIN parts intended for markets where ferrules are required are designed for that usage and should not be used with bare stranded wire. Reversing the lay...

Ferrules on stranded wire connections are a US vs. the rest of the world thing. Basically everywhere outside the US requires their use in industrial wiring. Thus if you are using euro/chinese/etc. market DIN rail parts with stranded wire you will need to use ferrules.

Open barrel can have some advantages especially in the smaller wire sizes but closed barrel is more common in the larger gauges. Pre-insulated connectors vs non-insulated + heat shrink will both work. For the most demanding applications ie. marine bilge pumps, submersible well pumps, etc...

A an open barrel crimp terminal starts as a U shaped piece of sheet metal. A closed crimp terminal starts as a preformed tube. Open barrel are crimp terminals are only available in the non-insulated type. The first pic shown some of the common crimping die types and the corresponding...

The tool you have linked is for insulated connectors only. I would recommend a HS-10 for closed barrel 16-10 gauge non insulated connectors or a HS-03B for open barrel 20-10 gauge non insulated. These are available from ebay/amazon/etc. OEM page...

Absolutely typical overheating/fire due to improper crimp terminal for the application. This type of crimp terminals are strictly for stranded wire. Probably also improperly crimped. This type of crimp terminal can be used safely but not in this application. They require stranded wire and...

Correct: We are not in the aerospace field but that in not an excuse for grossly improper crimping. The crimp must be correct for the connection to carry the rated amperage. **** like crimping with linesman's pliers/vicegrips/two rocks/etc. is not in any way safe or acceptable.

Yes this stuff is serious business. An improper crimp can easily burn down your control box and/or your home. If the el cheapo crimper/stripper/screw cutter/ass scratcher that came with the terminal assortment makes a bad connection on your trailer wiring maybe the turn signal doesn't work...