Easy question for wiring a STC-1000

[hezagenius]

This should be an easy question for those more electrically inclined than myself. I am getting ready to wire up my STC-1000. I am going to use 2 single outlets for the heat and cool devices instead 1 dual outlet. Here are the outlets I bought. My question is what is the best way to attach wires to them? I was thinking of just putting the wires through the holes and bending them but that makes me think something could go wrong down the road since they aren't really secure. Are there some type of terminal connectors I can put on the wires so that they snap onto the outlet leads (not sure if leads is the right term here)? Thanks.

 

[Clankenbrew]

I would toss those and get a regular wall outlet and just break the tab between the poles. Press the wires into the holes in the back of the wall outlet.
Those holes are for soldering the wires to the connector.

 

[stpug]

My question is what is the best way to attach wires to them? Are there some type of terminal connectors I can put on the wires so that they snap onto the outlet leads (not sure if leads is the right term here)?

Yes, you can buy the terminal connectors at lowes or home depot. They'll crimp on to the wires and push on to the posts; plus they are insulated and isolated. Best of all, they are usually pretty cheap for a bunch of them.

I prefer those outlets MUCH MORE than the standard wall outlet style. Good choice IMO.

 

[day_trippr]

I'd solder the connections, but you can also use 1/4" insulated female wire crimps like this - if you have the proper crimping tool...

Cheers!

[edit/ps] Do not simply wrap the wires around the terminals.
That'll work - until it catches on fire...

 

[stpug]

Something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tyco-Ele...lam-CPGI-3-350820-2-10/202204295?N=5yc1vZbmco

 

[stpug]

I'd solder the connections, ...

My concern with soldering these connections is some sort of malfunction that heats the connection up past the flowing point of the solder allowing the wires to freely move (i.e. disconnect). I was under the impression that mechanical strength is better for electrical connections since it's not as easily compromised by heat as low-temp soldering. BUT, I'm no sparky either.

 

[day_trippr]

Oh - you're worried about fire melting the solder?

Cheers!

 

[stpug]

Oh - you're worried about fire melting the solder?

Cheers!

No. Heat melting the solder... causing a short.... starting a fire

 

[day_trippr]

Yikes! Melting solder sounds scary!
So where's the heat coming from?

Oh - wait - the soldering. I get it.
That doesn't happen unless you go about it with an under-sized iron or tip, or bad technique...

Cheers!

 

[Stealthcruiser]

Those look like a true "solder lug"............Will a female "spade" connector engage that properly, to those that suggested it?

 

[hezagenius]

Yeah, the spade connectors I bought fit onto the lugs very snug. I think they were 0.247" connectors? I got them at Menards in a variety pack. There were 3 sizes and the middle size was perfect. The insulation didn't cover all the way to the end of the connector, however, so I will get some new ones and re-attach them. I had a beer I wanted to get brewed so I needed to get something quick to set up my temperature controller since the recipe called for starting fermentation on the cool side and then ramping it up later.