Electronic – Alternatives to screw terminals, breadboards for prototypes

connectorscrew-terminalwire

Often I want to connect components that operate at less than 5v (I mention this as it may have a bearing on the gauge of the wire?) But have an easy way to disconnect.

Screw terminals are nice but they can be slow when there are multiple wires.

Breadboards are too fragile for field testing.

I was thinking of using RCA audio video jacks and plugs, but they seem so big… Is there something similar but smaller?

I'm looking to connect things like sensors and breakout boards.

Best Answer

I like screwless terminals:

Wago 2060 series:

Wago 2060 series

Wago 233 series:

Wago 233 series

These just require a simple push down of a screwdriver to insert or remove cable.

For easy-to-make cable, IDC ribbon connectors are nice, as you don't have to strip the cable, just insert it into the connector and compress gently with a vice.

IDC ribbon connector

Alternatively if you don't mind screwing the terminals in once, but then want easy disconnect / reconnect, try pluggable terminal blocks:

Pluggable terminal blocks

These are also available in screwless types.

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