Using Weidmuller Terminal Blocks as connection points.

[FireAmpersand]

So for our electrical board this year, we wanted to make a fast system to replace components and one idea we came up with was using weildmuller terminal blocks (Shown bellow). I've looked into the rules and i haven't found anything that would relate to preventing/allowing the use of them. After some research, i have found out that the are the same terminal blocks as those that are on the PDP. So would using these on the robot be allowed?
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...CJHfPvtxc-eSli

[Sperkowsky]

They are allowed but seem unwieldy. Have you taken a look at Anderson power pole connectors.

[FireAmpersand]

We have aswell, but have had some trouble with them in the past. One of our mentors felt this would be the better way to go if it was legal.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by FireAmpersand

We have aswell, but have had some trouble with them in the past. One of our mentors felt this would be the better way to go if it was legal.

Just curious what has been the issue with them. We have used a lot of them on our robot this year.

[ILAMtitan]

There is nothing in the rules that specifically defines what kind of wire connectors you use. Just make sure that you follow the wire gauge guidelines for the circuit, and use appropriately sized connections.

That said, using terminal blocks like you linked are going to take up quite a bit of space, and might not be as easy to use as you imagine. Many teams use Anderson Power Poles without issue (mine included). I'm curious what issues you had with them in the past, and if there is anything we can do to help make sure you're using them correctly.

[philso]

Echoing what the other people answering your post have said, that terminal block will work but will take up a lot of space. It is likely that many teams will have an issue with space in their robot, including yours. Those terminal blocks are meant to be clipped onto a DIN rail so you will have to allow extra space on each end for a "keeper" or the individual sections will slide off. Will also have to allow at least an inch for wire routing channels on each side.

The Anderson PowerPoles work well when installed correctly and can be installed in-line so they take up hardly any extra space. I would strongly urge that your team learn how to use these properly and give them another try. Please note that using the Weidmuller terminal blocks will not eliminate your problems if you do not learn how to use them properly. You will just have different problems.

My guess is that the most common problems people have with them is that they don't crimp it properly and the wires slip out or the crimp has a weird shape that prevents the contact from going into the shell properly. Both of these problems can be fixed by using the proper crimping tool (not the same as for other crimp lugs) and by doing a pull test immediately after each and every crimp then having someone else check them. We went from multiple electrical problems to one failure in two years (old battery cable with a bad crimp).

[joelg236]

Ignoring space, we used them in 2013 and didn't have any big complaints. I don't think they're useful enough to warrant the tradeoffs, but at least it's easy to enable/disable certain things quickly.

[Breadbocks]

To provide an alternative to Anderson Powerpole connectors, since my team dislikes them due to them needing special crimpers to get a good seal and generally wanting higher gauge wire than FRC is supposed to use.

An alternative is XT60 connectors. You solder on the wires so you don't need anything special to get them on and you can remove the wires if needbe. They're not patented either so they come from a lot of different suppliers.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

OK time to weigh in...
The terminal block shown is legal but not the best to use for your purpose. As philso has detailed, this system requires keeper blocks and a DIN rail for correct use. They are hard to terminate if you can't see into the block and best wiring practice must be followed or the wires will be pushed out of the block as you tighten the retaining hardware.
As to the XT 60, these may be legal at this point but teams should remember that these are "rated" for 60 amps but not UL listed for that current. What I have been able to find in my research is that the connector UL certification is for the VW-1 vertical flame test, that is not an electrical specification.
The Power Pole connector is UL rated for current. That means that a 35 amp connector can pass 35 amps for 24 hours without exceeding a specified maximum temperature. They pass 130 amps without significant loss and do not heat during match or practice.
Several retail outlets have crimpers for under $50. One that I do business with is High Sierra Communications products. They are selling a simple crimper for $5 and ratchet crimper with interchangeable jaws for $35. (I own the ratchet with interchangeable jaws for coax and other terminals.) I bought two for WildStang this year when they were on sale. There is really no excuse to not use these. The jaws will terminate SB50 terminals and 15, 30 and 45 amp terminals. If you feel that even the crimp is not reliable enough, add a little solder, like we do. Yes it is a little belt and suspenders but we lost to Beatty because a crimp pulled apart a long time ago and we will never let that happen again.
http://www.hamcq.com/powerpoles-tools/powerpole-tools/