Wiring ? on Terminal Strips

The jumpers are called "plate jumpers" and are very effective at multiplyiing the output terminalls on barrier block type terminal strips.

If you desire something heavier that the Radio Shack strips an Ideal strip much like Chris illustrates above [up to 12 positions]can be purchased at Graybar, GE or electrical houses. Ideal offers individual plate jumpers that provide much flexibility in how you set up your strip.

You can get the same flexibility with a a Shack strip by cutting the jumper strip with side cutting pliers [hacksaw or whatever] to achieve the number of positions you wish to utilize.

If for example, you wish to set up an 8 position, 16 screw head, Shack strip for 8 Hot outputs and 8 Common or Neutral outputs, simply cut an 8 position plate jumper strip in half and install on the strip. Then from the transformer, connect a Hot wire to one screw terminal on one half of the strip and a Common to one terminal on the other half. Including the screw head utilized for the connection from transformer, you now have 8 Hot and 8 Common outputs for multiple track feeders. You can do the same on a smaller scale with a 4 and or, 6 position terminal strip.

It is far more effective and trouble-free if you use spade connectors for fastening to the strip's terminal screws.

John correctly notes cheaper catalog prices at ALL ELectronics where I have bought diodes, meters and strips over the years. However, their minimum $7 S&H stated in my last catalog is very high and has stopped me from buying unless a large order. If using just a few strips or other products, the Shack or an Automotive Fastener distributor is better.