Silly question about Wiring

**SuperMatty** · 02-08-2002, 03:34 PM

This question may be dumb, or maybe I'm just dumb...but I have a 6 gauge wire running from the battery to my trunk where my computer is located. On my sproggy dc-dc power supply...i have about 10 gauge wire running into the 12VDC input. Is there any device that could be used to *nicely* splice the 2 together? For some reason seeing 6 gauge strapped together to a piece of 10 gauge with lots of electrical tape doesn't appeal to my aesthetic sense. I've tried going to radio shack and some of hte local hardware stores but I can't seem to find anything that will do this. An even better solution would be if I could find something that would take a 6 gauge wire...and nicely split it up into about 4 terminals which could accomodate 10-14 gauge wire. Kind of like a distribution block for the +12V source??

**CALIBOY** · 02-08-2002, 04:02 PM

Two options....

1) Yes you can buy a distro block...any bestbuy, circuit city, or car audio shop will have them. Crutchfield.com does too! The only problem is that these are expensive and most of the time, fused (which can be a good thing). It will probably set you back about $40.

2) Strip both ends of the wire with a decent amount of exposed wire on both ends. Solder together the bare wires (mini-torch works well here) and then use shrink wrap tubing to make a nice, aesthically appealing connection.

**lifeboat** · 02-08-2002, 04:09 PM

Use a distribution block or busbar. Aside from stereo shops you can also find them at auto parts places or marine supply stores. I have found a lot of cool electrical stuff at marine supply places. I have a nice busbar on my battery:

http://www.marinco.com/30_33.pdf

Last page, the file is about 400KB.

[ 02-08-2002: Message edited by: Lifeboat ]

**CptnDipshit** · 02-08-2002, 05:06 PM

Also try MCM Electronics online they probably have a distro. block for about $10 instead of $40, It might not have a brand name on it though

Well i just looked and mcm is sort of hard to navigate but Parts Express has them for $4.45

[ 02-08-2002: Message edited by: CptnDip**** ]

**LESLIEx317537** · 02-08-2002, 08:47 PM

I got the one from radio shack. It was only 20 buks. Gold plated and holds fuses.
Power block link Radio Shack

It has one 4-8 awg in, and has 2 - 8 awg outs. I used nice fuses from Radio Shack that I and many others have not seen before, they have lights in them and light up when blown.

Get this one.