=Introduction= An electrical connector is an electromechanical device used to join electrical conductors and create an electrical circuit. Most electrical connectors have a gender – i.e. the male component, called a plug, connects to the female component, or socket. The connection may be removable (as for portable equipment), require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two points. An adapter can be used to join dissimilar connectors.
=Challenges= Thousands of configurations of connectors are manufactured for power, data, and audiovisual applications. Additionally, each type of connector often requires it's own tools, processes, and consumables such as crimping, soldering, welding, etc.<br> <youtube>q43tZ6DjuIE</youtube>
=Approaches= thumb Wherever possible, replimat projects are wired with versatile and fully reusable [https://www.wago.com/us/wire-splicing-connectors/compact-splicing-connector/p/221-615 221-615 five position Wago lever nuts] or equivalent terminal blocks (link?). This is a larger version of the 221-415 connector and accepts 20 - 10 gage wire as opposed to 24 - 12 gage range accessible with the 221-415.
The [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4805164 Wago 221-615 Holder/Mount] allows for Wago 221-615 connectors to be panel mounted and easily reconfigurable bus bars.
[https://www.wago.com/us/pcb-interconnect/pcb-terminal-block/p/2606-1104_010-000 PCB terminal block; Push-in CAGE CLAMP with operating lever; AWG 24 - 8; Pin spacing 7.5 mm; M pinning; 4-pole; gray]
Adapting to other connector varieties
[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1393615 Thingiverse: JST XH Connector]
=Development targets= Adjust the [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4805164 Wago 221-615 Holder/Mount] to fit the grids.
=References= * [https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B7IIXDA NEF Heat Shrink Crimp and Solder Butt Connector Assortment, 22-18, 16-14 and 12-10 Gauge, Plastic Organizer, 55 Piece Kit] * [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002006787103.html Trianglelab Mini Fast Wire Cable Connectors High Quality Cable Plug Line Connector Heater Thermistor MOTOR Line Extension] * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_connector Wikipedia: Electrical connector] * [https://www.mattmillman.com/info/crimpconnectors/ Common wire-to-board, wire-to-wire connectors, and crimp tools]