Atlas 3 switch Connector - how to fit wires?

I think they are designed for spade connectors.  Put one on the end of the wire and then side it under the screw head.

I guess the first question should be, what gauge wire are you trying to screw down  to it?

My guess would be the screws are sized for an 18 gauge max. The suggested crimp on spade lug would solve an over sized wire problem. Be aware the lugs come in many sizes. Color is based on wire gauge. Spade size is based on screw size. Red is for 18 - 22 gauge. Blue is for 12 - 16 gauge. Yellow is for larger than that, and not usually used in model railroading.

If you can't find a proper size locally, shop Digi-Key for a full selection. They also have screws if you want to buy longer ones. I think they take a #4, but you'll need to check that.

I have found that the nuts, which are in a depression under the switch motor, sometimes drop rather than hold in place. Essentially the gap is being created on top of the nut under the switch motor. You could put a small of glue to hold them but I do NOT suggest it. It will fill the nut or secure the screw tightly to the nut. I simply used a very small piece of tissue (single ply) and pushed it in with the nut. Worked great.

Curtis

As for spade connectors forget about it I never found any that would work. I have over 40 switches so I looked real hard and tried a lot.

Curtis

Atlas makes a spade connector that is designed to work with these. Here is a picture:

They accept 20 AWG wire and smaller. A package of 24 usually costs about $5. Just Google "Atlas #201 Spade Connectors".

thanks - i have pushed the nuts up into the body of the connector and now have enough room to attach a spade connector/wire- before i pushed the nuts up - the gap was not enough to push in a piece of paper! anyway - it is ok now - just wish Atlas would manufacture something a bit more "user friendly"

I have purchased some of the Atlas spade connectors and will use them - thanks to all for the help

Probably too late - but ring connects would be better. They are more of a pain to use (you need to back the screw out all the way) but for connections this small they tend to stay in place better and not loosen up like spade connects do.

thanks - i did try these - but the screw did not have enough room to secure the connection - as i mentioned i banged on the locking nuts forcing them  deeper into the body of the switch brining the nut closer to the top and providing more room for the spade, wire or ring connection - all is well now - but i was surprised that the screws aren't a bit longer 

Joe Fauty posted:

Probably too late - but ring connects would be better. They are more of a pain to use (you need to back the screw out all the way) but for connections this small they tend to stay in place better and not loosen up like spade connects do.

Helped a friend with a 3Rail layout who said we had to use ring connectors, then we went to rewire a few things a year or so later and the guys helping wanted to know "What fool used ring terminals???!!!" and all the wires were cut and had fork terminals installed.  Your wiring job looks nice and neat!

BobbyD posted:

Joe Fauty posted:

Probably too late - but ring connects would be better. They are more of a pain to use (you need to back the screw out all the way) but for connections this small they tend to stay in place better and not loosen up like spade connects do.

Helped a friend with a 3Rail layout who said we had to use ring connectors, then we went to rewire a few things a year or so later and the guys helping wanted to know "What fool used ring terminals???!!!" and all the wires were cut and had fork terminals installed.  Your wiring job looks nice and neat!

Yea - I know what you mean - been there. I use either wire ferrules (for European style terminals) or spade crimps for American style terminals under the table. The terminals are big and the spade connects can be screwed in tight. For small connectors like the Atlas O stuff I tried spade connects and they kept coming loose because one can not clamp down tight enough with such a small set screw.

Joe Fauty posted

Yea - I know what you mean - been there. I use either wire ferrules (for European style terminals) or spade crimps for American style terminals under the table. The terminals are big and the spade connects can be screwed in tight. For small connectors like the Atlas O stuff I tried spade connects and they kept coming loose because one can not clamp down tight enough with such a small set screw.

Can't remember what the last HO layout I worked on with these Atlas pieces used. Either ring terminals or bare wire. It was being dismantled and I can't picture them.