Best terminal block

The MTH blocks are expensive and need some maintenance   After awhile the 12 port blocks have theier terminal posts loosen up and cause a little problem   Every time I go under the layout I check the posts   This what happens from a loose post

As for alternatives t the MTH block we had a recommendation for these and currently have one installed   They go for twenty bucks

I use the Miller Engineering ones. Cheaper than MTH and they are very well constructed

I've come to like this style of terminal block.  This link is only an example.  The ones I used are ~8 years old now and no longer available from big A.  I mainly use these for the drops that go to each track, or accessory.  I like these because you do not need to crimp connectors or tin the wires to use them.

Terminal Block

For main power (distributing off a transformer or TIU) I use something like this with the barrier strips for multiple connections. 

Terminal Block
Barrier Strip

Both of these style terminal blocks have been under my layout for almost a decade with no issues.

Tony

If you won't be needing more than 24 ports and all at the same voltage, the MTH 24 port terminal block is available at several well-known train dealers as low as $35.00, which is less than two of the newer 12 port design at $20/@.

I've never had an issue with the terminal posts loosening up - if you're worried about that, put a dab of blue thread-locker on them before tightening.

I used to get mine from AllElectronics.com - now closed.  There is a follow-on company started by ex-employees called Aretronics.com.  I would check there.

I like these as well from Waytekwire.com

https://www.waytekwire.com/pro...-05-barrier-terminal

George

Panel grounding bars. Down and dirty, if you're hiding them or if looks aren't top priority .....although  you can make them neat. Cheap, easy to use, and ample room for more than one wire under a terminal if need be....

Great idea!   Borrowing from another post: "Two conductors walk into a grounding bar......."

Got 'cha!

ET

I'm partial to barrier strips too.  Cheap on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Positio...LAPEAK/dp/B07CLW5FPS

If you don't need that many terminals in a row, you can cut it and either let the screws on one end hold it in place, or drill out the terminals next to the cut and install screws in those holes to secure it.

Did not realize that this did not have both sides connected, while you can use just one side and put multiple lugs on it, this one from Newark at $2 each and 4 terminals is what I was really referring to.  You can hook control to one side and device to the other and not have a mess if you have to undo only one sides connections.  Amazon does have many variations of this style block in 2 and up terminal configurations.

https://www.newark.com/multico...r%20terminal%20block

Finally got a chance to log on again! Thank you all for your great suggestions. I am leaning towards the MTH terminal block, but am having trouble finding one in stock at non-bay sources. I will keep looking.

@SouthCoastRocco posted:

Finally got a chance to log on again! Thank you all for your great suggestions. I am leaning towards the MTH terminal block, but am having trouble finding one in stock at non-bay sources. I will keep looking.

The Western Depot (a Forum Sponsor) is showing 6 of the 24-port available at $34.95, each.

@CALNNC

I offer a very positive endorsement CALNNC ofrfered for the Milapeak terminal blocks you can acquire on Amazon. I built my 24'x26' layout using various sizes of these blocks (4P, 5P, 6P, 8P, 10P, 12P) - using them to create separate buses for spreading track power, special power needs (UNC, OPER, SWITCH), and Accessory types, and allowing feeders from buses to be easily deployed by utilizing the included jumpers in each Milapeak order.

Have several hundred in use with fine performance and no failures.

Try them!

Regards, Ken

IMO there are a lot of cheaper/better options than the MTH terminal block.. Some are referenced above.. Search the big A and you should be able to find what you need/want...

Wago lever locks. Can use them on your house or your layout.

Say a YT video that under certain conditions, the levers on Wagos can be caught and lifted up when trying to get everything to fit in an electrical box. Saw a YT video that Ideal has a competitor lever lock that doesn't run afoul of Wago's patent, have yet to try them.

https://www.idealind.com/us/en...nectors/push-on.html

I used a lot of DIN rail terminal blocks I found used on the auction site. You can find buss bars to fit most, and they are easy to add more connections to.

@endless tracks posted:

Panel grounding bars. Down and dirty, if you're hiding them or if looks aren't top priority .....although  you can make them neat. Cheap, easy to use, and ample room for more than one wire under a terminal if need be....

This is what I use.

@Conductor Earl posted:

Great idea!   Borrowing from another post: "Two conductors walk into a grounding bar......."

Got 'cha!

ET

I laugh every time I read this!

Go to Home Depot or Lowe's website and plug in ground terminal bar in the search engine.  Used two of them attached to a wood board.