Terminal Blocks

I don't see why either one wouldn't work for a DCS star pattern. The MTH one is a lot fancier and has the connectors on the end but the buss bar would accomplish the same thing.

Ron

They work well to 18 gauge solid wire.   Smaller wires may not terminate properly.

These are insulated bars.  I uses them for all my common terminations.

Here is a link to a page on our site that has a how to using these, and a piece of lexan or plexiglass to make a set.

 

Link

 

Korber link, Terminal block fabrication  Thanks Rich   Mike

Thanks for the link. That is exactly what I was thinking of doing..

I bought one of these 23 screw ground bars. They usually have three holes for mounting in a circuit panel. You do cut the middle hole in half but I decided that instead of using just cyanoacrylate that really dies not stick to smooth bare metal well, to run a 1/4-20 tap in the remaining holes to safely mechanically attach with countersunk machine screws from below. It will still function. Acrylic and polycarbonate both countersink very well. Go deeper than flush if you plan on mounting on a metal panel to be safe. Not sure why you would but just in case someone does.... If that glue joint pops when the circuit is energized and the two busses contact, could make some interesting blue arcing before you trip breaker. FMH

I use 14 screw ground bars as terminal blocks for track power.  Since my layout benchwork is all wood, I simply adhered them to the bench with a bead of caulk and followed it up with two wood screws - they are solid, aren't going anywhere and work fine.

We are using some of those exact ground bars bought from Lowes and Home Depot. They work just fine, same as the more expensive MTH ones.

Various strips in use for different areas of the layout.