
Using A Choc Bloc Terminal For Multipule Lights
Simple wiring distribution block
In this article we take a look at one way distribute the power supply from a transformer to multiple lights on a layout/diorama. For this example we’re using a chocbloc connector also known as terminal connectors. The chocbloc connector is a available from a wide variety of online suppliers, electrical component supplies, Diy shops, model shops, wholesalers, trade suppliers like Screwfix etc.
Available in different sizes, different Amp ratings, screw type, sprung clip type. We are using the screw type choc bloc connector for this example. Using short loops of wires to form loop bridges we’ll convert the chocbloc into a multiple power distributor so to speak. Here’s how it’s done…
Connect the power supply to chocbloc from the transformer
From a transformer, run two wires to the chocbloc. Use a red wire for + positive & a black wire for – negative.
Use a wire stripper to remove a short section of plastic sleeve from the wire ends.
Unscrew the two screws as marked by the arrows nearest the chocblock on the photo right.
Insert the two wires from the transformer into the chocblock as shown right & re-tighten the screws to secure the wire into place. The screws should firmly hold the wires in place.
Loop/bridge wires
Next it’s time to feed the power supply to the first outlet. We’ll start with the red + positive wire, cutting a short section of red wire & stripping a short section of plastic insulation from both ends.
Now unscrew the screw opposite the terminal with the red wire from the transformer. Insert one end of the short red wire & re-tighten the screw to hold the wire.
With the other end of the short red wire insert into the third terminal along as shown on the right. Again unscrew insert wire & re-tighten screw.
Move onto to the black negative – wire, cutting a short section of black wire & as before stripping a short section of plastic insulation from both ends.
Now unscrew the screw opposite the terminal with the black wire from the transformer. Insert one end of the short black wire & re-tighten the screw to hold the wire.
With the other end of the short red wire insert into the forth terminal along as shown on the right. Again unscrew insert wire & re-tighten screw.
This concludes the first two loop bridge wires running from the transformer to the first outlet on the choc block strip.
Next we’ll now link in the second pair of terminals.
Cut another short length of red wire & strip the ends as before. Now insert the loop wire as shown in the photo right. Run this second loop bridge wire to link up with the terminals marked with a red X.
We’ll now repeat the process with the black – negative wire.
Cut another short length of black wire & strip the ends as before. Now insert the loop wire as shown in the photo right. Run this second loop bridge wire to link up with the terminals marked with a white X.
This now concludes the wiring up of the second outlet. We’ll now look at adding the wires from two lights to the chocblock terminal.
Taking one pair of wires from the first light & insert into the two terminals as shown on the right. Make sure you get the + Positive red wire connected up to the red loop bridge wire, & the – Negative black wire to the black loop bridge wire.
As marked with the arrows to the right in the photo, repeat the process with two wires from the second light. Again connect the black wire to the black & the red wire to the red.
Need to add more lights, simply extend the two loop wires as shown up above along the chocblock for as many lights that are needed.
In this photo on the right shows four pairs of wires from four sets of LED lights have been connected. The 5th pair of wires to the right being the power supply to the chocbloc terminal from the transformer.
Great idea ! – never thought of doing it this way.
Your welcome 🙂
If I used a 9V DC supply, does each pair of output wires work at 9V DC as well ?
Yes, it should do 9V okay as well.