Description

Screw-Terminal DC Power Connector: The Ultimate Tool for Custom Wiring

The Screw-Terminal DC Power Connector set is an essential component for achieving truly custom and professional low-voltage wiring installations. This versatile male and female pair empowers you to terminate any standard 2-conductor wire, like our Premium LED Strip Extension Wire, with a universal 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC barrel connector. The Screw-Terminal DC Power Connector eliminates the need for soldering, instead utilizing simple screw-down terminals to create a secure and reliable mechanical and electrical bond. This is the perfect solution for creating custom-length power supply extensions, repairing damaged adapter cables, or integrating bulk wire into your LED lighting systems.

Why Use a Screw-Terminal DC Power Connector?

These connectors bridge the gap between bulk wire and standard devices, offering several key advantages:

• Total Customization: Don’t be limited by the short cable on your power adapter. With these connectors, you can create a power cable of the exact length you need, running it cleanly and discreetly to your device.
• Solder-Free Connections: Soldering can be difficult and requires special tools. The screw terminals provide a robust connection using only a small screwdriver, making it accessible for everyone.
• Fast Repairs and Modifications: If the plug on your existing power adapter gets damaged, you can simply cut it off, strip the wires, and attach a new plug in minutes, saving you the cost of a whole new power supply.
• Professional Integration: Use these to connect a hard-wired, high-wattage power supply to an LED controller or dimmer that has a female barrel jack input, creating a clean and professional-grade setup.

Installation Guide: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3

Creating a secure connection with a Screw-Terminal DC Power Connector is incredibly simple.

1. Prepare Your Wire: Take your 2-conductor wire and strip about 5mm (1/4 inch) of insulation from the ends of the positive and negative leads.
2. Check Polarity: Look closely at the plastic housing of the connector. You will see small “+” and “-” symbols molded next to the screw terminals.
3. Insert and Secure: Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the screws. Insert the bare positive wire into the “+” terminal and the negative wire into the “-” terminal. Tighten the screws firmly to clamp down on the wire.
4. Test the Connection: Your custom cable is ready. Always test your connection before final installation.

Understanding polarity is critical for all DC electronics. You can learn more from this basic guide on DC electricity and polarity.

Applications for DC Jack & Plug Connectors

• Extending Power Supplies: Connect a male plug to a long run of wire to extend the reach of your wall-wart Power Supply.
• Custom LED Installations: Connect a female jack to the end of a long wire run from your power source, creating a convenient “outlet” to plug your LED strip controller into.
• CCTV and Security Systems: Create custom-length power cables for security cameras.
• DIY Electronics and Prototyping: A fundamental component for any electronics hobbyist’s toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What size wire can I use with these connectors? A: These connectors are generally compatible with wire gauges from 18AWG to 24AWG, which covers most common low-voltage and LED strip applications.

Q: How do I know which wire is positive and which is negative? A: On standard 2-conductor wire, the positive wire is often marked with a red line, white stripe, or writing, while the negative wire is plain black or unmarked. Always check your wire’s specifications and test with a multimeter if you are unsure.