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Author Topic: When to get a power distribution block  (Read 407 times)

KK4GMU

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When to get a power distribution block
« on: August 05, 2022, 11:54:16 AM »

When is it best to get a separate power distribution block?

The 13 volt power supply I have has only one pair (+/-) of 5-way screw on binding posts.  I have 4 pairs of ring connectors on the two posts. 

Am I past time where I should get a separate power distribution block?  3 of the 4 connected items draw <.5 amp.  The transceiver is the only higher draw device.

I may be answering my own question, but if I add one more item it may get messy(ier).

At what point do you guys get a power distribution block and which ones do you recommend?
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K6CPO

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2022, 12:46:54 PM »

When is it best to get a separate power distribution block?

The 13 volt power supply I have has only one pair (+/-) of 5-way screw on binding posts.  I have 4 pairs of ring connectors on the two posts. 

Am I past time where I should get a separate power distribution block?  3 of the 4 connected items draw <.5 amp.  The transceiver is the only higher draw device.

I may be answering my own question, but if I add one more item it may get messy(ier).

At what point do you guys get a power distribution block and which ones do you recommend?

I use a RigRunner 4008 for the better part of my shack power. It's fed by my 13.8VDC, 32A Alinco power supply. It powers two Yaesu mobile dual band VHF/UHF radios, an iCom IC-751A HF, an MFJ 929 auto tuner and a Timewave ANC-4. I still have three ports available when I need them.  The RigRunners are the ones I would recommend. However, if you aren't already using them, you'd have to convert all your power leads to PowerPoles.
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K1KIM

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2022, 01:11:36 PM »

Dozens on Amazon

I use a Chunzehui F-1005
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AA4PB

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2022, 01:40:42 PM »

The main reason that I use a rigrunner is so that each connection has the appropriate size fuse for the powered device. For example, if you have a small accessory that draws 1A and has small gauge wire that you connect directly to your power supply that can source 20 amps, a pinched wire could result in maximum smoke.
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Bob  AA4PB
Garrisonville, VA

W1MOW

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2022, 02:44:43 PM »

I am not a big fan of the Anderson Powerpoles, especially in circuits that are not disconnected often. I use a fuse panel designed for boats but can be used anywhere. (I have used them in ambulances.) I have a 50amp Ashtron connected to it. What I like most is it uses crimp/soldered standard fork or ring terminals.

Powerpoles have their place, but not in circuits that are permanent.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/5026/ST_Blade_Fuse_Block_-_12_Circuits_with_Negative_Bus_and_Cover

Gary W1MOW
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KK4GMU

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2022, 03:22:04 PM »

The main reason that I use a rigrunner is so that each connection has the appropriate size fuse for the powered device. For example, if you have a small accessory that draws 1A and has small gauge wire that you connect directly to your power supply that can source 20 amps, a pinched wire could result in maximum smoke.
Yup.  That's my main reason, too. The power block I'm getting also has a fuse for each connection.  Most connected devices will have just a 1 amp fuse.
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N8YX

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #7 on: August 05, 2022, 03:34:42 PM »

Powerpoles have their place, but not in circuits that are permanent.
I have two RigRunners in my shack at the moment. They're used to feed low to moderate power devices - receivers, peripherals, what have you. Higher-powered transceivers (100w class and up) are connected directly to the big 12v supplies which feed the RigRunners.

Some of the attached devices have been in place since 2008. No issues at all in that time span.
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K0UA

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #8 on: August 05, 2022, 04:05:16 PM »

I made a 6 position powerpole box of my own.  All of the powerpoles clip together, then just ran number 12 wire as a buss for both lines. The box was about $3, and the powerpoles about a buck a pair so the cost was low.
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73  James K0UA

K7LZR

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #9 on: August 05, 2022, 04:53:39 PM »

My solution was to build my own using electrical neutral bar similar to this except that mine can accommodate up to 12 connections:

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Electrical-Distribution-Terminal-Neutral/dp/B01KGCAYUW

One strip for Positive, another for Negative, both color coded & clearly marked. Both mounted to a nice block of wood. Has many advantages over commercial units - no connectors to eventually wear out, no special connectors needed, and very, very solid connections. 
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G4AON

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2022, 02:04:04 AM »

As per the reply from James, I made my own low current distribution box using a cheap plastic project box and a handful of Power Poles. I use an automotive blade fuse size current trip. The high current radio circuits go to binding posts on the PSU, low current to the distribution box.

Fuses are “OK”, but a pain when you are fiddling around at the back of equipment and short the dc barrel plug on a switch toggle… done that twice before changing to a trip.

Incidentally, I built a couple of “Bob boxes”, that are over Voltage/current/reverse polarity protection units. These were a construction article in the RadCom magazine. While my power supply has an over Voltage protection crowbar, I am not risking it with my expensive radios. It seems surprising that commercial protection units aren’t available as they are cheap insurance against PSU failure causing catastrophic damage to your radios.

See:
https://gm4wzg.co.uk/wp/home/projects/bob/

73 Dave G4AON
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K4GTE

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2022, 04:52:07 AM »

West Mountain Radio RigRunner.
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AI5BC

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2022, 01:44:16 PM »

When you have more than one load device.
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W9IQ

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2022, 02:08:18 PM »

Most devices have internal fuses to protect the device and its wiring from an internal failure. However, many devices, such as lighted SWR meters may have no internal fusing whatsoever.

Even with an internal fuse, the wiring to the device itself and its power jack is not protected in the event of being cut, pinched, shorted or otherwise damaged. This can lead to a catastrophic event when the supply has plenty of amperage to feed the lower resistance fault which can result in substantial overheating. This is where a fused distribution block with smaller amperage fuses for each port is valuable. Even though the supply is capable of high amperage, any fault in the downstream device will cause the lower amperage fuse to blow - thereby averting potential disaster.

You could of course install line fuses in each individual device cord but this quickly becomes cumbersome and a reliability headache. Invest in a fused distribution block, a bag of Anderson connectors and an Anderson Powerpole crimper - it will serve you well. I favor the distribution blocks that allow you to put a lock bar (wire) through the Anderson connectors to keep them from pulling or falling out of the distribution block.

- Glenn W9IQ
« Last Edit: August 06, 2022, 02:13:24 PM by W9IQ »
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

KK4GMU

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Re: When to get a power distribution block
« Reply #14 on: August 06, 2022, 04:39:39 PM »

Most devices have internal fuses to protect the device and its wiring from an internal failure. However, many devices, such as lighted SWR meters may have no internal fusing whatsoever.

Even with an internal fuse, the wiring to the device itself and its power jack is not protected in the event of being cut, pinched, shorted or otherwise damaged. This can lead to a catastrophic event when the supply has plenty of amperage to feed the lower resistance fault which can result in substantial overheating. This is where a fused distribution block with smaller amperage fuses for each port is valuable. Even though the supply is capable of high amperage, any fault in the downstream device will cause the lower amperage fuse to blow - thereby averting potential disaster.

You could of course install line fuses in each individual device cord but this quickly becomes cumbersome and a reliability headache. Invest in a fused distribution block, a bag of Anderson connectors and an Anderson Powerpole crimper - it will serve you well. I favor the distribution blocks that allow you to put a lock bar (wire) through the Anderson connectors to keep them from pulling or falling out of the distribution block.

- Glenn W9IQ
Thanks, Glenn.  The most complete and convincing reasons for a block yet. And AI5BC: "Whenever you have more than one load device."  I should have had a block six months ago.

My distribution block system will be complete before the end of the week.  Thanks, all.
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