Wire Won't Stay in Molex Connector on Quantum Board

[guitarguy10]

I'm trying to wire up two QB 120 v2 boards and I can't get the wire to stay in the molex connector on the board.

I am using 14/2 solid core, I push it in and it's supposed to just stay gripped in (according to their molex video) but it just comes right out, uh what am I doing wrong?

 

[Doug Dawson]

I'm trying to wire up two QB 120 v2 boards and I can't get the wire to stay in the molex connector on the board.

I am using 14/2 solid core, I push it in and it's supposed to just stay gripped in (according to their molex video) but it just comes right out, uh what am I doing wrong?

Hard to do much wrong with those connectors. When you look at the connector you will see the metal piece under each side of the release tab. When you push the wire in the metal on either side expands and is under pressure so it should grip the wire. Than when you push down on release it just separates those 2 metal pieces or jaws to let the wire loose. Do you see the metal part on either side of the button? Could be one just got bent and you should be able to just push it in a bit from either side.

 

[guitarguy10]

It bites down on it, but it only takes a very slight tug and it comes right out. I think it may have to do with the gauge, because the plastic sheath makes it too thick for any of the sheath to go into the hole (aka there is exposed copper)

Maybe I should just go to 16/2?

 

[Doug Dawson]

It bites down on it, but it only takes a very slight tug and it comes right out. I think it may have to do with the gauge, because the plastic sheath makes it too thick for any of the sheath to go into the hole (aka there is exposed copper)

Maybe I should just go to 16/2?

The video says the connector is for 18 gauge wire so you may be right. 14 gauge may just be too big for it to grip.

 

[Beehive]

I use 16/2 on ideal chip holders. The little clasp looks the same.

 

[guitarguy10]

I have a tonne of 22 gauge wire I use for arduino projects. You think that would be too thin for carrying the current across 2 of these boards in parralel (LNE24V120WDA driver)

 

[Doug Dawson]

I have a tonne of 22 gauge wire I use for arduino projects. You think that would be too thin for carrying the current across 2 of these boards in parralel (LNE24V120WDA driver)

It probably would be too small. Why not just get some 18 gauge as that seems to be what that connector is built for?

 

[guitarguy10]

It probably would be too small. Why not just get some 18 gauge as that seems to be what that connector is built for?

Yeah that's what I'll do when hardware store is open. I just thought I asked because as I said I have like a metric tonne of it.

Also not sure which video you're referring to, the one I watched didn't mention the gauge of wire to use.

 

[Doug Dawson]

I watched the one on the HLG web site. The video says 18 gauge the page says 18 to 22 gauge. So it looks like the 22 will work but I personally would still get 18 as it will be the max thickness for that connector. You could go with the 22, it says it will work. Here is the page.

General Guide

General Guide to working with Quantum Boards DIY lamps

horticulturelightinggroup.com

 

[guitarguy10]

thanks