Multi-pair splicing

[Josh0311]

I've looked all over and can't find a suitable patch point for splicing multi-pair cable. I've found plenty of "screw-down" terminal strips and solid wire patch panels, but nothing designed for soldering.
Anyone know of anything?

[waynehoskins]

Are you thinking about mass connectors? That's about the only way I know of to "inline splice" multicore.

[Josh0311]

If by mass you're talking about multipin connectors, no. This will be a permanent install and probably never touched again. I would like to keep it as hard point connected as possible...

[waynehoskins]

Look at a 110 block, then. I think. Could you tell us more about what you're trying to do?

[Josh0311]

I'll need some further direction on what a 110 block is...
When the building was initially built all channels were pulled to a 2nd story loft with a small window opening to the auditorium. Ridiculous. FOH has been relocated to the main floor and into the seating area, but it's temporarily running off a portable snake while the permanent cabling is unused. I would like to regain all our channels by extending the permanent cabling down to the new FOH location. I will also pull another (12) channels since we currently only have (30), but wanted to avoid scrapping all the existing cabling.

[waynehoskins]

Okay, a 110 block sounds like a good fit.

Wikipedia - 110 Punchdown Block

Another option is to put a panel in there with XLRs on it, to serve both as a junction point between the two multicores and an inject/tap point .. such as if you were to later put a video control room up there, you might want to be able to utilize a spare pair as an intercom line, for example.

Or keep the existing fanout upstairs and put a stage box on the new snake you drop down. This gives you the option, good or bad, of patching.

[Josh0311]

Dude, great idea. I think that will work nicely. Thanks.

[sadlerjon]

Just remember that 110 blocks are normally used with solid (not stranded) twisted pair...

If you use stranded wire you may have mechanical failures in the future.

[Esoteric]

Being an electrician I have only seen it used with solid core. I dare say you will (not might) have problems with it in the future. I like the idea of a patch point better myself.

Mike

[Les]

Originally Posted by Esoteric

Being an electrician I have only seen it used with solid core. I dare say you will (not might) have problems with it in the future. I like the idea of a patch point better myself.

Mike

Actually a 110 punchdown block works with both solid or stranded wire, at least some/most of them do.

The datasheets for the Hubbell Premise blocks specifically state solid or stranded 26awg - 22awg. As do iCat brand blocks.

I gave a quick call to Leviton (we are a distributor for them at work) and they also confirmed that their 110 blocks work with stranded or solid, 22-26 awg.

If you do go that route with the 110 block just make sure the datasheet specifically says stranded, or call the manufacturer and double check and you should be fine.

Of course there is something to the patch panel... but that's a lot more expensive and labor intensive, so I personally wouldn't go that route unless I thought it was necessary either now or in the near future.

Les

[Esoteric]

Thanks Les. I had never seen one used (successfully) in that way. That is why I have so much caution against it. But I guess if it is listed as being compatible, then go ahead.

Mike

[Les]

Yeah, It's definitely not a common thing to use stranded with them, but they are ok for it, as long as it specified.

That's why I called Leviton as well, my contact is a wiring guru so I figured I would double-check with him first before posting. That way if it doesn't work I can blame him