Hi Carey; AFAIK, "Suitcase connector" is a generic term, while "Scotchlock" is a brand name product.
I have seen it reported that the connectors are prone to failure IF the correct crimping tools isn't used in connecting them, but I do not have first-hand experience to back that up. Pieter E. Roos --- On Tue, 1/25/11, Carey Probst <[email protected]> wrote: > I just learned something new, well at > least a new term to me. > > I've been using Scotchlok connectors for years for > everything, cars, > trains, general wiring, and never heard them called > suitcase connectors > before. Must be a MRR thing. > > They are great, do not require special tools to use and > generally very > good and convenient. However they do require care in > use because they > are a little fussy. > > First issue is making sure they line up properly on the > wire. Easy to > cut the wire in half if not careful. > > Second real problem is trying to use with wires of > different sizes. Red > is for wire sizes 22-18AWG. Blue for 18-14AWG, and > Yellow is for > 12-10AWG. So a lot of standard accessories will use > 18-22AWG and > connecting with a Blue requires very careful work to make > the connection > good. > > Interesting that Micro-Mark calls them suitcase connectors > for model > railroaders and sells a Scotchlok crimping tool to close > them that looks > a lot like a set of channel locks. > > They also make UDC connectors which are gel filled to > protect against > water in outdoor applications. > > Carey ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
