What Size Ferrules do I need?

[NT_Engineer]

I am trying to figure out what size ferrules I need to buy.  I have a NI cDAQ-9172 with a 9472, 9263, 9215, and a 9217.  Also, where can I buy these? I've checked at Fry's Electronics, Radio Shack, and a local electrical surplus store.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Just what are you calling a ferrule?

[NT_Engineer]

If you look on page 7 of the NI 9263, it says you can use "Ferrules" to connect wires to the terminals 

NI 9263 Manual

[Dennis_Knutson]

Okay, that makes some sense. For normal operations, you can usually just strip and tin the wire (if multi-stranded wire) before inserting and screwing down. I've seen these 'ferrules' but I don't know if they have been refered to as that. I've used different types of crimp-on connectors though I don't remember different brands. You might have better luck doing a search for crimp connectors in Allied or Newark. They are sized by the gauge of wire you will be using. There might be solder-type terminations/connectors as well. Maybe someone from NI can recomend a brand and part number.

Message Edited by Dennis Knutson on 10-14-2008 06:06 PM

[NT_Engineer]

Well, I'm thinking about using these "Ferrules," because I am going to have a lot of wires going to 13 solenoid valves, gas analyzer, and a flow meter, and I want to make sure that these wires have good connections with the terminal block. I have been testing out my solenoid valve sequencer with just stripped wires connected to the terminal block, and if they move just slightly, they lose contact with the conductive part of the terminal block.

[dansch]

Hi NT_Engineer,

You may actually find the required ferrule sizes under the Physical Characteristics section on page 16 of the NI 9263 Operating Instructions. According to the specification given, the ferrules should be 0.25 mm^2 to 2.5 mm^2 which may depend on the wire being used. Performing a search online for "wire ferrules" should lead to numerous resources for purchasing these devices (the first link I found can be seen at http://www.americanelectrical.com/wireferrules.htm). Hope this helps!