Wiring iPAC 2 - why am I struggling connecting a wire?!

[Kingsausage]

So ... feel like an idiot because I can’t find anything about how to wire this thing, which tells me I’m missing something obvious.

Have the wire stripped maybe 1/4” or so, insert it into the hole on the side of the iPAC and tighten the screw.

Wire slides right out.

I crank that dang screw down as hard as I can, try looping the wire, whatever - wire slides right out.

How in the heck do I get the wire to stay in the side of the iPAC??

[PL1]

Have the wire stripped maybe 1/4” or so, insert it into the hole on the side of the iPAC and tighten the screw.

Wire slides right out.

I crank that dang screw down as hard as I can, try looping the wire, whatever - wire slides right out.

How in the heck do I get the wire to stay in the side of the iPAC??

Screw terminals have a contact plate that moves up or down depending on which direction you turn the screw.

You might have inserted the wire on the wrong side of the moving contact plate.

Turn the screw a dozen or so turns in the loosening direction, then insert the wire, and tighten the screw again.   


Scott

[Kingsausage]

Thanks Scott!

Perhaps I have a defective unit.  I’ve tried about 10 screws and I screw them all the way out and all the way in, and I see a small hole with a little metal tab at the top, and nothing in that hole or around that tab moves at all, regardless of how much I screw or unscrew.

Do I have to pry out those tabs or something?  Or perhaps my screws are too short to force it down? I’ve attached a side view with the screws at various depths.

[ivwshane]

They look normal to me. Take a picture again but this time screw a couple of them half way. You should be able to see the upper tab start to lower. And no you don't need to do anything else like bend the tabs.

What gauge wire are you using?

[Kingsausage]

Okay - thanks fellas, I think I have it.

The ones I was testing on, no matter how much I crank them down, they don’t seem to bite.

I went down 1 at a time and did find some that do move and pinch the cables in, so maybe this is just a moody one.

My gauge is pretty skinny - it is Andy from Ultimarc’s kit that he sells so I have to assume it is correct.

[ivwshane]

Just to be sure, you are putting the wire inside the circular hole, correct?

[AndyWarne]

The wire we supply in the wiring kit (16 x 0.2mm) is easily thick enough to be gripped by the connectors.

So I am not really sure what the issue is here. I can try assist by email if still stuck: andy@ultimarc.com

[Titchgamer]

I doubt there is anything wrong with the terminals but after watching apprentices cock these connections up for years I will offer the same advice to you as them.

First wind all screws out, The wire is held under those metal tabs so when you push the wire in it needs to be right underneath  the tab before you tighten it up.
If you struggle to get them in then use a very small driver to just pry the tab up a little.
I usually bend over/double up on wire to give a better contact point.
When tightening use the correct screwdriver and nip them up finger tight, they do not need to be over tight or you will likely strip the threads.

Also remember these are low voltage communication type connections, Dont go pulling on them like you would a mains voltage connection.
If you can tug on them with your finger tip they are tight enough.

Hope that helps some.