contactor question

[baz]

i will be running 4 elements plus fan motor , on the input side of the contactor i l have my 2 wires coming in, but what about on the output side how many wires can i connect there, i don t have a contactor yet but it seems like lots of wires tied to the same connector.4 elements +1 motor =5 wires per terminal on the contactor.
is there enough room on a terminal for that many wires?

[CarWiz]

It depends on the contactor you get. Most of the higher power contactors have what looks like a V-clamp for the load side. These will usually take up to 8ga. or more wire. When you combine the wires, be sure all wires are clamped tight. One loose one will cause an arch and burn the whole mess up.

[autobonifica]

or you can do like i did. i have one wire coming off each leg going to a terminal strip. i have all my elements, fan, and temp controller's power leads coming to there. it makes it hella simple and they are about $4/piece.

[baz]

the terminal strip sounds good but do they make them in different amp.ratings
thanks guys

[autobonifica]

Originally Posted by baz

the terminal strip sounds good but do they make them in different amp.ratings
thanks guys

considering it's a 3/8" piece fo aluminum...amp rating is hardly a concern

[baz]

Originally Posted by autobonifica

considering it's a 3/8" piece fo aluminum...amp rating is hardly a concern

makes sense ,thanks

[hbracing]

just be sure that what ever you use it will handle the amperage of evreything that you want to handle. One thing is for sure, electricity will let you know if you have made a mistake. Not that any one us makes mistakes on purpose, its just I would hate to see some one have a brain fart and poof there goes the house. Been there done that, didnt loose the house though. "Measure twice cut once". Works for me..........

[baz]

thank s guys , the contactor i got has room for multiple wires on the load side
it s a quare d 50 amp with 120 v coil