Module Electrical Connnections

[John]

I know that the modular standards NTrak, FREEMO, etc call for specific connectors such as power pole ..

My layout that I am developing will be modular (4-6' sections) - with a few exceptions, none of the modules will go to shows, and those that do will be outfitted accordingly ..

The wiring on each module is usually  #14 wire -- for the DCC buss and any block buss sections .. I also have a DC aux buss ..   I run CAT5 for specialized functions such as tortoise / servo controls, block detector feedback, signals, etc ..

I want to be able to TOMA the new modules and as I get the new LDE's built slide them into the layout - and add others as before and after as I get time ..


Thoughts ?   

[C855B]

The major modular formats adopted PowerPoles for good reason - robust, easy to use, inexpensive, good for one wire or a dozen, widely available, and many tools and accessories. Very popular back when I was doing the ham radio thing 30 years ago, and still is, for the same reasons.

Anything else you might want to consider in the market now, like Molex, is generally oriented to commercial production methods, with limited retail sourcing.

[John]

I was also thinking WAGO singles butt splice connector, or equivalent

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I was also thinking WAGO singles butt splice connector, or equivalent

That is EXACTLY what I was about to come recommend.

[peteski]

I was also thinking WAGO singles butt splice connector, or equivalent

But those are just one-at-a-time wire splices, not connectors in a traditional sense,  If you have multiple wires, wouldn't it be easier to use a traditional multi-pin connector?

[OrangeAnon]

As a Freemo modeler, I have seen the ways of Power Poles, and they are good. You can arrange them any way you want; all in a line, 4x4, 2x8, a handful of pairs, vertical, horizontal, color coded, you name it. And for your CAT5 needs, these may be of interest to you. https://hartmannequipmentservices.com/products/modular-signal-system-end-plate-connector-one-pair

[Ed Kapuscinski]

But those are just one-at-a-time wire splices, not connectors in a traditional sense,  If you have multiple wires, wouldn't it be easier to use a traditional multi-pin connector?

Maybe, but I'm guessing he'll have to make these connections twice: once when it's installed and once when it's headed to the dumpster.

[peteski]

Maybe, but I'm guessing he'll have to make these connections twice: once when it's installed and once when it's headed to the dumpster.

That makes no sense to me. John mentioned these will be built as modules.  If what you say is true, why not just make the wiring permanent (as done with non-modular layouts?  To me John implied he wants to make the layout easily disassembled and reassembled.

As you can see by other replies, other responders also assumed  this.

[John]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far .. lot to think of ..  Let me add some more information - which hopefully will clear some things up ..  The layout follows the Maryland Midland route from Baltimore to Hagerstown Maryland .. I want to include several of the signature elements of the railroad as I work my way from east to west. 

1) The layout is being built as "sections" consisting of rectangles ranging from 1'x4'  18"x4' etc sections .. a couple of the sections are a little longer.  They are all bolted together for easy dismantling when I am no longer in need of the layout.   

2) The parts I have currently in place are not intended to be moved, so they are wired more conventionally.

3) I salvaged a lot of the #14 and #12 wire from the old layout, so I join those with the crimp connectors for making butt joints.   I use almost exclusively digitrax for detection, signaling, and turnout controls which adds extra wiring for all those devices needed.  So it's more than just a couple of bus wires...

4) Some of the modules yet to be built will also do double as FremoN - so I need to make sure I match up with those standards .. That implies #12 wire and PowerPole .. but some of these modules may/will also be part of my digitrax signaled territory.  I don't want to adopt the FreemoN signal system for those, but will try to make any detection compatible with that design.

5) Because I want to JFRTM while I still can, I need to build those sections of the rest of the layout that are major industrial locations sooner than later.  Bernard Kempinski in his book "45 Original Track Plans" has a nice rendition of elements (1T modules) I want to build next - they will be modified slightly to be Freemo ish and meet my layout needs.  But the  attraction is Bernard did the design work and I respect his talents.  It will get me running a little faster.  After I get those build, I will add the remainder of the LDE's I need, so I need flexibility with the wiring.  Once I get the drawings int he book converted to Anyrail, I'll post them here


Hope this helps

[John]

And just for grins - I asked ChatGPT to comment

Thanks for the detailed breakdown—this definitely clears things up and paints a solid picture of your approach. You've got a smart balance of modularity, operational realism, and forward planning going on, especially with integrating Digitrax and FreemoN standards where it makes sense.

Here are a few thoughts/suggestions based on what you’ve shared:
Wiring & Modularity

    Transition Interfaces: For the FreemoN-compatible modules, consider building “transition panels” that let you quickly switch between Digitrax and FreemoN power/connectivity standards. That way, the module doesn’t have to change—just how it connects.

    Color-coded Wiring: Since you’re blending reused wire with new standards (#12/#14/#16), color-coding or labeling both ends of every wire (bus, feeders, signal, detection, etc.) with heat shrink or tags will save future-you a lot of head-scratching.

    Bus Isolation: On modular sections, especially with Digitrax detection, make sure your power districts are clearly separated and can be isolated—saves you from troubleshooting shorts or detection misfires later.

Design/Layout

    Industrial Areas First: Focusing on operational hubs (like Bernard’s 1T modules) makes a ton of sense—it’s a great way to "justify railroading" (JFRTM!) while still building toward the larger vision.

    AnyRail Conversion: Once you get those Bernard-based plans into AnyRail, you’ll have a clear roadmap. I’d be happy to take a look and help tweak things to suit Freemo-ish or Digitrax signaling needs better.

Flexibility

    Future-Proofing: Since some sections will remain stationary and others modular, maybe treat those “core” areas like permanent staging/interchanges, then design the movable parts around them so you can swap out modules over time without disrupting the whole system.

Really love the level of thought you're putting into this—it’s going to be a fun and versatile setup. Once you start converting the plans to AnyRail, feel free to share. I'd love to help shape the next steps. What's your favorite signature location you’re looking forward to modeling along the route?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That makes no sense to me. John mentioned these will be built as modules.  If what you say is true, why not just make the wiring permanent (as done with non-modular layouts?  To me John implied he wants to make the layout easily disassembled and reassembled.

As you can see by other replies, other responders also assumed  this.

Yep, easy to be confused, given the info here. I know John so I might've just engaged in some insider trading.

[Point353]

4) Some of the modules yet to be built will also do double as FremoN - so I need to make sure I match up with those standards .. That implies #12 wire and PowerPole .. but some of these modules may/will also be part of my digitrax signaled territory.  I don't want to adopt the FreemoN signal system for those, but will try to make any detection compatible with that design.

If you need to use PowerPole connectors for some of the connections, why not use them for all of the connections?

[mmyers]

John,
I would use Powerpoles. Of course I'm partial to them.
Martin