Don't Use Push-Wires

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Runtime Micro
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Don't Use Push-Wires

Push-Wires (also called Jumpers) seem to pop out all the time. I think it has to do with wire mass (in motion) overcoming spring-clip retention force.

A few observations on Push-Wire types;

  • Homemade have stripped ends, Manufactured have pin ends.
  • Homemade are cut to size. Manufactured are fixed size, usually longer than needed.
  • Either type's connection may fail in (Vibration, Impact or Redress) situations.

However, if you insert a Single-Sided Header into a Breadboard, you can wire-wrap to its pins. That eliminates flimsy jumpers. 

The square .025 posts hold tight because they're close to the max wire size spring-clips can accept. Here's a picture...

Image shows thru-hole Header inserted into Solderless Breadboard.

Since multiple pins are holding the Header, its well secured. And since #30 wires are low mass, they're more tolerant of Impact and Vibration!

Above the spring-clip, wrapped wires traversing squared-pin corners are making gas tight connections. Wire surfaces exposed to air oxidize over time, but gas-tight parts (at multiple corner points) tend not to oxidize. Therefore the wrapped wire connection remains viable for years.

The Header pin inserted into the spring-clip, is likely to resist oxidation too. Its (near maximum spring-clip force) connects with flat sides of the pin-post. It may be that flat pin-posts present more surface area to spring-clips than a round wire.

Created: Aug 28, 2018   Updated: Jan 11, 2024