Electronics & Wiring

Electronics and wiring supplies for makers who build their own battery leads, robots, drones and printer upgrades, with power connectors to join the circuit and Iwiss tools to strip and terminate wire properly.
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Electronics and wiring supplies for reliable builds

Most electrical faults in maker projects are not failed components but failed joints: a crimp that pulls out, a cold solder joint or a connector too small for the current. This collection brings together both halves of a good connection: battery connectors and the wiring tools that terminate them properly. Use this page to plan the job, then visit the connectors or crimping tools pages for detailed selection guides.

A wiring project workflow

  1. Plan: work out the current each circuit carries, then pick a connector rated above it and wire heavy enough for the run. Our electrical connectors page compares the XT30, XT60, XT90 and MT60.
  2. Strip: remove just enough insulation without nicking strands, using the Iwiss FSA-0626/B Wire Stripper or the self-adjusting Iwiss HS-D2 Automatic Electric Wire Cable Stripper.
  3. Crimp or solder: crimp terminals with the tool made for them, using the selection table on our crimping tools page, or solder connectors that are made to be soldered.
  4. Insulate: cover soldered joints with heatshrink, push crimped pins into their housings until they lock, and secure the cable so the joint never carries its weight.
  5. Test: tug test each crimp, check continuity and polarity with a multimeter, and use a fuse or current limited supply for the first power up where you can.

When to crimp and when to solder

Crimp whenever the terminal has a barrel or wings designed for it. That covers JST and Molex style pins, Deutsch and Weather Pack contacts, ferrules and battery lugs. With the matching tool, a crimp is fast, repeatable and flexible right up to the terminal, which is why it is the standard for vehicles, boats and anything that vibrates.

Solder when the connector has solder contacts, such as XT and MT60 power connectors, or when joining wire to a circuit board. Keep the joint neat, finish it with heatshrink and add strain relief nearby. Avoid doing both on one terminal, because solder that wicks into a crimp leaves the wire stiff and prone to cracking at that point.

Soldering irons cause serious burns, so use a stand and good ventilation. Disconnect batteries before working on any circuit, and leave mains voltage wiring to a licensed electrician.

What to use for common projects

ProjectConnector or terminalStart with
RC, FPV and drone battery leadsXT30, XT60 or XT90, chosen by currentXT60 Power Connector Pair with Pre-Soldered Leads
Brushless motor to speed controllerMT60 3 poleMT60 3.5mm 3 Pole Connector Pair
3D printer and robotics signal wiringJST and Molex style pinsIwiss IWS-2820M or Iwiss IWS-1442L
Automotive, 4WD and marine harnessesDeutsch and Weather PackIwiss Kit-DC01 or Iwiss IWS-1424B
Solar, RV and battery banksBattery lugsIwiss IWS-0670C or Iwiss IWS-1040S
Control panels and power supply terminalsWire end ferrulesIwiss HSC8 Ratchet Crimping Tool

Buying electronics and wiring supplies from OzFDM

Connectors, crimpers and strippers ship together from our Perth and Melbourne warehouses, so one order can cover a whole harness. For the bench, the Dual USB Wall Charger 2A is RCM compliant for use in Australia. Businesses and schools can apply for a trade account.

Wiring FAQs

What do I need to start making my own battery leads?

At a minimum: the connectors, a wire stripper, a temperature controlled soldering iron, solder, heatshrink and a multimeter to confirm polarity. Pre-soldered XT60 leads cut out the fiddliest step if you are new to soldering. Practise on offcuts first, and never work on leads while they are attached to a charged battery.

How do I work out how much current my project draws?

Check the specifications for your motors, speed controllers and other loads, then add up everything that runs on the same circuit at the same time. Size the connector and wire for the peak draw, not the average, and leave a margin on top. If the numbers are unclear, measure with a suitable meter under real load.

What is the difference between signal and power wiring?

Signal wiring carries small currents for sensors, switches, fans and data, so it uses fine wire and small multi-pin connectors such as JST style plugs. Power wiring carries the main current from a battery or supply on heavier wire through connectors like the XT range. Route the two apart where possible to reduce interference, and never use signal connectors for power.

Is the dual USB wall charger suitable for Australian power points?

Yes. The Dual USB Wall Charger 2A is approved for use in Australia and is RCM compliant. It has two USB ports and a 2A output in a compact design, which suits phones and small USB powered gadgets around the workshop. Devices built for fast charging may charge more slowly than on their own charger.

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