Using diode at terminal blocks for window heaters

[keithcsz]

I am working on an application where we typically wire a diode directly to a window heater. However, due to circumstance, this time we will need to have a diode at the subpanel and run a wire (a couple feet) to the window heater.

My thought process was to have a terminal block (called 17) with our 110VAC, and then have a terminal block below (17A) it that is jumpered to terminal block 17 by the diode. We would then wire the window heater to 17A.

As far as using the diode at the terminal block in this manner.. does anyone see any potential concerns? Would it be better to simply cut the leads as short as we can for the diode, or would shrink tubing, etc be a better option?

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[petersonra]

why do you need the diode in the first place? It will reduce the amount of heat produced by 50%.

other than the oddity of the application I don't see anything wrong with what you propose.

 

[SG-1]

You might consider covering (insulating) the leads with heat shrink tubing or some small diameter electrical tubing so there is no chance of a ground fault or short circuit with the bare leads.

 

[tom baker]

Yes heat shrink works well, I would use clear so its obvious what the device is.

 

[GoldDigger]

Cutting the leads on the diode too short can risk mechanical damage when you try to mount it to the terminal strip.
Soldering results in the leads being in a relaxed position. Putting the wire under a terminal screw can create stress.
The encapsulation on ower diodes is pretty rugged though.