terminal strips

[fatwax]

i have simple question that may have a very obvious answer. what is the purpose for putting a terminal strip in a car? the ones im talking about usually have 10 or so terminals on each side of the strip where a wire goes on each side with a screw holding the terminal end. i assume that each of these circuits are seperate so i dont understand the reason for the break at the strip. why not just run the wires continuously from where they originate to where they are going (a switch to a fuel pump relay for example)?

[Monty Mikho]

I believe more than anything it makes it easier to track problems when the electrical gremlins arrive. It also makes it easier to replace components and partial wiring if ever needed (under the hood fire.. trust me I know). Another advantage would be for future upgrades or additions to your existing wiring.

[Six_Shooter]

A lot of times these terminal strips will be used at a point where there will be a lot of electrical components mounted in one area, like to a single panel, on the passenger floorboard/tranny tunnel.

The strip would make it easier to remove this panel as a whole without cutting wires, or individual components as need be.

It also acts sort of like a pin box, when trying to trace problems, or add new components.

[fatwax]

thanks, i kinda was thinking somthing along those lines but wasnt sure if i was missing somthing. the removable panel part makes good sense.