Terminal Blocks & Connectors
Terminal blocks and connectors are crucial components employed to create tightly secured and organized electrical connections across an extensive range of applications in the industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Terminal blocks are made for the connection of two or more wires, which are often mounted on a DIN rail or panel. They are frequently found in control panels, automation systems, and electrical enclosures, among other places. They make the current distribution both neat and efficient.
With many types from which to choose, including screw, spring, and push-in styles, terminal blocks offer versatility to fulfill different installation preferences and electrical requirements. Besides standard terminal blocks, connectors are vital for establishing removable, pluggable, or permanent electrical connections between components or devices. Terminal blocks and connectors often team up to form the modular wiring systems that make up the architecture of many buildings, offering greater flexibility and maintenance efficiency. For printed circuit board applications, PCB terminal blocks provide direct electrical connections between wires and circuit traces. They are widely used in power supply units, motor drives, and other circuit board-mounted devices. A barrier strip, a kind of terminal block, is used to separate circuits for protection against short circuits in higher-voltage applications.
FAQs
1. What are terminal blocks used for?
They connect two or more wires together securely, helping organize and distribute electrical current in control panels and systems.
2. What are the main types of terminal blocks?
The most common types are screw, spring clamp, and push-in terminal blocks. Each offers different installation and connection styles.
3. What do electrical connectors do?
Connectors allow you to make removable or pluggable connections between wires or devices for easier maintenance or replacement.
4. Where are terminal blocks and connectors used?
They’re used in industrial, commercial, and residential wiring—especially in control panels, automation equipment, and power systems.
5. What is a PCB terminal block?
A PCB terminal block connects wires directly to a printed circuit board and is often used in power supplies, drives, and electronics.
Terminal Block Basics
Single Level Pass Through Terminal Blocks
Single Level Pass Through Terminal Blocks are used to connect two wires together with a common junction point. This is helpful when a component needs to be disconnected or isolated within a circuit. These are the most common types of terminal blocks in industrial applications.
Ground Terminal Blocks
Ground Terminal Blocks function almost exactly like most pass through terminal blocks with one exception: they are grounded. These terminal blocks have a metal connection from where the wire is terminated, all the way to the bottom of the block where it will clamp into the panel. This allows for an electrical circuit to be grounded without running a wire to the main ground connection on a breaker or surge protector.
Fuse Terminal Blocks
Fuse Terminals function almost exactly like most pass through terminal blocks with one exception: the presence of a fuse. This fuse provides protection for components from too much voltage or current.
Multilevel Terminal Blocks
Multilevel Terminal Blocks are used to connect two wires together with a common junction point, just like single pass though terminal blocks, but with the advantage of making two electrical connections in the same block. These blocks also incorporate fuses and can be grounded.
Disconnect Terminal Blocks
Disconnect Terminal Blocks are similar to fused blocks, however the disconnect stops the flow of electricity by lifting a lever on the terminal block. Unlike fuse blocks, they are a more permanent solution, but will not provide any protection in the event of a power surge.