Terminal Blocks & Connectors
Electrical and electronic systems heavily depend on terminal blocks and connectors. They are the vital interfaces in the systems for connecting wires and securing stable electrical connections. These components not only provide the requisite interfaces that allow electric current to flow from one part of a system to another but also perform an important organizing and management function. Terminal blocks, found in junction boxes and switchboards, are necessary for safeguarding and working with wires throughout a building or an item of equipment.
Different terminal blocks are designed to serve different purposes. For instance, there are terminal blocks that screw down onto the two or more wires for a firm, secure connection. There is another type that doesn't use a separate tool to clamp down on incoming wires. It uses a push-in mechanism along with a small, determined amount of spring tension. And then there are still other types that use a wire-plug method. These types vary depending on the application and on whether secure connections, quick connections, or tool-free connections are needed. There are also pluggable terminal blocks and modular terminal blocks.
There are several kinds of connectors, like plug and socket connectors, crimp connectors, and insulation displacement connectors. Commonly plug and socket connectors are used to connect and disconnect often, like when we use earphones on our phones or when we connect earbuds to any kind of device. Crimp connectors form a secure and permanent connection and are used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
FAQs
What terminal block type requires terminal block connectors?
Pluggable terminal blocks require terminal block connectors, as they consist of separable male and female parts that allow for easy connection and disconnection.
What are barrier strips used for?
Barrier strips are used for organizing and securing multiple electrical connections, providing a clear and safe separation between terminals to prevent short circuits and improve wiring management.
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.