Specialty Terminal Blocks

More Information about Specialty Terminal Blocks

Providing a safe and reliable connection for "ground" or "earth" wires is the very important function of special components known as "grounding" terminal blocks. When you work with a complicated modern electrical system, you naturally want it to have a reliable ground. In many electrical systems, the ground wire is also used as the conduit for bringing lightning strikes, or current from a power surge, directly to the "earth." Without these terminal blocks, the ground connection would not be nearly as good.

Terminal blocks meant for thermocouple use are specialized connecting devices for applications where the measurement of temperature is the goal. They "minimize thermal electromotive force errors" and therefore give accurate temperature readings. The blocks are often marked to show which connections and wire pairs are "plus" and "minus" and which are the "input" and "output" points.

Terminal blocks that accommodate large electrical loads are often used in power distribution systems. These high-current terminal blocks are built with rugged materials and designs that safely conduct large currents to where they need to go. They are not supposed to overheat. They are not supposed to fail. What they are supposed to do is carry huge currents reliably and safely—often in compressed, crowded spaces—without any loss of performance or increase in the likelihood of a meltdown.

FAQs

 Are terminal strips connected by plug in or are tools required?

Terminal strips are typically connected using tools, such as screwdrivers or pliers, to secure the wires in place, although some types may offer plug-in connections for easier and tool-free assembly.

Terminal Block Basics

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 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. 

Fused Terminal Blocks 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 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 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.