Branch Terminal Blocks
Terminal blocks are a modular block with an insulated frame connecting two or more wires in a reliable manner. A clamping component and a conducting strip are used to secure and organize connecting wires, allowing multiple outgoing wires to join to one singular incoming wire. Wires are secured to the terminal blocks with screw connections, spring cage connections, push in connections (requiring the use of ferrules on the wires), fast connections, or barrier connections (requiring ring or spade terminals on the wires). Terminal blocks are the perfect solution for complicated control circuits that require secure, well-organized and semi-permanent wire connections that can easily be switched out for repair or inspection in the field. Within a control board, terminal blocks are snapped firmly into place on a mounting or DIN rail. When modifications to the circuit are performed, they can easily be added or removed from the rail without interfering with other wire connections.
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.