Connection Terminal Blocks
Terminal blocks, also known as connection terminals, are vital elements in electrical engineering. They see to it that electrical connections are made. If multiple wires need to be connected together, the terminal block will make it happen. Terminal blocks ensure that electrical connections are made reliably and, above all, are easy to do. Various types of connection technology are used in terminal blocks, including PUSH IN, SNAP IN, screw connection, and spring-cage, each offering unique features and advantages.
Connection terminal blocks offer a key advantage in that they allow for a very secure and stable physical connection. This is, perhaps, the most crucial aspect of any connection—power or signal—and is certainly not to be taken for granted. The blocks we’re talking about here almost invariably do their jobs with the kinds of connections they physically provide.
Terminal blocks are available in many forms and offer a variety of choices for our wiring needs. We can get single- or multi-level blocks; wire entry from one, two, three, or four sides; and different current-carrying capabilities, making them great for applications where numerous wires need to be connected. “Feed-through” terminal blocks—especially DIN rail models—also can double as wire-to-wire connectors, and many even can be used as building blocks for the more complex blocks. Distribution blocks—with features like butting (for compact wiring) and the ability to multiply outputs—are useful for systems requiring power or signal distribution.
Products
More Information about Connection Terminal Blocks
Modular terminal blocks are commonly used in control cabinets and switchgear, offering flexibility with different connection technologies.
A clamp terminal block is a type of electrical connector that uses a clamping mechanism, such as a screw or spring, to securely hold and connect wires, ensuring a stable and reliable electrical connection.
Flexible conductors can be connected using different connection technologies such as SNAP IN, PUSH IN, screw connection, and bolt connection.
Terminal block connectors come in various forms, including pluggable terminal blocks that allow wires to be inserted into a housing with the additional benefit of a modular housing that can be plugged directly into a fixed housing on a PCB.
FAQs
Can just one terminal block type be part of a complete terminal block system?
No, a complete terminal block system typically consists of various types of terminal blocks, each serving different functions to accommodate diverse wiring and connection needs.
Terminal Blocks Basics
Single Level Pass Through Terminal Blocks, also known as terminal connectors, 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. Screw terminals are used for making secure and semi-permanent wire connections.
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. Screw connection technology offers maximum contact force and maintenance-free operation, making it ideal for connecting large cross-section copper conductors without pretreatment.
Multilevel Terminal Blocks are used to connect two wires together with a common junction point, just like single pass through terminal blocks, but with the advantage of making two electrical connections in the same block. These blocks also incorporate fuses and can be grounded. Terminal blocks offer convenience and quality for managing power distribution within panels.
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.