PCB Terminal Blocks Specifications

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General Specifications

	Terminal Block Type
	Your choices are...
	Single Feed Through		Type of basic terminal block used for wire-to-wire connections where the wire feeds through one side and out the other. Single feed through terminal blocks have one input and one output contact.
	Dual Level		Also called two tiers, these terminal blocks have two levels of contacts. They are used to save space and simplify wiring.
	Dual Level Bridged		Also called double level and two tiers, these terminal blocks have two levels of contacts. They are used to save space and simplify wiring. Bridged terminal blocks use a "bridge" to connect one level to another for increased circuit flexibility.
	Three Level		Also called three tiers, these terminal blocks have three levels of contacts. They are used to save space and simplify wiring.
	Three Level Bridged		Also called three tiers, these terminal blocks have three levels of contacts. They are used to save space and simplify wiring. Bridged terminal blocks use a "bridge" to connect one level to another for increased circuit flexibility.
	Ground Circuit Terminal		Interchangeable with standard block. These units can be inserted as needed. Permits grounding of components that run to a specific piece of equipment.
	Disconnect or Switch Block		This type of terminal block allows a circuit to be easily disconnected without removing any wires. A knife switch uses a lever type of control handle to disconnect the circuit. A sliding link disconnect uses a link that can be slid to the side to disconnect the circuit. A plug disconnect has a removable plug to disconnect the circuit.
	Fuse Holder or Fuse Block		When a short circuit occurs, only the portion of the circuit connected to this block is affected. This can also be a disconnect block if dummy fuses are inserted instead of standard fuses. A light gives visual indication of fuse condition. Also called circuit protection blocks.
	Thermocouple Block		For connecting to thermocouples. Provides consistent metal type connections for thermocouple sensors to measure temperature.
	I/O Block		Provides communication between a controller, usually a PLC or IPC, and some type of sensor level devices.
	Sensor / Actuator Block		Handles three-wire or four-wire proximity sensors, three- or four-wire photoelectric sensors, or any other type of three- or four-wire device. Also enables high-density terminations.
	Electronic Circuit Block		Terminal block that provides electrical circuit functionality such as rectification, voltage indication etc.
	Transformer Terminal Block		Transformer terminal blocks are designed to be mounted on coiled bodies. Mounting type can be direct mounting on coil bodies with integrated mounting chambers as well as for snapping onto aluminum transformer rails. These devices serve the purpose of adapting coil ends to screw or push-on tab connections to facilitate connection of the devices or system equipment to be supplied with power.
	Power Distribution Block		Terminal blocks specifically designed for the power distribution industry.
	Other		Other unlisted or proprietary terminal block types.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Termination Options
	Your choices are...
	Screw Clamp		A screw is the simplest method of connection: A screw is used to tighten the wire against the current bar with or without a pressure plate. This is the classic, industry standard, wire connection. Widest choice of blocks. Screw clamp technology has been integrated into many other functional terminal blocks including fuse holders, electronic component holders, signal conditioning modules, surge protection modules, and more. Screw clamp technology offers the widest range of products for 24 AWG to 600 MCM wire applications. The reliability and quality of the connection is demonstrated by compliance with all worldwide standards including UL, CSA, and IEC.
	Spring Clamp		Spring clamps need a tool to open. The clamp closes on the wire to provide dynamic clamping. This extra holding action withstands vibration. Spring clamp technology is especially suited for top entry connections. The top entry of the wire into the spring block allows use where space is limited, for example, between the terminal block and nearby panel components such as wire duct. The spring block technology was developed approximately 20 years ago to offer an alternative to the then only screw clamp technology for easy field and factory wiring. The wire is retained in the clamp by the force of the spring that pushes the wire against the connecting bar as shown in the illustration. Spring technology is used in applications where small wire sizes are being used, generally below 10 AWG. The reliability and quality of the connection is demonstrated by compliance with all worldwide standards including UL, CSA, and IEC.
	Insulation Displacement (IDC)		A type of connection in which the insulated wire is pushed down between two sharp bladelike pieces of metal so that the conductor touches the connector and there is no exposed bare wire.
	Tab Connection		Tab terminals, also referred to as spade or blade terminals, are designed to be inserted / removed rapidly without the need for soldering.
	Other		Other unlisted or proprietary termination types.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Orientation
	Your choices are...
	45 Degrees		Terminal is mounted at a 45 degree angle.
	90 Degrees (Horizontal)		Terminal is mounted at a 90 degree angle.
	180 Degrees (Vertical)		Terminal is mounted at a 180 degree angle.
	Other		Other unlisted orientation angles.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Number of Contacts		The number of contacts in the terminal block. Contacts are also referred to as positions, ways, or poles.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Contacts Pitch		The distance from center to center between two consecutive contacts.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Conductor Size (North American)		American wire gauge (AWG) is a U.S. standard for non-ferrous wire conductor sizes. Non-ferrous materials include copper and aluminum. The term "gauge" refers to the wire's diameter. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter and the thinner the wire. Thicker wire carries more current because it has less electrical resistance over a given length. Typical household wiring is AWG 12 or 14. Telephone wire is usually AWG 22, 24, or 26.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.

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Performance

	Voltage Rating		The voltage range at which the terminal block was designed to work.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Current Rating		The current range at which the terminal block was designed to work.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Operating Temperature:		This is the full required range of ambient operating temperature.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the limits in a "From - To" range; when both are specified, matching products will cover entire range. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.

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Features  and Approvals

	Features
	Your choices are...
	Pluggable?		The terminal has a plug style connection for quick disconnects, testing and maintenance. Circuit can be disconnected without any unwiring by unplugging the terminal. Some plugs go across several terminal blocks allowing power to be disconnected from a group of terminals at the same time.
	Stackable?		Terminal blocks are designed to be mounted next to each other, or "stacked" to save space. This style is usually mounted to a DIN or other mounting rail.
	Indicator Light?		Terminal block has an indicator light to verify that there is current present. The indicator light can be LED (most common) or neon.
	Diode?		Terminal block has a diode between circuits to facilitate lamp testing and provide reverse polarity protection.
	Other		Other unlisted features.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
	Approvals
	Your choices are...
	CE Conformity Marks		The CE-marking is a regulatory community sign that has to be obligatorily affixed on industrial products conforming to European Union standards. However, the CE-mark is not yet a quality mark.
	CSA Mark (US, C and US, NRTL/C)		The CSA Mark may appear alone or with indicators. If it appears alone, it means that the product is certified for the Canadian market, to the applicable Canadian standards. If this Mark appears with the indicator "C and US" or "NRTL/C" it means that the product is certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, to the applicable U.S. and Canadian standards.
	UL Listing Mark		This Mark, denotes that Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has found that samples of the product met UL's safety requirements. These requirements are primarily based on UL's published Standards for Safety.
	UL Recognized Component Mark (US and Canadian)		These Marks are used only on component parts that are part of a larger product or system. These components may have restrictions on their performance or may be incomplete in construction. Products intended for Canada carry the Recognized Component Mark "C."
	VDE Component Mark		For electronic components that meet VDE standards.
	Other		Any other approval not listed.
	Search Logic:		All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.

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