Stackable Terminal Blocks
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Stackable terminal blocks are electrical connectors that allow multiple connections to be made in a compact and organized manner. They are designed to be mounted next to each other, typically on a DIN rail, to save space. These blocks may feature an indicator light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), to verify that current is flowing through the device.
Working Principle
Stackable terminal blocks work by providing a secure and efficient means of connecting wires. They are typically mounted on a DIN rail, which is a standardized metal rail used for mounting circuit breakers and industrial control equipment. The stackable design allows for multiple terminal blocks to be placed side by side, optimizing space and facilitating easy expansion of the electrical system. The inclusion of features like indicator lights helps in monitoring the flow of current, ensuring that connections are active and functioning correctly.
Applications
Stackable terminal blocks are used in various applications where space-saving and efficient wire management are crucial. They are commonly found in industrial control panels, where they facilitate the organization and connection of multiple electrical circuits. Specific examples include their use in automation systems, where they connect sensors and actuators to controllers, and in power distribution systems, where they help manage the distribution of electrical power across different components.
Advantages over other Terminal Blocks
One of the primary advantages of stackable terminal blocks is their space-saving design. By allowing multiple blocks to be mounted next to each other on a DIN rail, they enable more efficient use of space compared to traditional terminal blocks. This is particularly beneficial in applications with limited space, such as compact control panels. Additionally, the ability to easily expand the number of connections by adding more blocks provides flexibility and scalability in system design.
Limitations
A potential limitation of stackable terminal blocks is that their compact design may make them more challenging to work with in terms of wiring and maintenance, especially in densely packed configurations. This can lead to difficulties in accessing individual connections for troubleshooting or modifications.
Considerations
When considering stackable terminal blocks, it is important to evaluate factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and durability. While the initial cost may be higher due to the need for a DIN rail and potentially more complex installation, the long-term benefits of space savings and system scalability can offset these costs. Durability is another key consideration, as the blocks must withstand the environmental conditions of their application. Maintenance costs should also be considered, as densely packed configurations may require more time and effort for troubleshooting and repairs.
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 2P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 2
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from BlockMaster Electronics, Inc.
BlockMaster Electronics offers male and female connectors that have a variety of centerlines. We have standard & vertical plugs, dual level headers, ejector headers, and standard & pin strip headers. [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 13
- Terminal Block Type: Power Distribution Blocks; Plug
- Contacts Pitch: 7.62
from DigiKey
CONN BARRIER STRIP 2CIRC 0.325" [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Barrier Block
- Mounting Options: PCB; Terminal Strip
- Contacts Pitch: 8.26
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 3P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 3
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from DigiKey
CONN BARRIER STRIP 3CIRC 0.325" [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Barrier Block
- Mounting Options: PCB; Terminal Strip
- Contacts Pitch: 8.26
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 8P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 8
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT 5MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 11
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 9P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 9
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 5MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 10
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 4P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 4
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 10
from RS Components, Ltd.
OQ 5.08 6P Green Close Stackable Vertica [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
- # of Contacts: 6
- Approvals: RoHS Compliant
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 90DEG 5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 4
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 10POS VERT 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 10
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS VERT 5MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 2
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 4POS VERT 5MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 4
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK HDR 16POS 5.08MM [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Dual level
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 8
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 2
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 3
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 4
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 5POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 5
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 6
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 7
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 8
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 9
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 10
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 11
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 12
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 13POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 13
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 14
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 15
from DigiKey
TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR 3.5MM [See More]
- Features: Terminal Plug; Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: Free Hanging (In-Line)
- # of Contacts: 16
from Excel Cell Electronic USA Corp.
Pitch: 3.5, 7.0 mm , wire cage: nickel plated over zinc alloy [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Single Feed Through
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 3
from Amphenol PCD
Enhanced Density. Multi-tier 5.0mm spacing terminal blocks are rated at 13.5A and combine low profile with the enhanced board density provided by the multi-tier design. Moving cage clamp wire termination ensures high reliability. Interlocking Modules. Blocks range to 3 tiers high and are are... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Dual level (optional feature); Three Level (optional feature)
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 6 to 36
from Amphenol PCD
Enhanced Density. Multi-tier, 5.0mm spacing terminal blocks are rated at 17.5A and provide enhanced board density as well as system flexibility. Moving cage clamp wire termination ensures high reliability. Interlocking Modules. Blocks range to 3 tiers high and are are available in five different... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Dual level (optional feature); Three Level (optional feature)
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 6 to 36
from Amphenol PCD
Enhanced Density. Multi-tier, 5.0mm spacing terminal blocks are rated at 24A and provide high current capacity and enhanced board density as well as system flexibility. Moving cage clamp wire termination ensures high reliability. Interlocking Modules. Blocks range to 3 tiers high and are are... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- Terminal Block Type: Dual level (optional feature); Three Level (optional feature)
- Mounting Options: PCB
- # of Contacts: 6 to 36
from Amphenol PCD
High Board Density. The angled .200" (5.08mm) low profile ELMM series incorporates a 45 ° angle to maximize use of space by allowing terminal blocks to be stacked front-to-back, providing users full access to wires and screws even when the blocks are fully wired. The angled wire entry also... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 20
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 5.08
from Amphenol PCD
ELM 5.0mm spacing wire-to-board moving cage clamp terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. Interlocking Modules. The ELM family consists of precision molded 2- and 3-position screw termination modules with interlocking dovetails. Modules can be joined... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 20
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
from Amphenol PCD
ELM 5.0mm spacing wire-to-board moving cage clamp terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. Interlocking Modules. The ELM family consists of precision molded 2- and 3-position screw termination modules with interlocking dovetails. Modules can be joined... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 20
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
from Amphenol PCD
ELM 5.0mm spacing wire-to-board moving cage clamp terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. Interlocking Modules. The ELM family consists of precision molded 2- and 3-position screw termination modules with interlocking dovetails. Modules can be joined... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 20
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 5.00
from Amphenol PCD
ELVM .150" spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELVM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.81
from Amphenol PCD
ELVM .150" spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELVM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.81
from Amphenol PCD
ELVM .150" spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELVM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.81
from Amphenol PCD
ELXM 3.5mm spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELXM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.50
from Amphenol PCD
ELXM 3.5mm spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELXM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.50
from Amphenol PCD
ELXM 3.5mm spacing wire-to-board terminal blocks are available in vertical, horizontal and angled wire entry variations. SMT Compatibility. The ELXM is suitable for SMT reflow solder PCB manufacturing processes as well as wave solder, providing users with additional flexibility and maximizing... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.50
from Amphenol PCD
Lowest Height-off-Board. The .150"/3.5mm-pitch ESB line offers the lowest height off the board —.335"/8.5mm —of any screw terminal block in any spacing. This minimal profile can be of critical importance in tight packaging configurations. Moving Cage Clamp. Blocks feature moving cage... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 24
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.81
from Amphenol PCD
Modular Construction. The .5.0mm (.197") low profile ESLM series terminal block features moving cage clamp wire termination and modular construction. The terminal blocks are molded as 2- to 24-position modules with interlocking dovetails and can be assembled to length without loss of pin spacing. [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 24
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 12.70
from Amphenol PCD
True Surface-Mount. True surface-mount terminal blocks facilitate board assembly. Tin-lead plated solder contact tabs are specifically designed for compatibility with SMT reflow solder installation. Fastening Options. SMT terminal blocks must be securely and independently fastened to the board in... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 10
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 3.81
from Amphenol PCD
.200" spacing SCFF spring-clamp plugs utilize a stainless steel clamping spring to provide “screwless ” wire termination. Convenient “front-front ” design permits both wire entry and spring actuation from the same connector surface, simplifying operation. SCFF plugs mate with... [See More]
- Features: Stackable
- # of Contacts: 2 to 8
- Mounting Options: PCB
- Contacts Pitch: 5.08