What is a Terminal Block connector?  

A terminal block (also known as a terminal block connector, a terminal strip, an electric terminal block, an electrical terminal block or a bloc terminal) is a modular block with current-carring parts, insulation frame or base, and some fasteners which generally include screws, nuts, posts, washers, and springs.

The current-carring parts are typically made of copper, copper alloy, brass, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The insulating base or frame is made of industrial high performance plastics (such as PC, PBT, Nylon, ABS, etc), ceramic, phenolic, or bakelite. 

What is a Terminal Block used for?

As electrical components, terminal Blocks are used industrial equipments to connect one more than two wires or conductors in a safe, convenient, quick, and secure manner. By using a terminal block, users can quickly and safely connect multiple electrical wires between electric facilities and switchgears. It is intended for use to connect wires, make an electrical connection, and save space. Terminal blocks are commonly used in a very wide range of our general life. 

The purpose of a Terminal Block Connector?

The purpose of a terminal block connector is to allow for easy wiring connections, provide secure termination points for wires, accommodate multiple wires with varying sizes, and reduce unwanted voltage drops caused by long wire runs. It also helps to ensure that the connection remains secure over time and prevents accidental disconnections from occurring due to vibration or movement. Furthermore, it allows users the flexibility to add additional wiring without having to replace existing wiring connections.

Basics of Terminal Blocks types:  

Terminal blocks are commonly used in industrial equipment and electrical systems, providing an efficient and reliable method to join wires. Used for switchgear, circuit boards, and other applications, these blocks offer a variety of advantages that make them ideal for many environments. Understanding the basics of terminal blocks can help you determine when they should be used in your system.

Terminal blocks are designed to securely connect wires together by clamping them into place with a screw or another mechanism. These connections are insulated to prevent short circuits and ensure safety while also offering excellent conductivity. This makes them suitable for high-powered devices as well as low-voltage components. They come in different sizes and shapes depending on the application, allowing you to easily find one that fits your needs precisely. Terminal blocks can also be connected together via jumpers or support rails for even more customization options.

How many types of Terminal Block?  

Terminal blocks are classifed on the basics of the structure types, mouting types, termination wiring options, insulation materials or application field, and the rating voltage or current. Terminal blocks may also be grouped by application or type of device they connect. Such as single level terminal blocks, double level or due level terminal block, single row terminal strips, double row terminal strips, euro type DIN rail terminal connection blocks, panel mount barrier terminal blocks, electronic solder PCB terminal blocks, assembly terminal blocks, fix type terminals connectors, feed through terminal strips, push-fit terminal blocks, pluggable terminal blocks, clamp type or screw-in terminal blocks, push-in terminal blocks, screw-and-tab terminal blocks, ground or grouding termianl blocks, ceramic high temperature screw terminal block, electrical power terminal blocks, distribution terminal connection blocks, modular terminal blocks, and fuse block terminal blocks. Terminal blocks are also available where one side of the terminal block is a tab connection for quick-connect terminals and the other side of the terminal block is a screw clamp connection.

Screw-in terminal blocks

A screw-in terminal block is made up of two metal contacts that are connected by screws or bolts. The contact on one end is connected to the wiring while the other end connects to the device itself. This allows current to flow safely through the system without risk of short circuits or overheating. Screw-in terminal blocks come in different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on the application and type of wiring used. Additionally, they often feature protective coverings that help keep out dirt and moisture from entering into contact with exposed wires.

Feed through terminal blocks

Feed-through terminal blocks differ from traditional terminal strips in that they offer greater flexibility when it comes to their wiring capabilities.

How to select Terminal Blocks types? 

Selecting a Terminal Block type based on the final product market

You may select or choose a terminal block based on the final product market, wiring methods and the ratings. For example, if you are selling your facilities or products to the United States (USA), you should choose the terminal blocks complying to the safety standard of UL 1059. If you are selling your facilities or products to the Canada, you should choose the terminal blocks complying to the safety standard of CSA 22.2 No. If you wan to sell your products to the Europe market, you should choose the terminal blocks which follow the safety standard of IEC 60947, IEC 60947-7 or UL 60947 and UL 60947-7. 

Selecting a Terminal Block type based on the connector types.

When selecting a terminal block type based on the connector types, it is important to consider both the electrical requirements and environmental conditions of the application. Most terminals are available in both feed-through and non-feed-through design with a variety of contact materials, such as tinned copper or silver plated contacts. Depending on the application and connector type requirements, there are different styles that may be used to ensure optimal performance.

The amount of current needed for an application will determine the size of terminal required as well as the contact material being used. For applications where higher currents may be expected, heavier gauge conductors should be considered to ensure adequate current flow without overheating components or wiring. In addition, when selecting a terminal block for use in high vibration environments or extreme temperatures, special considerations must be taken into account including mounting methods and insulation options that can withstand those conditions.

SHINING E&E INDUSTRIAL produces a very wide range of terminal blocks. Electrical current rating : 10A, 15A, 20A, 25A, 30A, 35A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 65A, 80A, 85A, 100A, 120A, 125A, 150A, 175A, 180A, 200A, 250A, 260A, 300A, 400A, and 600A. Not only standard terminal blocks are available, Voltage rating: 300V, 600V, and 1000V. SHINING's customized OEM/ODM terminal blocks are manufactured based on customers' needs and wants. 

How to wire electrical terminal blocks?

When it comes to wiring terminal blocks, it is essential to have the right tools and knowledge. Knowing how to wire a terminal block correctly can be an important skill for any electrician or do-it-yourselfer who needs to connect multiple wires quickly and easily. Here are some tips on how to wire terminal blocks safely and effectively.

First, make sure that the power source is turned off before you begin wiring the terminal block. Inspect the terminals for damage or corrosion, which can cause arcing or short circuits if not detected early. Then strip your wires so there is approximately 5mm of bare wire exposed for insertion into the terminals. Insert each wire firmly into its respective marked slot using pliers or screwdrivers if necessary, then use cable ties to secure it in place. Terminal block wiring is very important.

Common tools to wire Terminal Blocks

To ensure secure connections when wiring terminal blocks, it is important to use the right tools. Common tools that can be used include crimp tools, screwdrivers, and specialized wire connectors. Using a screw is the most common way to install a terminal block as it allows individual terminals to be easily tightened down. With this method, each wire needs its own separate terminal, but if there are too many wires for one terminal block, two or more can be linked together using jumper bars. This is an effective alternative to having multiple blocks side-by-side on a panel or enclosure wall. Safety measures such as strain reliefs should also be used when connecting cables directly onto the terminals.

Electrical Terminal Blocks are electrical components to terminate and connect wires within an electrical system.

A terminal block is an electrical connection component to connect two or more wires together. It consists of a metal strip or block with a set of terminals to which wires are connected, and also includes a connecting bridge to connect multiple wires together. Terminal blocks are used in a variety of applications, including panel wiring, lighting systems, and industrial automation systems. Electrical terminal blocks are available in many shapes and sizes to fit a variety of applications, from industrial control panels and manufacturing equipment to electronic devices like computers, home appliances, and medical equipment. They provide a secure, reliable connection and are easy to install and maintain.

Applications of Terminal Blocks

Terminal blocks have a wide range of applications, including:

1. Consumer electronics: such as electric fans, air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens, electric heaters, electric stoves, coffee makers, water dispensers, telephones, fax machines, multifunctional printers, electric blinds, audio equipment, and lighting fixtures.
2. Alarm and security systems: such as home security systems, surveillance equipment, burglar alarms, dimmers, fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment, lighting equipment, warning devices, railway level crossings, and electric rolling doors.
3. Electrical and electronic products: such as industrial computers, uninterruptible power supply systems, power supplies, switches, meters, counters, and power input/output terminals for electric tools.
4. Various types of machinery and equipment: such as distribution panels, generators, industrial transformers, voltage regulators, frequency converters, motors, power supplies, control boxes, traffic signals, aircraft, yachts, various vehicles, buses, trucks, elevators, food machinery, cash registers, and automation instruments for plastic injection molding machines.
5. Engineering control equipment: such as low-voltage switchgear, distribution panels, electromechanical systems for power plants, petrochemical and public transportation systems, railway equipment, subway systems, high-speed rail systems, road lighting equipment, temperature controllers, central air conditioning and ventilation equipment, programmable controllers, traffic signals, control panels for sewage treatment systems, communication base stations, and production assembly line control systems, robots, etc.
6. Environmental protection and green energy industries: such as solar power generators, solar modules, solar cells, solar cars, wind power plants, wind power generators, hydroelectric power equipment, solar and wind power generators, LED lighting devices, LED lamps, LED street lamps, electric vehicles, smart appliances, renewable energy power generation equipment, and biomass energy power generation equipment.

Reference

• What is a Terminal Block?: https://blog.shiningtw.com/terminal-blocks/48/