Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets
0395005220 terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are versatile components that are found in many electronic systems to connect two or more wires to a given circuit. Due to their compact size and relatively high number of pins, they are commonly used in surface mount applications. In contrast to a resistor or capacitor, a terminal block is an active, meaning it can transmit electricity which can be used to switch an active device. Various types of terminal blocks are available in the market ranging from simple configurations to more complex ones.
Application Field
Terminal blocks are widely used in different industries. As an important element connecting electrical and electronics components, terminal blocks can be seen almost everywhere, from computers and related peripherals to televisions, radios, car instrument panels, aircraft, space satellites, and so on. The essential common applications that terminal blocks can be found in are power supply, signal, and power distributions in electronics and instrumentation.
In industrial applications, terminal blocks are essential components in the field of automation, factory automation, and other types of applications. In an automation application, they can be used to connect supply and load lines to devices, such as sensors, contactors, relays, and actuators. In factory automation applications, they can be used to connect multiple controller lines in order to control the flow of electricity from a power source to the desired machine.
Terminal blocks are also widely used in domestic applications such as lighting, heating, and home appliances. In addition, they can also be found in medical applications, where they can be used to control the power supply for pacemakers and home medical equipment.
Working Principle
In general, terminal blocks are composed of three parts: a block body which contains the terminals, a cover which encloses the block, and a fastener which securely closes the block. The block body has a series of terminals, each of which has two electrical contacts, known as the “positive” and “negative” pins. A user can place a wire into the block body and then secure it with the fastener. The wire will then be securely connected to the pins, creating an electrical path between the two contacts.
The choice of a terminal block depends on several factors, such as the type of wire being connected, the desired voltage, the environment in which the block will be used, as well as the size and type of connector. Depending on the specific application, the block body can be reinforced with various materials such as metal, plastic, or a combination of both. Different blocks and pins can be combined to create a wide range of configurations.
Terminal blocks are an essential component in many modern electronic systems due to their cost efficiency, durability and flexibility. They provide a reliable and secure means of connection between the devices and the power sources in electronic systems, allowing for the safe and efficient operations of many different types of equipment.