14010713101000 Connectors, Interconnects

Terminal blocks are special electrical components designed to securely and efficiently connect electrical wires. Generally, terminal blocks provide a single point of contact for a wide variety of electrical wires. In wire to board applications, a variety of basic types of terminal blocks serve to provide an efficient means of connecting wires to printed circuit boards (PCBs) as well as to each other.

Types of Terminal Blocks

There are two general types of terminal blocks when it comes to wire to board applications. The first is a standard terminal block which allows for external connection to the PCB. This type of terminal block is designed to accommodate a wide range of wire gauge sizes from 20 gauge to 8 gauge. This type is typically constructed of polyester, epoxy, Polyiso, or PBT and can be assembled with standard via-fillers and test points.

The second type of terminal block is known as the pluggable terminal block. These are designed specifically for pluggable systems and are used in a variety of applications including computers, automotive, telecom, networking, and medical equipment. To facilitate the pluggable connection, the terminal block requires a housing. This housing can be made of a variety of materials including polycarbonate, glass filled nylon, santoprene, or aluminum. The pluggable terminal block typically includes a number of unique features including an integrated LED indicator, a coding system for port identification, and a "push-fit" design which makes assembly easy.

Working Principles

When assembling and installing a terminal block, the most important factor is proper connection between the contacts of the terminal block and the contacts of the mating components. In wire to board applications, a variety of techniques are used to ensure a secure electrical connection. The most common techniques used to make an electrical connection between the terminal block and mating components are crimping and soldering.

Crimping is probably the most common technique used when making a connection between the terminal block and mating components. With crimping, it is important to ensure that the wire is held securely in place to ensure a solid connection. The crimp is then placed in the contact of the terminal block and the tool used to crimp the contact is securely compressed.

Soldering is another technique which is commonly used in terminal block connections. With soldering, the wire is inserted through the contact and the solder is applied at the contact point. The solder is then heated until it melts and the contact is securely connected. It is important to note that the wire should be properly insulated to prevent the risk of electrical shock.

Conclusion

Terminal blocks are a versatile and efficient means of connecting electrical wires. In wire to board applications, a variety of basic types of terminal blocks are available for connecting wires to printed circuit boards (PCBs) as well as to each other. The most common techniques used to make an electrical connection between the terminal block and mating components are crimping and soldering. Each technique has its own advantages and it is important to ensure that the correct technique is used for the particular application.