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Terminal blocks, also known as terminal strips, are used to create wiring connections between multiple electrical equipment. The purpose of terminal blocks is to secure a single point of connection while maintaining a reliable connection. Terminal blocks are available in different formats and materials, including headers, plugs, and sockets. Using a terminal block to make the connection allows for a secure power transfer while protecting wires from damage.

Applications

Terminal blocks are used for a variety of applications, including automotive, instrumentation, and safety monitoring. Automotive engineers can benefit from the use of terminal blocks since they help reduce the amount of time needed to wire up a complex electrical system. In industrial environments, terminal blocks can be used to help with control wiring, power distribution, and machine automation. In safety applications, terminal blocks are used as an emergency shutdown system and can be used to increase safety. Terminal blocks are also used for communications, where they are used to feed cables in and out of panels.

Working Principle

Terminal blocks use physical barriers to reduce electrical contact resistance. The terminal itself is connected to a busbar, a metal conduit surrounded by insulating material, which is then connected to the power source. Power is then applied to the terminal block through a physical contact, a spring loaded clamp, or a mechanical connection. The primary function of the terminal block is to accept the incoming power and make a reliable connection. These connections are made by soldering, crimping, mechanical clamps, or adhesive.

Types of Terminal Blocks

There are several types of terminal blocks available on the market. These include screw-type, warm-type, terminal rail, inline, compression, soldered, and terminal-block combiners.

The most popular type of terminal block is the screw-type, which consists of a round post surrounded by an insulating material. Power is supplied by a screw that is connected to the post and tightened to make an electrical connection. These types of terminal blocks are used in most electrical applications.

Warm-type terminal blocks use an insulated wire to make the connection. The wire is connected to the post and the heat from the terminal block is used to make a secure connection. Terminal rails are used for larger connections and are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Inline terminal blocks are used to connect two components such as a switch and a motor and are generally more reliable than screw-type blocks. Compression terminal blocks are used to provide a more secure connection than other types of terminal blocks.

Soldered terminal blocks are used for high-power connections and require a high-end soldering tool. Terminal-block combiners are used to combine two or more terminal blocks together and are commonly used in automotive applications.

Conclusion

Terminal blocks are an essential component for any electrical system and are used in a wide variety of applications. Terminal blocks come in different forms and materials and offer a secure connection for high-power applications. When selecting a terminal block, it is important to consider the type of connection, the current it can handle, and the environment in which it will be used.