1778137

Terminal blocks are an integral part of any electronically monitored system, essential for controlling power, interconnectivity, and signal. The resilient design of terminal blocks, which are commonly used to bridge signals between the PCB and the outside world, is extremely important in maintaining safety and performance.Terminal blocks are most often divided into three types - headers, plugs and sockets. All three are used to join two or more wires together at a junction. The three types each have slightly different functions, as described below.

Headers

Headers are the most commonly used type of terminal block within the industrial sector. Headers are used to connect two or more wires together and are often used when linking a set of wires that require power or interconnectivity. Depending on the application, headers can be used to bridge power to other components, protect equipment and isolate terminals, or provide a breakaway function for quick connection. When used in conjunction with other terminal blocks, headers can also help manage current flows and provide short circuit protection. Headers are commonly available as either standard profile or low profile, depending on the application.

Plugs

Plugs are a type of terminal block used primarily for connecting two conductors together, often between two PCBs or other interconnect components. Plugs are characterized by their protruding pins or blades, which form an electrical bridge between conductors when inserted into a mating socket. Plugs typically have a slightly longer length than other types of terminal block, which makes them suitable for connecting two large conductors or when accommodating longer lengths of conductor. Depending on the application, plugs are available in straight, end-on, stackable, right-angle, free-hanging, or profile configurations.

Sockets

Sockets, or receptacles, are the mating counterpart to headers and plugs. They are primarily used to receive conductors from a plug type terminal block to ensure a snug connection. Sockets are generally available as either right-angle or straight configurations, depending on the application. Common uses for sockets include connecting two PCBs, mating two terminals together, connecting two wires, or bridging a conductor carrying power or data.

1778137 Application Field and Working Principle

Among the three types of terminal blocks, headers, plugs and sockets have the most comprehensive application field and universal working principle. In general, their usage provides a way to secure power or interconnectivity between two or more wires and components. The working principle of any terminal block is simple. When assembling two terminal blocks (either headers and plugs, plugs and sockets, or headers and sockets) conductors from the two components are inserted into the respective blocks. This creates a secure electrical bridge between the two components ensuring a robust connection. For this type of terminal block, there is a common feature that the tabs require pre-punched holes before they can be used. This facilitates the fitting process of the two components, which is further secured with the use of screws, nuts, bolts, or locking levers.Terminal blocks have a wide application field and are used extensively in the automotive, medical, industrial, and home automation industries. In home automation, they are often used to interconnect smart home components, which helps control and monitor their performance. In automotive, terminal blocks are used to securely join two vehicle components and transmit electricity throughout the vehicle. They are often used in medical devices to control the power and interconnectivity between components.Finally, the industrial industry is responsible for the vast majority of the terminal block usage. Here they are used to connect wires, carry current, and maintain the integrity of an electronically monitored system. They provide the perfect solution to securing power and interconnectivity in situations where speed and accuracy need to be maintained.In conclusion, headers, plugs and sockets form an inseparable part of any electronically monitored system. Their robust design, ability to bridge signals, and versatile application ensure they are widely used in a variety of industries. While all three types have slightly different functions, they all have a very simple and universal working principle: the conductors from each component are inserted into the respective blocks, before being secured with screws, nuts, bolts or locking levers.

177801-1	TE Connectiv...	0.74 $	1000	CONN CHAMP DUST COVER 64P...
1778166	Phoenix Cont...	15.65 $	196	TERM BLOCK PLUG 20POS STR...
1778072	Phoenix Cont...	8.65 $	42	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR...
70156-1778	Omron Automa...	5.54 $	1000	SYSTEM
1778670	Phoenix Cont...	0.79 $	500	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS 90DEG...
1778137	Phoenix Cont...	12.1 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 17POS STR...
1778560	Phoenix Cont...	0.43 $	3300	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT ...
1778069	Phoenix Cont...	7.85 $	172	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR...
1778065	Phoenix Cont...	2.67 $	112	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS STR ...
1778719	Phoenix Cont...	0.71 $	1000	HEADER 4POS SMT WHITESSL ...
1778599	Phoenix Cont...	0.69 $	1320	TERM BLOCK HDR 6POS VERT ...
1778153	Phoenix Cont...	13.51 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS STR...
1778085	Phoenix Cont...	9.39 $	875	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR...
1778609	Phoenix Cont...	0.79 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 7POS VERT ...
1778722	Phoenix Cont...	0.88 $	400	HEADER 5POS SMT WHITESSL ...
1778858	Phoenix Cont...	0.98 $	9195	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR ...
1778706	Phoenix Cont...	0.46 $	1000	HEADER 3POS SMT WHITESSL ...
177816-3	TE Connectiv...	0.0 $	1000	CONN D-SUB PLUG 9POS R/A ...
1778191	Phoenix Cont...	9.07 $	39	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR ...
1778735	Phoenix Cont...	1.05 $	400	HEADER 6POS SMT WHITESSL ...
1778438	Phoenix Cont...	10.23 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 12POS STR...
1778146	Phoenix Cont...	12.1 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR...
1778201	Phoenix Cont...	14.18 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR ...
1778777	Phoenix Cont...	0.5 $	2400	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS 90DEG...
1778463	Phoenix Cont...	1.48 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 5.08...
1778001	Phoenix Cont...	3.28 $	1197	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS STR ...
177827-3	TE Connectiv...	2.05 $	1000	CONN SKT SIMM 72POS R/A S...
1778	Keystone Ele...	0.0 $	1000	PERF BOARDBreadboard, Pre...
1778270000	Weidmuller	39.06 $	1000	TERMINAL MARKER WS 12/3.5...
1778764	Phoenix Cont...	0.35 $	7800	TERM BLOCK HDR 2POS 90DEG...
1778829	Phoenix Cont...	1.38 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG...
1778124	Phoenix Cont...	12.56 $	102	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR...
1778360000	Weidmuller	5.6 $	1000	CABLE GLAND M25 BRASS IP5...
1778120	Phoenix Cont...	10.65 $	93	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR ...
1778790000	Weidmuller	0.0 $	1000	CABLE GLAND W/GUARD M25 P...
1778654	Phoenix Cont...	0.57 $	500	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS 90DEG...
1778380000	Weidmuller	3.12 $	1000	CABLE GLAND M20 BRASS IP5...
1778845	Phoenix Cont...	0.78 $	8458	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS STR ...
1778612	Phoenix Cont...	0.92 $	4290	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT ...
1778150000	Weidmuller	11.49 $	1000	CABLE GLAND 3/4" NPT BRAS...