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Terminal Blocks - Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Terminal blocks, headers, plugs, and sockets are electrical connectors common to many electrical and electronic devices. They are designed and used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, motors, data acquisition, power supplies, audio/video systems, communications, and general control applications.

Terminal blocks can be divided into two basic types; headers and plugs/sockets. Headers are typically designed to connect electrical circuits together, while plugs and sockets are used to route the power or signal from a device to other components within the system.

Headers are most often used to connect two or more wires of a vehicular electrical system, such as a car or a boat. Depending on the type and size of the system, there will be variations in the number of pins on the header. Connectors of this type may either be male or female depending on the application.

Plugs and sockets are largely used for connecting electrical and electronic devices to other components or signals. These components are generally inserted into a mating socket or connected to a PCB terminal block which is linked to an associated device. Plugs and sockets can be described as either 3-pin or 4-pin with the specific pins usually represented by colors (e.g. red, black, white).

This type of connector is also common in power generation applications and is typically used to connect an on-board generator to a land-based electrical system. The pins on such plugs and sockets will vary in terms of diameter, pitch, and styling. It is important to ensure the plug or socket is compatible with the associated device.

Terminal blocks, header, plugs and sockets are frequently used in manufacturing, commercial, and consumer devices. They are especially useful in the creation of a complete electrical system. Knowing the appropriate connector for the job is essential, and when deciding how to terminate the connection it is important to think through the physical packaging and environment the system will be exposed to.