5452968

Terminal Blocks – Headers, Plugs and Sockets

Terminal blocks, references as terminal strips, are the isolated units that exist between the ends of two circuits in order to ensure safe electrical connection. While having no moving parts, they are integrated in a vast range of electrical and electronic appliance. From industrial machinery and control systems, to large power supply systems and computer applications, these small components can be used in a variety of applications, making them a vital part of many electronic systems. With over five million applications in the field, it is not surprising that these tiny but powerful components are widely used.

Terminal blocks can be generally divided into two broad categories: headers and plugs/sockets. In the context of electrical engineering, headers refer to the connectors used to interconnect two circuits, while plugs and sockets are the units used to hold and connect the appropriate pins of each circuit. Depending on their use and the type of application, they can come in various shapes, sizes, and styles – from miniature blocks to power rails and stock boxes.

In terms of basic design and structure, plugs and sockets consist of three parts: the terminal pins, the isolating shield, and the connecting base. The terminal pins attached on the plug/sockets can be attached to multiple circuits depending on the wires’ size and diameter. The isolating shield, also known as the safety shield, provides an extra-layer of insulation to minimize the possibility of an electrical surge, while also protecting the individual pins and the connecting bases from environmental influences such as dust, moisture, and vibrations. The connecting base is the main part of the plug/socket; its design and purpose are determined by the type of terminal block in question.

Headers, on the other hand, are more ornamental than plugs and sockets. They consist of three parts: the casing, the terminals, and the captivating device. The casing protects the circuit from the electric arcs and other environmental factors, while the terminals are attached to the plug/sockets which provide the connection point between the circuits. The captivating device is the base which retains the terminal blocks in place. This also includes a locking mechanism which ensures the blocks are firmly attached and secured.

When it comes to working principle, the primary purpose of these terminal blocks is to provide connection between the multiple circuits when engaged. Depending on their size and compatibility, they can either act as isolation barriers between circuits to prevent direct-contact between the two, or they can act as conductive paths between the two circuits. Regardless of their use, the working principle remains the same: they facilitate the transmission of power from one circuit to the other safely and securely.

Over the years, advances in technology have led to the creation of advanced terminal blocks that can facilitate multiple connections while providing a higher level of protection. Compared to traditional terminals, they are much more efficient and reliable, which makes them a must-have for many applications. These new blocks are often outfitted with advanced features such as built-in safety disconnects, modular control systems, and intelligent power management systems.

Terminal blocks are one of the most commonly used components in many industries for their versatile applications and reliable performance. In the field, their use is likely to continue to grow as they continue to evolve and advance over time.

5452398	Phoenix Cont...	2.45 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT...
5452476	Phoenix Cont...	2.77 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT ...
5452920	Phoenix Cont...	3.07 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 4POS 3.81...
5452827	Phoenix Cont...	4.62 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 6POS 5.08...
5452343	Phoenix Cont...	4.7 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 13POS 3.81...
5452681	Phoenix Cont...	7.84 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 14POS 90DE...
5452539	Phoenix Cont...	8.45 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS STR...
5452225	Phoenix Cont...	8.79 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS STR...
5452542	Phoenix Cont...	10.74 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR...
5452250	Phoenix Cont...	11.06 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS STR...
5452787	Phoenix Cont...	11.51 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS 3.5...
5452095	Phoenix Cont...	1.55 $	156	TERM BLOCK HDR 5POS VERT ...
5452291	Phoenix Cont...	0.57 $	1000	HEADER NOMINAL CURRENT: 1...
5452620	Phoenix Cont...	1.44 $	1000	BC-381X9- 4 BK4 Position ...
5452903	Phoenix Cont...	1.4 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 2POS 3.5M...
5452395	Phoenix Cont...	1.78 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS VERT ...
5452455	Phoenix Cont...	2.01 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT ...
5452627	Phoenix Cont...	4.31 $	1000	BC-381X9-12 BK12 Position...
5452517	Phoenix Cont...	6.21 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 8POS STR ...
5452752	Phoenix Cont...	2.35 $	90	TERM BLOCK PLUG 3POS 5.08...
5452007	Phoenix Cont...	2.02 $	1000	BCA-508X18- 3 BK3 Positio...
5452259	Phoenix Cont...	0.74 $	1000	BC-500X14- 2 BK2 Position...
5452390	Phoenix Cont...	0.67 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 3POS VERT ...
5452377	Phoenix Cont...	5.67 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS 90DEG...
5452706	Phoenix Cont...	7.32 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5...
5452783	Phoenix Cont...	8.46 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 11POS 3.5...
5452726	Phoenix Cont...	11.35 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 15POS 3.8...
5452840	Phoenix Cont...	14.64 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 19POS 5.0...
5452341	Phoenix Cont...	4.14 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS 3.81...
5452463	Phoenix Cont...	4.14 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 11POS VERT...
5452200	Phoenix Cont...	4.78 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 7POS STR ...
5452782	Phoenix Cont...	7.69 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.5...
5452188	Phoenix Cont...	10.71 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 14POS STR...
5452525	Phoenix Cont...	12.4 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 16POS STR...
5452296	Phoenix Cont...	1.5 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 8POS 90DEG...
5452461	Phoenix Cont...	3.58 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 9POS VERT ...
5452059	Phoenix Cont...	3.76 $	1000	TERM BLOCK HDR 15POS 90DE...
5452220	Phoenix Cont...	5.87 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS STR...
5452594	Phoenix Cont...	6.59 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 9POS 3.5M...
5452850	Phoenix Cont...	7.56 $	1000	TERM BLOCK PLUG 10POS 3.8...