Screw Terminal Blocks

Widely used for connecting wires to a single connection point.


 30 April 2024   |     1 minute read   |   By Kevin McAleer   |   Share this article on

The Three Types of Electrical Connectors

Electrical connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends:

  • Board-to-board connectors
  • Cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors
  • Cable/wire-to-board connectors

What are Screw Terminal Blocks?

Screw terminal blocks are a type of electrical connector where wires are clamped down to the metal part by a screw, making a secure electrical connection. They are designed to connect different types of wires without soldering, making them popular in both industrial and residential wiring.


Description

Robust and easy to use, screw terminal blocks are favored for their reliability and ease of connection, especially in field wiring situations and power supply connections.


Types of Screw Terminal Blocks

Terminal Type Pitch Current Rating Voltage Rating Wire size
Barriers Varies High High 12-22 AWG
Eurostyle Varies Medium Medium 14-22 AWG
Plug-in Varies Low to Medium Low to Medium 16-24 AWG

Application Areas

Industrial Controls: Large barrier blocks are commonly used to handle higher current and voltage loads.

Consumer Electronics: Compact plug-in blocks are used for internal device connections.

Power Distribution: Used in distribution boards to manage multiple connections reliably.


Conventions

These connectors are essential in environments where quick and reliable connections are necessary, and they accommodate a variety of wire sizes.


Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Can connect multiple wires.
  • Durable and strong physical connections.

Cons:

  • Bulkier than other types of connectors.
  • Not suitable for all types of environments, particularly where vibration is an issue.