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Installing a Terminal Block Connector
  Published:2012-04-24 09:42:26   Views:

A terminal block connector offers a quick and convenient way of connecting wires through a single main connection. It gives a neater alternative to using wire nuts, and takes up less space. It’s not difficult to install a terminal block connector. The biggest problem can be keeping track of which wire goes where.

Step 1 - What Is A Terminal Block Connector?
A terminal block connector offers flexibility in connecting wires. Made of plastic, it can easily be cut down from its original size by snapping off the unneeded connectors for it to fit in the case. There are different sizes of terminal connector blocks available to accommodate different sizes of wires and terminals. The wires coming into the terminal block are secured on one side of the connectors and the wires going out connect on the other side of the connector. It’s a simple and quite elegant system that takes up little room.

The downside is that it can be more awkward than other methods, and all too often the terminals themselves are protected too well, making contact with other materials possible.

Step 2 - Size
A terminal block connector will come in different lengths. As each connector is separate, the ones that aren’t needed and won’t fit in the terminal block can be snapped off. It’s also important to have a terminal block connector of the correct amperage. They run from 3 amps to 30 amps, and there are also fused terminal connector blocks available. What you will buy will depend on what’s needed for the job.

Step 3 - Wires
It’s necessary to know how the wires should be connected through the terminal connector block. For the circuit, if a wire goes into one connector, another wire needs to be attached to the other side of the connector. By having a terminal connector block you can cut down on nut connectors and ensure a better connection for the wires. If the terminal connector block is fused it adds an extra level of safety to a circuit.

Step 4 - Connections
Identify the size of the terminal block and snap off any connectors from the terminal block connectors to ensure it will fit in the block. You should have a diagram to indicate which wires go into which connectors. Start by connecting the wires that go out of the connectors, as these will be the ones that will disappear into the appliance and are the trickiest to fit. Follow the diagram. Strip the ends of the wires. Unscrew the screw in one of the connectors and put the bare wire in. Tighten the screw again. Repeat this for all the wires that have to be connected.

On the other sides of the terminal block connector you’ll need to strip and put the correct wires into the appropriate connectors using the same method. To fit the connector into the terminal block you’ll either need to snap it into place or screw it into place. In most instances you’ll use the former method.