Ground circuit terminals are used to ground components or systems. They are typically interchangeable with standard terminal blocks and can be inserted into a block as needed.
Fuse holders connect several fuses associated with numerous devices. When a short circuit occurs, only the wiring sections connected to the fuse holder are affected.
Thermocouple blocks are used for connecting thermocouples and providing consistent metal connections in order to measure temperature.
I/O blocks provide communication between a device and a controller.
Sensor/actuator blocks handle three- or four-wire devices, such as proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors.
Power distribution blocks are used to terminate power cables.
Disconnect blocks allow a circuit to be easily disconnected using a knife switch and without removing wires. They are also known as switch blocks.
Terminal blocks typically snap onto a metal rail, are screwed into a panel, or mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).
Rail
Terminal blocks are commonly mounted on some form of
DIN Rail. This metal rail derives its name from Deutsches Institut fur Normung (DIN), the German standards body that published the original rail specifications. Terminal blocks may be manufactured to fit one of several DIN rail sizes:
Miniature top-hat rails are 15 mm wide. Terminal blocks that mount to this size can typically handle up to 300V.
G32 rails are shaped like a letter 'G' and are 32 mm wide. They can accommodate terminal blocks rated to 600V.
Top-hat rails are shaped like the miniature variety but are 35 mm wide. Like those used with G32 rails, terminal blocks designed for mounting on top-hat rails are usually rated to 600V.
