Terminal Blocks-Small,but important...

Since the starting, we have always been trying to simplify our lives (in doing so making it more than complicated for us electrical engineers!). By this I mean , the rise of AUTOMATION in the industries.

Now, what is the meaning of AUTOMATION.?

"The creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services.”

//Umm... looks like you are interested,if yes then check this out:

If y'all haven't read the previous post click on the links below:

1)https://electricalmaniacs.blogspot.in/2017/09/electrical-control-panels- interesting.html
2)https://electricalmaniacs.blogspot.in/2017/09/detailed-study-of-electrical-control.html//

So, according to this automation is something that makes human involvement lower to an extent(makes life easier,hun!).If you venture a few years back then you will see that the percentage of workers working in a factory was much more than what it is now.Previous mechanical control is now replaced by electrical and electronics control.The control panels are how we control the machines working in a factory.Control panels are the combination of a lot of parts(both electrical and electronic) cramped in a box(cause we are always optimizing everything!).

If you have a little idea about panels and have seen them,then you would know that in the primitive control panels,for termination the wires used to be soldered together(which was too much messy and dangerous).Also there are a lot of small to big components ,out of which a lot of big and small wires are coming in or going out.So, the point is it becomes very difficult to differentiate.Also if there is a problem then you have to desolder and the repeat the process again (get's tiresome).

Enter the terminal blocks...

Introduction:

• What are they?

Terminal blocks function as convenient connection points for electrical wires while avoiding the need for wires to be spliced together.As seen earlier control panels consists of a huge bunch of wires,and so to make our life easier terminal blocks are used for wire termination in the control panels.With the technology rapidly advancing day by day,different types of terminal blocks were developed.

• Where are they used?

Anywhere and everywhere ,where automation is used.Automation consists of control panels and control panels consist of terminal blocks.So , basically we are talking about almost every industry the market has to offer.

Specialized functions include:

Shunt points for test voltage or current,commutation or inversion,disconnection,grounding etc.

• So,what advantages do they offer?

• Easy and hassle free installation.
• Easy recognition.
• Easy and complete interchange capability.
• Addition of new elements if necessary.
• Higher system safety.
• And many more..(but these are the most basic ones).

• What do they look like?

At the most basic level a terminal block is a strip of molded plastic fitted with metal plates and screws. Each connection point (terminal) features a metal plate and two parallel screws which conduct electricity and secure the wires in place.

Let's see a picture

Fig:One of the most basic designs of terminal blocks(screw type)

History:

In 1982, Phoenix Electric Company invented a modular terminal blocks of the world's first, and then laid the prototype of the modern terminal blocks.Now, there are many companies like Weidmuller,ABB,Eaton,Wago etc.

In our next post we will discuss more details about terminal blocks.

Till then BYE!!

Stay Cool!

Keep asking why?!!