Klemmen

Klemmen are electrical connectors used to terminate conductors and provide secure connection points within electrical and electronic systems. In English-language contexts they are commonly referred to as terminal blocks or terminal clamps. Klemmen are designed to simplify wiring, allow easy inspection and maintenance, and enable reliable distribution of electrical signals and power.

Most Klemmen fall into two broad categories: screw terminals (Schraubklemmen) and spring-clamp terminals (Federklemmen). Screw terminals clamp a conductor by tightening a screw onto a metal contact, while spring-clamp terminals hold wires with a pressurized contact, often enabling quicker wiring and reduced risk of loosening due to vibration. Both types can be modular and mounted on printed circuit boards or on DIN rails, particularly in control panels and industrial equipment. They are often organized into terminal blocks with insulation housings, color-coding, and numbering to aid identification.

Materials and construction typically involve a conductive metal contact (commonly copper or copper alloys) and an insulating housing made from plastics or composite materials. Terminal blocks may include bridging links to allow multiple conductors to be connected to a common point, as well as test points or protective coverings to improve safety and reliability.

Klemmen are widely used in electrical installations, automation, automotive electronics, and consumer appliances. Important considerations include conductor size compatibility, rated current and voltage, torque specifications for screws, voltage isolation, environmental conditions, and compliance with relevant standards and mounting conventions, such as DIN rail systems in Europe.