PCBterminalblock

PCB terminal blocks are electrical connectors designed to attach wiring to a printed circuit board. They provide secure, often removable, connections between external conductors and PCB traces, enabling power, signals, and control lines to be routed to and from the board. They are mounted on the PCB by through-hole pins or surface-mount pads and are used in control panels, power supplies, automotive systems, and industrial electronics.

Types and configurations include screw-clamp, spring-clamp (push-in), or lever variants. They can be non-pluggable or pluggable, allowing convenient disconnection for servicing. Terminals are arranged in a linear row with a defined pitch, typically from about 2.5 mm to 7.62 mm; common pitches include 3.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 7.5 mm. Through-hole variants mount with pins; surface-mount variants mount on pads. Materials typically include flame-retardant plastics for the housing and copper alloy for the contacts, with plating such as tin, nickel, or silver to resist corrosion.

Construction features may include captive screws, spring clamps, or lever mechanisms to secure conductors of specified gauge. Some blocks are pluggable, pairing with a mate block to provide a removable connection suitable for field servicing or modular assemblies. Environmental and safety considerations may include insulation rating, flame retardance, and, where applicable, compliance with electrical standards.

Specifications and applications vary by design. Ratings range from a few amperes to tens of amperes and voltages from tens to hundreds of volts, depending on insulation, contact geometry, and material quality. PCB terminal blocks are favored for reliable, serviceable connections in power supplies, control systems, instrumentation, and consumer electronics where wires must connect to a PCB without soldering.