springklemme

Springklemme, or spring clamp, is a type of electrical terminal that uses a spring-loaded mechanism to grip conductors without screws. It is widely used in control cabinets, automation equipment, measuring and test devices, and PCB assemblies for fast, tool-free connections that are reliable under vibration.

Construction and operation

Inside a springklemme is a spring-loaded contact that opens when a release actuator or lever is pressed. A stripped conductor is inserted into the entry port, and the spring clamps it with a fixed contact force. Releasing the actuator locks the conductor in place. Springklemmen are commonly integrated into DIN rail mounted terminal blocks, standalone terminal blocks, or PCB-mounted spring clamp terminals, enabling both wire-to-wire and wire-to-board connections.

Variants and applications

Springklemmen come in several variants, including push-in/snap-in spring clamps, release-lever designs, and PCB-mounted versions. They are used in a wide range of applications such as industrial control panels, laboratory and test equipment, automotive harnesses, and consumer electronics, where quick and repeatable connections are advantageous.

Advantages and considerations

Key advantages are rapid assembly, vibration resistance, and the absence of screw-term torque requirements, which reduces the risk of loosening. They also allow easy automated insertion and rework. Limitations include dependence on correctly sized conductors, the need to follow manufacturer stripping lengths, and potential incompatibility with certain high-temperature environments or connector materials. Proper rating for voltage, current, and conductor size must be observed.

Standards and safety

Springklemmen are designed to meet general electrical safety standards applicable to terminal blocks and connectors. They should be selected and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and the specific device’s electrical specifications. See also terminal blocks, wire-to-board connectors, and push-in former designs.