Mass production has increased exponentially over the years, allowing manufacturers to increase their production quality and reduce time to sell it in the market. With factory automation becoming a requirement in today’s production landscape, there has been a continued effort to allow multiple processes to operate in a controlled manner. Therefore, it is essential to have proper electronic equipment situated in the right control cabinet.
This is the reason the terminal power distribution block is a necessary part of the process. The power distribution blocks help in the implementation of safe energy and signal distribution. It is also crucial to understand how a terminal power distribution block works to know how to use them. Read this article to know everything about terminal and power distribution blocks.
What are the Terminal Blocks?
A terminal power distribution block is an insulated block that secures two or more wires. This contraption is normally used in factories to terminate and/or connect the wires. In their most basic form, terminal blocks contain multiple individual terminals that are arranged in a long strip. These terminal blocks are most useful in connecting the wire to the ground.
Also Read: What is a Gaussmeter?
Benefits of Using Terminal Blocks
Here are some commonly expected benefits of using terminal blocks:
- Cost: One of the most significant advantages of terminal blocks is that they are cost-efficient. They are much cheaper than the connectors. They also save time as the process of securing wires isn’t as complex as some others. One can easily connect wires using a terminal power distribution block by simply stripping them.
- Saves Space: When you invest in multi-level terminal blocks, you can save up to 50% space. It is because multi-level blocks contain multiple levels of circuits within a single block.
- Increases Safety: Terminal blocks are safe because they increase grounding and isolating, thereby protecting other components in an electrical circuit. They are also available in certain designs that prevent the risk of electrical shocks. Additionally, they provide test points that can further enhance the circuit safety.
- Easy Installation: They can be easily installed by using a screwdriver. They are also easily connected or disconnected, which enables easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Copper Alloy: Most terminal blocks are made of copper alloy that uses the same expansion coefficient as the wire that is supposed to be used. As a result, it helps prevent loosening due to different expansion rates. Simultaneously, it also reduces corrosion, which is caused due to electrolytic action between two dissimilar metals.
Terminal Device Types
The terminal power distribution block can be categorized by the application or the type of device they connect. Some of the types are listed below:
- Disconnect Blocks: They are designed to simplify the disconnection of a circuit by using a knife switch without removing any wires.
- Fuse Holders: These terminal blocks connect multiple devices that use numerous fuses. In instances of a short circuit, only the wiring section to the fuse holder is affected.
- Ground Circuit Terminal: These can be inserted in a block and can be used interchangeably with standard terminal blocks.
- I/O Blocks: They allow controllers and devices to communicate with each other.
- Power Distribution Blocks: they help in terminating power cables.
- Sensor Blocks: These are designed to handle devices such as photoelectronic sensors and proximity sensors that have three or four wires.
- Thermocouple Blocks: They are used to connect thermocouples and also provide continuous metal connections that measure temperatures.
To find the right products for your manufacturing facility, only trust reliable sellers and service providers with a solid reputation in terminal blocks. It is crucial that you first contact licensed professionals to understand your unique requirements better and then explore options. They can also help you with suitable recommendations, installations, and maintenance procedures!