![]() Terminal block connectors are very useful in situations that require semi-permanent connections, which may require inspections, wire replacement, repair and change (this is why terminal blocks are incredibly common in domestic wiring and industrial environments). Terminal blocks are available as rows, but each terminal connects to only a single wire. Terminal blocks come in a range of shapes, sizes and ratings, but always terminate a single wire (single pole) and are never multi-pole. Terminal blocks are connectors that terminate a single wire and connect it to a circuit or other system. And while there are many connector types available ( pin headers, sockets, DIN and DB, for example), this article will focus on terminal blocks specifically, since they are found in just about every single sector, ranging from domestic wiring to industrial rac k systems connecting to various I/O. Choosing the wrong connector for your design can cause a range of issues, from bulky product sizes to components catching fire, so understanding the different types of connectors is imperative. These connections are done with the use of connectors, and they come in many different types, shapes, sizes and ratings. It is crucial to note that removal of the earth connection is life-threatening in any case as there would no longer be protection against electric shock! In the case of all 3-pole plugs that conform to the standards, this earth connection has been constructed as a leading connection, which means that the earth connection closes the contact before the other two pins make power contact.Īt the same time, in most countries in the world, 2-pole mains sockets have been replaced with 3-pole earthed sockets, which can accept both 2-pole and 3-pole plugs.While electronic circuits can process signals and produce outputs, they almost always need to be connected to external components, power sources, inputs or outputs. There is an exception to this, which is the Schuko plug where the earth connection is located on the side of the plug and made of metal contact surfaces. In all plug types, this earth connection was fitted as a 3rd pin. ![]() In order to provide safety, an earth connection had to be fitted to 2-pole plugs for these devices. In most countries in the world, 2-pole mains sockets have been replaced with earthed sockets which can accept both 2-pole and 3-pole plugs.ģ-pole means that the device plug is earthed and that it normally has three pins, of which two are used to transfer the current and one is used as personal protection.Īs previously mentioned above, due to the predominance of more powerful devices in the 1930s, (normally above around 500 watts), the problem of a possible electric shock became a hazard for users. In the case of less powerful devices (normally up to around 500 watts), 2-pole connections are still the norm since these can be produced more economically. This is due to the plug pins, which are often not thick enough to continuously resist the heat caused by the higher power. ![]() For example, if more than 2.5 amperes (in other words, more than 500 watts), are transferred through a 2-pole plug, it is possible that damage caused by smouldering or burning can occur under certain conditions. In addition, 2-pole plugs are not constructed to continuously withstand high currents. ![]() Earthed plug systems are therefore known as 3-pole systems, even though this is not quite technically correct. This problem was solved by introducing an earth connection, mainly in the form of a 3rd pin. However, with the increase in more and more powerful devices, suffering from electric shock became a higher risk. Originally, all electrical devices were fitted with 2-pole plugs, which means that the devices were not earthed and that all mains sockets were constructed for 2-pole plugs. 2-pole means that the device plug is not earthed and it normally has two pins that transmit electricity. ![]()
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