This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Headers, Plugs and Sockets category on DigiKey.com
Plug or receptacle header terminal blocks are PCB, DIN rail, channel, free-hanging, solder or panel mount connection points for securing two or more wires to a circuit, cable or power bus. Mounting features may include board guides, flanges, latches, ejectors, levers, strain reliefs and locks. UL certified and IEC rated terminal blocks are selectable by current and voltage parameters as well as wire gauge, body color, and termination style.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: Indicates the style and configuration of the device.
Number of Positions: Indicates the number of distinct conductors presented at a connector’s mating interface and the number of electrical contact points present within a connector.
Positions Per Level: Indicates the number of independent circuits present in a device along each level, row, or tier of contacts
Number of Levels: Indicates the number of rows of contact positions incorporated in a device, called “levels” in reference to the rows’ varying distance from the mounting surface.
Pitch: Indicates the center-to-center spacing between adjacent pins.
Header Orientation: Connector entry angle relative to the circuit board perpendicular; a connector that mates via motion in a plane parallel to a circuit board would be considered a 90° (Right Angle) connector.
Plug Wire Entry: For plug-type blocks, indicates direction of wire entry relative to the contacts of a mating socket.
Termination Style: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as IDC, screw, or solder.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Current - IEC: The rated operational currrent carrying capacity of a device according to standards established by the International Electrotechnical Commission.
Voltage - IEC: The rated maximum working voltage of a device according to standards established by the Internation Electrotechnical Commission.
Current - UL: Indicates a device’s maximum continuous current rating, per standards established by Underwriters Laboratories.
Voltage - UL: The rated maximum working voltage of a device, per standards established by Underwriters Laboratories.
Wire Gauge or Range - AWG: The wire size or size range with which a product is designed for use, expressed in terms of American Wire Gauge.
Wire Gauge or Range - mm²: The wire size or size range with which a product is designed for use, expressed in terms of cross-sectional area in square millimeters.
Color: The dominant color of the device.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Contact Mating Finish: Indicates surface material on the portion of the connector that engages with another connector of complementary type.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as board guide, ejectors, or locking ramp.
ProductExamples
MFR PART # | 1943580000 |
---|---|
DIGI-KEY PART # | 281-2620-ND |
MANUFACTURER | Weidmüller |
DESCRIPTION | 2 Position Terminal Block Plug, Female Sockets 0.200" (5.08mm) 180° Free Hanging (In-Line) |
DATASHEET | Click Here |
MFR PART # | 1945106 |
---|---|
DIGI-KEY PART # | 277-1750-ND |
MANUFACTURER | Phoenix Contact |
DESCRIPTION | 3 Position Terminal Block Header, Male Pins, Unshrouded 0.138" (3.50mm) Vertical Through Hole |
DATASHEET | Click Here |
MFR PART # | 691321300002 |
---|---|
DIGI-KEY PART # | 732-2082-ND |
MANUFACTURER | Würth Elektronik |
DESCRIPTION | 2 Position Terminal Block Header, Male Pins, Shrouded (4 Side) 0.150" (3.81mm) Vertical Through Hole |
DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
TE Connectivity TB Series Buchanan WireMate Connector – Digi-Key Daily
One-Piece and Two-Piece Spring Clamp Terminal Blocks