Wiring terminals, connectors, and connectors may sound similar, but what are the differences in their conceptual scope and applications?

1、 Conceptual scope

01. Wiring terminals

Terminal block, also known as terminal block in English. It is a type of accessory product used to achieve electrical connections, which is classified as a connector in industry. The terminal block is used for the convenience of wire connection. It is actually a metal piece sealed in insulating plastic, with holes at both ends for inserting wires. Terminal blocks can be divided into European terminal block series, plug-in terminal block series, transformer terminal block, building wiring terminal block, fence terminal block series, spring terminal block series, track terminal block series, through wall terminal block series, ring terminal block, and tube terminal block series.

02. Connector

Connector, also known as CONNECTOR. Also known as a plug-in connector. It is a component that electronic engineering technicians often come into contact with. Also known as connectors, plugs, and sockets domestically. Generally refers to electrical connectors. A device that connects two active components and transmits current or signals. Its function is very simple: to build a communication bridge between blocked or isolated circuits within the circuit, so as to allow current to flow and achieve the predetermined function of the circuit. Connectors are essential components in electronic devices. By observing the path of current flow, you will always find one or more connectors. The form and structure of connectors are constantly changing, with various forms depending on the application object, frequency, power, application environment, etc.

03. Connectors

A connector is a positioning joint that connects electronic circuits, consisting of two parts: a plug and a connector. In general, they can be completely separated. The similarity between a switch and a connector is that they achieve the purpose of converting the circuit they are connected to by changing the contact state of their contact pairs. The essential difference is that a connector only has two states: insertion and removal. A switch can achieve the conversion of the circuit on its body, while a connector cannot achieve the conversion on its body. The contact pairs of a connector have a fixed corresponding relationship. Therefore, a connector can also be called a connector. The basic performance of connectors can be divided into three categories: mechanical performance, electrical performance, and environmental performance. Another important mechanical performance is the mechanical lifespan of the connector. Mechanical lifespan is actually a durability indicator, referred to as mechanical operation in the national standard GB5095. It is evaluated based on whether the connector can complete its connection function (such as contact resistance value) normally after a specified insertion and extraction cycle, with one insertion and one extraction as one cycle.

2、 Application

01. Wiring terminals

Wiring terminals: The range of use of wiring terminals is increasing, and the types are also becoming more diverse. Currently, in addition to PCB board terminals, the most widely used ones include hardware terminals, nut terminals, spring terminals, etc. In the power industry, there are specialized terminal blocks and boxes filled with wiring terminals, including single-layer, double-layer, current, voltage, ordinary, and breakable ones.

02. Connectors and Connectors

Connectors and Connectors: Electrical connectors, also known as connectors, are a subfield of electronic components primarily used for connecting circuits. In industrial production, circuit connections can be said to be ubiquitous, so the use of connectors is certainly very extensive and applied in various industries. Connectors are divided into many categories, such as rectangular connectors, circular connectors, stepped connectors, etc. Terminal blocks are a type of connector, generally belonging to rectangular connectors. The application scope of terminal blocks is also relatively limited, generally used in the field of electronics and electrical engineering, for the internal and external wiring of PCB circuit boards, printed boards, and distribution cabinets.

Summary

In general, "connectors," "wiring terminals," and "connectors" are different forms of application that belong to the same concept and are commonly referred to according to different practical applications. In the field of electrical engineering, connectors and connectors (or plug connectors) refer to the same thing. In layman's terms, they are the kind that can be quickly connected without the need for tools, simply by inserting and twisting them with your hand. And the wiring terminal requires tools (such as screwdrivers, cold press pliers) to connect the two together, usually used for power input and output.