When it is necessary to connect the cut cable, several methods can be applied: soldering, twisting, welding or crimping. However, it is best to use a terminal connection. The product is a block with a port and is made of plastic. All elements are fixed by a printed circuit board. This is an excellent tool that will come in handy in any household. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best terminal blocks for connecting wires for 2020.
Content
- 1 Features:
- 2 Causes of malfunction and main elements
- 3 Main requirements
- 4 Benefits
- 5 What to look for when choosing?
- 6 Varieties
- 7 Top manufacturers
- 8 Finally
Features:
When carrying out a major overhaul, a person changes everything in his house, including the wiring. A new junction box is being installed where it is necessary to carry out the wiring. To do this better, it is best to use terminal blocks. This is an excellent device that will provide a tight fit for the entire period of operation.
Today, new types of this product are being produced, which are many times superior to screw ones. To make installation and wiring, a person will need a minimum of time. This is largely made possible thanks to self-clamping terminals.
Causes of malfunction and main elements
Broken wires are common and often come unexpectedly.
Most popular problems:
- Poor contact with various equipment;
- Short-term loss of light;
- Strong heat generation in some areas.
To prevent damage, it is necessary to detect the problem in a timely manner and take appropriate measures to eliminate it. For fixing, it is best to use terminal blocks, since they are able to provide a person with reliability and durability. In addition, they are easy to install, which will allow you to use them at home without any problems.
Today, in stores there are hundreds of varieties of top companies that differ in price and technical parameters. But besides this, the difference may lie in the method of fixation.
All terminals consist of two elements:
- Plastic housing, which is made in the form of cells;
- A brass pipe that has a threaded hole on both sides.
When the cable is fixed, it is important for a person to remember that the diameter of the branch pipe may differ, especially if it is planned to connect thick wires. Therefore, you must first choose the right size.
Such installation can be used in any area: from household to car wiring repair, which makes the product universal. Most often, the element is used when connecting a lamp with a short conductor.
It is important to know the negative aspects of such a fixation:
- Self-clamping options are designed for specific cables. They are not suitable for connecting elements with an increased cross-section.
- If a person bought disposable terminal blocks, then it should be remembered that they cannot be used to fix flexible wires, since they are not intended for this.
- It is also worth understanding that the product is afraid of exposure to high temperatures. If it is constantly operated in such an environment, then over time the spring will weaken, which will decrease the contact pressure, and the connection density will be lost.
- The terminals provide good fixation, but if there is the opportunity and experience for soldering, then it is better to do it, it will be much more reliable.
The main advantage of the element is the ability to connect copper and aluminum wires. In addition, using terminal blocks, the chance of contacts oxidation is reduced significantly. This became possible due to the fact that the screw grips the cable so tightly that contact between the cores becomes impossible.
Main requirements
The only main requirements that are often imposed on this element are to ensure tight fixation and protect the veins from oxidation. You don't need to expect more from this product.
If a person plans to use a screw connection, then it is necessary to check the tightness of the fastening at least once a year. Because the chance that the contact may loosen is high, this will lead to oxidation of the wire, and in some cases it will cause overheating.
Benefits
Terminal blocks have a number of advantages that distinguish them from other fixing methods:
- Easy installation;
- If desired, a person can reuse the product, this will not affect the quality in any way;
- Reliability;
- Connection strength;
- Possibility of functioning with various materials.
What to look for when choosing?
If a person plans to carry out repair work in a house or apartment, then it is best to buy self-tightening products, it is better to leave the screw on the store shelf. In order not to be mistaken in the choice, it is important to correctly calculate the number of wires that are located in each connection, and also take into account the diameter of the cores. Stiffness is also considered and often plays an important role. If the user plans to use the element for working with a flexible cable, then it is better to give preference to reusable models, since the clamping there takes place using a special foot. Of course, the cost will be higher, but in return the owner will receive quality.
It should be remembered that disposable models, which are intended for installation in aluminum wires, differ in color, which can be gray or black; there is a special technical grease inside the device.
Manufacturers create transparent terminals for copper, so finding the right option is easy. If a person plans to use a retainer to connect copper and aluminum, then reusable devices should be used.
Varieties
There are dozens of different terminal blocks in stores, so often the user can make a mistake and buy the wrong option. It is worth purchasing elements that are suitable for a specific installation. A person will receive an excellent connection density for the entire period of operation. This is the most important criterion.
Terminals without paste
With the help of such elements, wires are connected, the cores of which are made of homogeneous materials. In this case, the number of veins does not matter, it can be single or consist of 2, 3 or 4, this will not affect the quality. The cable section must not exceed 4 mm2... For fixing, a special lever is used, which is presented in orange. The levers are installed in such a way that they are not visible after the element is fixed.
Pasta option
Elements consisting of different materials are connected, for example, most electricians use them for high-speed fixation of copper and aluminum cables. Due to the fact that there is no contact between the wires, the likelihood of oxidation of the cords is minimized and more often than not possible. The only drawback of this method is the absence of a fixing element or screw. Therefore, the strength of the connection remains questionable.Such a block is capable of connecting terminals with a cross section of up to 2.5 mm, this option is not capable of more.
Screwless terminal without paste
This option is intended for fixing wires of the same type. The maximum wire cross-section with which it can work is 2.5 mm2... It is important to understand that most of this design excludes the possibility of re-installation, mainly disposable devices are produced. In one go, a person can connect: from 2 to 8 wires, which is a great advantage. Most often, this model is used to create high-quality branching, since its small dimensions make it possible to place the terminal in a junction box.
Socket block
Using this option, a person will connect the wires that are located in the outlet. This type of terminal is produced in the form of a special plate that does not take up much space in the outlet and easily penetrates there.
All cables that need to be connected are fixed in one row. The option is suitable only if the person plans to carry out installation work with wires made of the same material. The maximum cross section must not be more than 2.5 mm2... The advantage is that a person can connect 4 cables.
Nut type terminals
The model is designed to fix large wires, the cross section of which reaches 150 mm2... Therefore, in the household, such an invention is rather a rarity than a frequent guest. The shell is made of durable plastic that insulates the contacts.
Twisting
A unique type of terminal that can connect several cables at once. The maximum cross-section is several times higher here and amounts to 16 mm2... The body is made of high quality plastic that can withstand high loads. The metal clamps are housed inside. Fastening is carried out by means of a special bolt, which is fixedly placed in the box.
Screwless terminal with paste
This option is able to tightly bond copper and aluminum wire, where the cross section does not exceed 2.5 mm2... The advantage of this product is the ability to use several materials from which the cables are made. Moreover, the chance of oxidation is extremely small. Also, this mechanism differs in that it qualitatively fixes the entire structure.
Standard terminals
The model is interesting in that it is able to lengthen the wires without any problems, while without the additional help of special branching. The product holds together elements with a cross-section of up to 2.5 mm2... Made of durable plastic, there is a metal contact inside, as well as two mounting screws. Most commonly sold as a 12-section shoe that can be easily removed and used individually.
Top manufacturers
Top quality products of the Legrand company
A great company that puts quality first. The main element of the connection is brass, which is covered with a thin layer of nickel on top. Thanks to this solution, tight contact between the wires is ensured. The insulation is made of polypropylene, which allows it to withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius. The maximum size of the section with which their products can function is 25 mm2... It is also a positive point that the terminals can be used at a voltage of 380 V and a current load of 100 A.
Legrand Terminal block blue 21x1.5-16mm2
A great option for connecting most types of wires. It guarantees a person a tight connection and reliability for the entire period of operation. Sold in all specialized stores.
The average price is 470 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-quality connection;
- Reliability;
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Legrand blue 1х6-25 + 12х1.5-16mm2
A good block, designed for tight core switching. Suitable for home use. The body is made of high quality plastic that does not deteriorate over time and can withstand heavy loads.
The average price is 450 rubles.
Advantages:
- Connection density;
- High-quality housing;
- Cost.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Universal terminal block 8 × 1.5-16 mm2, 75 mm
A good model that will fit in many homes and businesses, guarantees a tight connection for the entire period. It can fix almost any wire.
Sold at a price of 330 rubles.
Advantages:
- Good build;
- Tight connection;
- Durability.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Rating of the best terminals of the "Wago" company
The products of this company are among the most in demand for 2020. This became possible due to the tight connection of contacts in all circumstances. In addition, even an inexperienced user can make the connection, just look at the instructions and that's it.
The products are produced in two variations: disposable and reusable, which one each user decides independently. The maximum current load is 32 A, but in some cases the value does not rise above 25 A, this is also worth considering.
The company manufactures products that are designed to connect single-core elements with multi-core ones, which is a great advantage. Moreover, their cost is not much different from standard models.
WAGO 4 wires with contact paste
An excellent product that is made in a classic style and is able to provide reliable fastening of almost any element. The body is made of durable plastic.
The average price is 15 rubles apiece.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Good quality;
- Tight fixation.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
WAGO 3x (0.08-4.0)
The model is designed for quick installation. This terminal block can be used to fix almost any wire, which is a great advantage.
Sold at a price of 25 rubles.
Advantages:
- High-speed installation;
- Affordable cost;
- High quality case.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
WAGO 2 221-412
A popular product that is in demand by electricians. The housing is made of durable material that is durable.
Sold at a price of 18 rubles.
Advantages:
- Price;
- Reliability;
- Universal application.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Rating of quality models of the company "STEKKER"
Products from this company are suitable for installation at home or in a factory. The company produces screwless terminals that will provide a person with quality and reliability. Each type of cable can be fastened with this element. Some models are made half open, while others come with a closed casing.
STEKKER LD294-4002
The model is suitable for fixing solid and stranded conductors. The body is made of high quality plastic that does not deteriorate from prolonged use. Fastening takes place quickly and efficiently.
The cost is 30 rubles.
Advantages:
- Durability;
- Fire resistance;
- Maximum current - 16 A;
- Price.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
STEKKER LD294-4003
This option is for fixing more items. At the same time, it guarantees tightness of fastening and trouble-free operation for ten years.
The average price is 40 rubles.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- Reliability;
- High-quality performance.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Finally
Choosing the right terminal strip is half the task, since it must be connected correctly so that it works 100% and without failures. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.