Screwless connectors offer cost savings to OEMs and maintainers

Available now from Switchtec, Euroclamp's new screwless plug-in connectors help to speed installation and are small enough to enable more connections per unit length of PCB, saving on both production and materials costs, says the company. The screwless plug-in connectors use a spring clamp to grip the wire unlike traditional screw terminal connector blocks that rely on the tightening of a screw to grip the wire conductor. The screw terminal block has been the main type of terminal blocks for many years but there are drawbacks associated with screw technology. The tightness of the screw that clamps the wire is ‘uncalibrated’, it depends entirely upon the installer, and if not tightened enough could result in loose wires. Conversely if it is overtightened, it can result in weakened conductors that are liable to sever when subjected to further movement or vibration. The screwless terminal provides a secure and uniform connection for each terminal. They are also quicker to use. Screw type connections can also be susceptible to vibration that can result in the loosening of connections, or complete loss of connection., says the company. In use, the small, orange coloured push button of the screwless connector is depressed using a screwdriver, the bare wire conductor is inserted into its entry port, the orange button is then released and a ‘calibrated’, measured grip force on the wire is applied, there being one orange pushbutton per conductor. Screwless terminals can take up less space on the PCB, enabling smaller PCBs and more compact host units. They are also ideal for applications where vibration may be present. This latest range of screwless plug-in connectors compliments and adds to Euroclamp’s existing screwless terminal block portfolio. To suit different applications, there are two versions of the screwless plug-in connector, a standard in line version and an alternative offset version. The difference being the location of the cable entry on the connector; in line or offset. The screwless plug-in rage is available from 2 to 24 way in 3.5mm, 3.81mm, 5mm and 5.08mm pitches and in ratings up to 10A, 300VAC. Offering versatility, the mating PCB headers are available in vertical, horizontal and angled types with open or closed ends. The screwless plug-in connectors can be customised to suit customer’s requirements. The standard colour is green, yet blue, red, orange, grey, black and many other colours are available, and in small or large quantities to suit custom requirements. Other options include a screw flange version, and for ease of recognition and maintenance, laser marking or pad printing. Also available is a special glow wire test compliant version for use in domestic applications. The versatile plug-in terminals are aimed at PCB builders and populators, PCB suppliers, distributors, OEMs, CEMs and sub-contractors.