AutomationDirect Expands Terminal Block Solutions for Control Panels

AutomationDirect has expanded its terminal block offerings with the new Konnect-It product line, designed to simplify and streamline wiring in industrial control cabinets. The updated portfolio includes multi-level feedthrough blocks, circuit protection and disconnect terminals, grounding blocks, and plug-in styles, all compatible with standard 35 mm DIN rail. Together, these options help engineers save space, improve organization, and add flexibility when designing, maintaining, or troubleshooting electrical panels in industrial automation systems.

A selection of the new terminal blocks from AutomationDirect. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

Terminating Wires In A Cabinet

In any industrial electrical control cabinet, you will find terminal blocks. They are used to connect circuits, join wires, and provide overcurrent protection. Over the years, companies have added features and functions to the terminal block to simplify and expedite cabinet wiring. AutomationDirect has added its own flair to the terminal block design with its latest release, the Konnect-It product line. The new models feature various components, including multilevel feedthrough, grounding blocks, circuit protection blocks, disconnecting blocks, and plug-in blocks.

Multi-Leveled Terminal Blocks

When you have a small space or a crowded electrical panel, you might want to consider a multilevel terminal block. AutomationDirect now offers single, double, and triple-level terminal blocks in the same style. The single block can join two wires, while the double and triple blocks allow multiple isolated paths through the block without occupying more than one block. All models offer both screw and screwless connection fastening, internal jumpers, and are designed for use with 35mm DIN rail.

A circuit protection terminal block. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

Circuit Protection

Branch circuit protection prevents downstream devices from overcurrent events that could damage internal components. The circuit protection terminal blocks from AutomationDirect interface on the same DIN rail as the standard terminal blocks. A standard 5 x 20 mm or 5 x 25 mm fuse provides the overcurrent protection. Users may also order a polarity-specific blown fuse LED model.

The disconnect terminal block. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

Circuit Disconnect Blocks

When troubleshooting or testing circuits, you often need to disconnect other circuits to narrow down a problem circuit. The disconnect terminal block features a solid-copper bar or knife-blade connection that can be easily opened for testing or isolation while the system power is on.

Plug-In Terminal Blocks

Your system might require a dynamic connection approach where circuits or devices need to be connected and disconnected. The plug-in terminal block allows for a standard DN-xxPLUG9MN Euro plug to be installed at the top of the terminal block. This style of block keeps all the cabinet wiring in place while allowing a circuit or device to be removed if necessary.

End Brackets, End Covers, and Separators

Ending a string of terminal blocks requires special components so that your line of blocks does not move and so that the internal components are not exposed. All of the new terminal blocks from AutomationDirect include matching end covers to seal internal connections, separators to organize groups of blocks, and end brackets that secure to the DIN rail so your blocks do not shift over time.

The grounding terminal block. Image used courtesy of AutomationDirect

Grounding Blocks

Providing a secure ground in an electrical cabinet ensures safe connections, electrical devices will behave as expected, and reduces electrical noise within the system. The grounding blocks are a vibrant green and yellow to signify their purpose, and they feature an additional foot that makes contact with the DIN rail. Provided that the DIN rail is bonded and connected to the backplane correctly, it will act as a grounding bus bar, providing a solid connection to ground.