Through terminal

Which feed-through terminals should you use for your control cabinet? Are terminal blocks the same as feed-through blocks? Find out here what the differences are between feed-through terminals and what they are used for. In the eibabo® technology store you can get feed-through terminal blocks from all well-known manufacturers such as ABB, Eaton, Eberle, Hager, Metz, Phoenix, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Spelsberg, TE Connectivity, WAGO, Weidmüller, Wieland and Wöhner at great prices and in large quantities. We deliver our range worldwide.

Feed-through terminals fulfill several functions and are among the most important components within a control cabinet. It is mounted on the DIN rail. Feed-through terminals are connecting elements between the incoming cables and lines of an installation and the actual control cabinet installation.

What is the difference between feed-through terminals and terminal blocks?

Feed-through terminals are terminal blocks. 'Terminal block' is a generic term that also includes other types of terminals. These include, for example, fuse terminals and relay terminals. Other terms describe the way a terminal is constructed or its ability to connect the conductors. In these contexts, one often hears about one-tier terminals, three-tier terminals, spring-loaded terminals, push-in terminals or screw terminals. We would like to briefly discuss some of these types in the following sections.

Why are feed-through terminals indispensable components in the control cabinet?

Feed-through terminals offer the necessary flexibility in the control cabinet to connect rigid incoming cables and lines to the relevant fuses, actuators or other devices. A direct connection without feed-through terminals does not make sense. A clear installation would not be possible. First, the cables and lines are clearly laid out on the terminal blocks. They then lead them from there to the devices in the control cabinet. As a result, the entire installation remains flexible because there are connection points and nodes for checking and changing the system structure.

Source: eibabo®, Phoenix PT 2.5-3L feed-through terminalImage: Phoenix PT 2.5-3L feed-through terminal

Each connection that is made takes on a function previously defined in the circuit diagram. The installation of the system and the function of individual connections remains traceable. This makes later additions, repairs and maintenance easier. If you want to make changes, these can be done by reconnecting individual wires. The rigid supply lines remain unaffected.

And there are other advantages: For example, you can only connect two wires to many modular installation devices. The feed-through terminal blocks offer further advantages here. An example: A fuse is intended to protect several lines. However, you can only connect the cores of one line. In order to also integrate the other lines, you can create clear bridge connections on the feed-through terminals. The electrician can also carry out insulation measurements and other control work directly on the terminal blocks. Troubleshooting is made much easier and faster.

What different feed-through terminals are there?

Each manufacturer builds the feed-through terminals slightly differently. However, the principle is the same. There are single-level terminals and multi-level terminals. While you can only connect one line in the single-level terminal, several incoming and outgoing lines can be installed in multi-level terminals. Use a three-tier terminal for a three-wire cable. The is designed for connecting the protective conductor, the L conductor and the N conductor. This arrangement saves an enormous amount of space in the control cabinet. Three-tier terminals are mainly found in the control cabinets of private households and in smart home installations.

 


TIP:

On some models, the protective conductor has no connection point for the outgoing line. The protective earth contact is made directly by the clamp connection with the DIN rail.


 

Another feature that distinguishes feed-through terminals is the way the wires are fastened. The screw terminal fixes the respective wire with a screw connection. This method takes a comparatively long time, especially when the plant is complex. A spring-loaded terminal makes electrical contact with a mechanical spring. This consists of a bent, flat copper contact. The wire must be inserted through a hole in the copper contact. This is only possible if the contact is clamped with a pointed tool. When the clamping tool is removed, the spring pulls back and the wire is jammed. The connection is released in the same way. The push-in connection is another fastening variant, similar to the spring-loaded terminal. Here, too, a spring presses against the wire. In contrast to the spring-cage connection, installation is tool-free and therefore even faster. The wire is inserted into the spring shaft of the feed-through terminal and the spring locks automatically. If you want to loosen the connection, you need a pointed tool. A small screwdriver is usually sufficient, which bends the retaining spring to the side and loosens the wire. This method saves a lot of time with cores with solid conductors. Wires with flexible conductors can also be attached using wire end sleeves using this method.

Solid and flexible veins

You can connect cables with solid cores and flexible strands in feed-through terminals. Both variants and combinations are permitted. Flexible cores can easily fan out. The use of ferrules makes handling easier with spring connections.


The attachment of the wire using cutting terminals is rather rare. Use this variant if your veins are particularly thin. Here, the contact is made through a small cut in the insulation.

Depending on the function and area of application, cables and wires with different cross-sections are used in the electrical installation. This affects the feed-through terminals. Appropriate feed-through terminals are available for all common cable cross-sections. Whether a clamp can be used for a specific cross-section is indicated on the clamp. It is usually possible to bridge the L conductor and the N conductor using several feed-through terminals, sometimes on several levels. Suitable cable bridges are available here in the shop.

mark

Labeling the lines helps with orientation, especially when a new employee or another electrical company takes over the system. Some terminals have labeling fields. We recommend using this option and labeling all devices and connections in a meaningful way.


The design of the neutral conductor contact is another distinguishing feature. In addition to models for classic wiring, there are feed-through terminals with which an N busbar can be used. The neutral contact on these terminals is designed accordingly so that the connection can be made with one hand. When using a busbar, you need an additional terminal for feeding. To securely fix the rail, use suitable support blocks or the fastening levers on the end clamps at the beginning and end of the row. Longer rails are additionally fixed every 20 cm. To be able to use cables with five cores, use multi-level terminals to connect the outer conductors.

How to use feed-through terminals in the KNX area?

In addition to the classic feed-through terminals, you can get special terminal blocks for low-voltage or KNX use. These have a different color and can therefore immediately be distinguished from other terminal blocks. This also contributes to order and clarity in the control cabinet. In terms of function, these terminal blocks hardly differ from conventional terminal blocks. You can connect cables with a cross-section of up to 1.5 mm2 to these terminals.

Why are feed-through terminals not closed on one side?

The available space in the control cabinet is specified in modular widths (HP). These provide information about the capacity of a control cabinet. Feed-through terminals are not manufactured according to this pitch, but as narrow as possible. The narrower a terminal, the more terminals can be installed on a specific area of the DIN rail.

 


Good to know:

Feed-through terminals are not closed on one side. The missing cover saves a little space. In relation to the length of a top-hat rail, more terminals can be mounted.


 

Since feed-through terminals are mounted directly next to each other on the DIN rail, there is no danger of touching the contacts on the open sides. Without a side cover, a terminal is narrower. A cover is only attached to the last terminal in a row.

Which installation aids and which accessories are available for feed-through terminal blocks?

For the construction of a control cabinet, you receive numerous well thought-out components that simplify your work. For feed-through terminals, for example, the cross-bridges and busbars already mentioned are available. In addition, you will receive separator plates and end plates, covers, feeds or end blocks as well as test plugs, fuses, labeling fields and other components.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Terminal blocks > Feed-through terminal block you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Base clamp
  • Bolt clamp
  • Changeover relay
  • Compartment clamp
  • Connecting combs
  • Connection module
  • Connection technology
  • Distribution block
  • Feed terminal
  • Four-level clamp
  • Lightning arrow
  • Marshalling box
  • Mini clamp
  • Motor connection terminal
  • Motor output terminal
  • Multi-level clamp
  • Multi-wire terminal
  • Neutral terminal
  • Potential clamp
  • Relay terminal
  • Socket
  • Spring clamps
  • Spring clip
  • Switching relay
  • Terminal block connector
  • Thermal voltage terminal block
  • Through terminal
  • Universal clamp


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Through terminal:

  • ABB
  • Eaton
  • Eberle
  • Hager
  • Metz
  • Phoenix
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Spelsberg
  • TE Connectivity
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland
  • Wöhner


 
Which feed-through terminals should you use for your control cabinet? Are terminal blocks the same as feed-through blocks? Find out here what the differences are between feed-through terminals and... read more »
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Feed-through terminal – for a flexible structure of the control cabinet

Which feed-through terminals should you use for your control cabinet? Are terminal blocks the same as feed-through blocks? Find out here what the differences are between feed-through terminals and what they are used for. In the eibabo® technology store you can get feed-through terminal blocks from all well-known manufacturers such as ABB, Eaton, Eberle, Hager, Metz, Phoenix, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Spelsberg, TE Connectivity, WAGO, Weidmüller, Wieland and Wöhner at great prices and in large quantities. We deliver our range worldwide.

Feed-through terminals fulfill several functions and are among the most important components within a control cabinet. It is mounted on the DIN rail. Feed-through terminals are connecting elements between the incoming cables and lines of an installation and the actual control cabinet installation.

What is the difference between feed-through terminals and terminal blocks?

Feed-through terminals are terminal blocks. 'Terminal block' is a generic term that also includes other types of terminals. These include, for example, fuse terminals and relay terminals. Other terms describe the way a terminal is constructed or its ability to connect the conductors. In these contexts, one often hears about one-tier terminals, three-tier terminals, spring-loaded terminals, push-in terminals or screw terminals. We would like to briefly discuss some of these types in the following sections.

Why are feed-through terminals indispensable components in the control cabinet?

Feed-through terminals offer the necessary flexibility in the control cabinet to connect rigid incoming cables and lines to the relevant fuses, actuators or other devices. A direct connection without feed-through terminals does not make sense. A clear installation would not be possible. First, the cables and lines are clearly laid out on the terminal blocks. They then lead them from there to the devices in the control cabinet. As a result, the entire installation remains flexible because there are connection points and nodes for checking and changing the system structure.

Source: eibabo®, Phoenix PT 2.5-3L feed-through terminalImage: Phoenix PT 2.5-3L feed-through terminal

Each connection that is made takes on a function previously defined in the circuit diagram. The installation of the system and the function of individual connections remains traceable. This makes later additions, repairs and maintenance easier. If you want to make changes, these can be done by reconnecting individual wires. The rigid supply lines remain unaffected.

And there are other advantages: For example, you can only connect two wires to many modular installation devices. The feed-through terminal blocks offer further advantages here. An example: A fuse is intended to protect several lines. However, you can only connect the cores of one line. In order to also integrate the other lines, you can create clear bridge connections on the feed-through terminals. The electrician can also carry out insulation measurements and other control work directly on the terminal blocks. Troubleshooting is made much easier and faster.

What different feed-through terminals are there?

Each manufacturer builds the feed-through terminals slightly differently. However, the principle is the same. There are single-level terminals and multi-level terminals. While you can only connect one line in the single-level terminal, several incoming and outgoing lines can be installed in multi-level terminals. Use a three-tier terminal for a three-wire cable. The is designed for connecting the protective conductor, the L conductor and the N conductor. This arrangement saves an enormous amount of space in the control cabinet. Three-tier terminals are mainly found in the control cabinets of private households and in smart home installations.

 


TIP:

On some models, the protective conductor has no connection point for the outgoing line. The protective earth contact is made directly by the clamp connection with the DIN rail.


 

Another feature that distinguishes feed-through terminals is the way the wires are fastened. The screw terminal fixes the respective wire with a screw connection. This method takes a comparatively long time, especially when the plant is complex. A spring-loaded terminal makes electrical contact with a mechanical spring. This consists of a bent, flat copper contact. The wire must be inserted through a hole in the copper contact. This is only possible if the contact is clamped with a pointed tool. When the clamping tool is removed, the spring pulls back and the wire is jammed. The connection is released in the same way. The push-in connection is another fastening variant, similar to the spring-loaded terminal. Here, too, a spring presses against the wire. In contrast to the spring-cage connection, installation is tool-free and therefore even faster. The wire is inserted into the spring shaft of the feed-through terminal and the spring locks automatically. If you want to loosen the connection, you need a pointed tool. A small screwdriver is usually sufficient, which bends the retaining spring to the side and loosens the wire. This method saves a lot of time with cores with solid conductors. Wires with flexible conductors can also be attached using wire end sleeves using this method.

Solid and flexible veins

You can connect cables with solid cores and flexible strands in feed-through terminals. Both variants and combinations are permitted. Flexible cores can easily fan out. The use of ferrules makes handling easier with spring connections.


The attachment of the wire using cutting terminals is rather rare. Use this variant if your veins are particularly thin. Here, the contact is made through a small cut in the insulation.

Depending on the function and area of application, cables and wires with different cross-sections are used in the electrical installation. This affects the feed-through terminals. Appropriate feed-through terminals are available for all common cable cross-sections. Whether a clamp can be used for a specific cross-section is indicated on the clamp. It is usually possible to bridge the L conductor and the N conductor using several feed-through terminals, sometimes on several levels. Suitable cable bridges are available here in the shop.

mark

Labeling the lines helps with orientation, especially when a new employee or another electrical company takes over the system. Some terminals have labeling fields. We recommend using this option and labeling all devices and connections in a meaningful way.


The design of the neutral conductor contact is another distinguishing feature. In addition to models for classic wiring, there are feed-through terminals with which an N busbar can be used. The neutral contact on these terminals is designed accordingly so that the connection can be made with one hand. When using a busbar, you need an additional terminal for feeding. To securely fix the rail, use suitable support blocks or the fastening levers on the end clamps at the beginning and end of the row. Longer rails are additionally fixed every 20 cm. To be able to use cables with five cores, use multi-level terminals to connect the outer conductors.

How to use feed-through terminals in the KNX area?

In addition to the classic feed-through terminals, you can get special terminal blocks for low-voltage or KNX use. These have a different color and can therefore immediately be distinguished from other terminal blocks. This also contributes to order and clarity in the control cabinet. In terms of function, these terminal blocks hardly differ from conventional terminal blocks. You can connect cables with a cross-section of up to 1.5 mm2 to these terminals.

Why are feed-through terminals not closed on one side?

The available space in the control cabinet is specified in modular widths (HP). These provide information about the capacity of a control cabinet. Feed-through terminals are not manufactured according to this pitch, but as narrow as possible. The narrower a terminal, the more terminals can be installed on a specific area of the DIN rail.

 


Good to know:

Feed-through terminals are not closed on one side. The missing cover saves a little space. In relation to the length of a top-hat rail, more terminals can be mounted.


 

Since feed-through terminals are mounted directly next to each other on the DIN rail, there is no danger of touching the contacts on the open sides. Without a side cover, a terminal is narrower. A cover is only attached to the last terminal in a row.

Which installation aids and which accessories are available for feed-through terminal blocks?

For the construction of a control cabinet, you receive numerous well thought-out components that simplify your work. For feed-through terminals, for example, the cross-bridges and busbars already mentioned are available. In addition, you will receive separator plates and end plates, covers, feeds or end blocks as well as test plugs, fuses, labeling fields and other components.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Terminal blocks > Feed-through terminal block you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Base clamp
  • Bolt clamp
  • Changeover relay
  • Compartment clamp
  • Connecting combs
  • Connection module
  • Connection technology
  • Distribution block
  • Feed terminal
  • Four-level clamp
  • Lightning arrow
  • Marshalling box
  • Mini clamp
  • Motor connection terminal
  • Motor output terminal
  • Multi-level clamp
  • Multi-wire terminal
  • Neutral terminal
  • Potential clamp
  • Relay terminal
  • Socket
  • Spring clamps
  • Spring clip
  • Switching relay
  • Terminal block connector
  • Thermal voltage terminal block
  • Through terminal
  • Universal clamp


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Through terminal:

  • ABB
  • Eaton
  • Eberle
  • Hager
  • Metz
  • Phoenix
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Spelsberg
  • TE Connectivity
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland
  • Wöhner
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Phoenix - UK 3D-MSTBV-5,08 - Feed-through terminal block 5,08mm 24A UK 3D-MSTBV-5,08
£137.43 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal block 5,08mm 24A
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Phoenix - UKK 4-FS - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 20A UKK 4-FS
£141.89 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 20A
Phoenix
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Phoenix - UPCV3K 4-G-7,62 - Feed-through terminal block 7,59999999mm UPCV3K 4-G-7,62
£122.99 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal block 7,59999999mm
Phoenix
| UPCV3K 4-G-7,62
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Phoenix - USK 4-FS/F #0271017 - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A USK 4-FS/F #0271017
£57.28 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
Phoenix
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Phoenix - USK 4-FSR( #0270018 - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A USK 4-FSR( #0270018
£90.29 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
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Phoenix - UT 4/ 1P BU - Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A UT 4/ 1P BU
£32.49 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
Phoenix
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Phoenix - UT 4-QUATTRO/ 2P - Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A UT 4-QUATTRO/ 2P
£62.59 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
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Phoenix - UT 4-TWIN/ 1P BU - Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A UT 4-TWIN/ 1P BU
£54.61 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Pluggable screw terminal - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
Phoenix
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Phoenix - STS 4-TWIN - Tension spring terminal three-wire - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A STS 4-TWIN
£51.26 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Tension spring terminal three-wire - Feed-through terminal block 6,2mm 32A
Phoenix
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WAGO - 279-604 - Through terminal 0.08-1.5mmq blue - Feed-through terminal block 4mm 18A 279-604
£102.13 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Through terminal 0.08-1.5mmq blue - Feed-through terminal block 4mm 18A
WAGO
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WAGO - 264-726 - Through terminal 2x0.08-2.5mmq orange - Feed-through terminal block 10mm 24A 264-726
£75.51 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Through terminal 2x0.08-2.5mmq orange - Feed-through terminal block 10mm 24A
WAGO
| 264-726
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WAGO - 284-691 - Feed-through terminal 0.5-10mmq light grey 284-691
£38.80 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Feed-through terminal 0.5-10mmq light grey
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