Friday, 18 May 2018

connector - Is a screw or push-in terminal better for vibrating environment?


I need to decide what connector to use on my PCB to connect low power wires. Among the available options on Farnell/Mouser etc. The price and size are almost similar.


I wonder if using a screw terminal or a push-in terminal would be better for a vibrating environment?


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Answer



Push-in or 'cage-clamp' terminals have been around for several decades now and are a reliable solution for connections in general and vibration-proof contacts in particular. Some of the electricians where I work still prefer the hand-tightened screw terminal but some of our machine builders have switched to cage-clamp, where possible, to eliminate problems with terminals vibrating loose during road transportation.


Cage-clamp terminals are made by many companies.


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Figure 1. Wago cage-clamp terminals.


Some of the terminals require a 'just right' screwdriver to release the cage properly. (Some screw terminals require the right tool too.)


Cage clamp and wire


Figure 2. Cage clamp and wire showing excellent contact area.


(Photos used previously in my answer to another question.)



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