SENICO Electronics

Component sourcing guide

Terminal Block and Wire-to-Board RFQs: Mechanical and Rating Checks

Specify terminal blocks and wire-to-board connectors by pitch, conductor range, connection method, rating conditions, mating parts and assembly fit.

A terminal-block or wire-to-board quotation should define the electrical connection and the mechanical installation together. Pitch and position count are useful starting points, but they do not establish current capability, wire compatibility or mating fit. Request availability using complete manufacturer ordering codes and a controlled drawing where the assembly is customized.

Define the conductor and connection method

Record conductor size, solid or stranded construction and any ferrule requirement. Specify screw, spring or another connection method, and review the permitted preparation and insertion procedure. These details affect both manufacturing and field service.

The Phoenix Contact SMKDS 1/16-3,5 product entry separately lists pitch, conductor cross-section, current, voltage and mounting details. That structure provides a useful model for an RFQ: preserve each parameter instead of shortening the requirement to a generic terminal-block size.

Compare ratings under the right conditions

Identify the application’s operating voltage, current, temperature and installation requirements. Check the manufacturer’s rating conditions and applicable approval information for the exact part. A current figure without its conductor and temperature context is not a complete basis for approval.

For pluggable connectors, specify both mating halves and verify the combination. Review polarization, coding and retention where they affect assembly or maintenance. Do not infer cross-brand compatibility solely from equal pitch or a similar external shape.

Check board and enclosure access

Compare pin layout, hole size, solder-pin length and mounting method with the PCB drawing. Review wire-entry direction and access for the required tool. Allow enough enclosure space for insertion, cable bend radius and later service, especially when multiple connectors sit close together.

Provide each component’s part number, quantity, packing format and required arrival date. For a new alternate, verify mating, conductor retention and assembly using representative wires and the production board. Record tightening or insertion instructions where applicable, and keep the accepted mechanical drawing linked to the BOM.

Frequently asked questions

Do matching pitch and position count guarantee compatibility?

No. Pin geometry, housing shape, keying and contact construction can differ. Compare the exact drawings and documented mating combinations before approving a substitute.

Can a connector rating be applied to any wire size?

No. Use the conductor range and rating conditions specified for that component. The actual wire, connection process and installation must meet the design requirements.

Send SENICO a terminal-block or wire-to-board RFQ with full ordering codes and connection details. Availability, price and delivery timing require confirmation against the complete offered assembly.