3 Solutions for Reliable and Safe Transfer of Up to 40 A: COMBICON Terminal Blocks by Phoenix Contact

Main benefits of terminal blocks over connectors – space efficiency and easier installation

"Generally, the main advantages of using a terminal block over a connector are that no crimping tools are needed, the connection is shorter and more compact than with a connector, and the terminal block solution has a smaller bend radius for individual wires than a thick cable and connector setup, which ultimately helps save space in the device," František Ďuríšek, Product Manager at SOS electronic, explains in the opening of the article.

When transferring higher currents, the demands on terminal blocks increase significantly due to several technical challenges, including connection safety and stability, compactness versus durability, and long-term reliability. COMBICON plug-in terminal blocks are specifically designed to meet these challenges, ensuring safe and stable current transfer of up to 40 A.

3 COMBICON Terminal Block Series by Phoenix Contact: PC4, PC5, and PC6

Phoenix Contact’s portfolio features the versatile COMBICON plug-in terminal block series, designed for cable, panel, and PCB applications. These blocks support currents ranging from 20 to 40 A, with a 7,62 mm pitch and wire cross-sections of 4–6 mm². The COMBICON PC4 and PC5 series are compatible with one another, while the PC6 series, which has knife contacts rotated by 90 degrees, is not compatible with the PC4 and PC5 series.

One advantage of using a plug-in terminal block, such as the PC 4/3-G-7,62, over a model that requires individual wire insertion, like the MKDS 5/3-7,62, is that after disconnecting and reconnecting, you do not have to remember the positions of the wires. Additionally, the manufacturer provides a wide range of complementary products. For example, to convert a plug-in terminal block (e.g., PC 4/3-ST-7,62) into a fully functional connector that can connect to a cable instead of individual wires, simply add the KGG-PC 4/3-F terminal cover for a simple and reliable solution.

Technical specifications of COMBICON plug-in terminal blocks:

The COMBICON series includes the following three terminal block types:

      1. COMBICON PC4 Series – plug-in terminal blocks for PCB, cable, and panel applications for wires up to 4 mm²

• Maximum wire cross-section: 4 mm²
• Rated voltage: 630 V (up to 1000 V with crimp contacts)
• Rated current: 20 A
• Contact resistance: 0,5 mΩ

       2. COMBICON PC5 Series – plug-in terminal blocks for PCB, cable, and panel applications for wires up to 6 mm²

• Maximum wire cross-section: 6 mm²
• Rated voltage: 1000 V
• Rated current: 41 A
• Contact resistance: 0,45 mΩ

    3.  COMBICON PC6 Series – plug-in terminal blocks for PCB, cable, and panel applications for wires up to 6 mm², featuring knife contacts rotated 90° for incompatibility with PC4 and PC5

• Maximum wire cross-section: 6 mm²
• Rated voltage: 1000 V
• Rated current: 41 A
• Contact resistance: 0,4 mΩ
• 90° rotated blade contacts

All three of Phoenix Contact’s COMBICON series provide an extensive selection of terminal block types. But how to quickly and effectively find the right type for your application? František Ďuríšek, Product Manager at SOS electronic, explains how to navigate this diverse offering:

"If you already have a specific terminal block type in mind for your application, just head over to our website and use the parametric search. You can easily select the brand, form, and type, then pick the solution that fits your needs from the list. If you cannot seem to find an exact match, try searching the Phoenix Contact website for the terminal block type you need. Their configurator is designed to be particularly user-friendly, making it a breeze to find the right or a closely matching terminal block. At SOS electronic, we can then help you communicate your choice and ensure you get the right solution in the quantity or configuration you are after."

Benefits of the COMBICON terminal block series by Phoenix Contact 

• Stock availability of selected range
• Favourable minimum order quantities for non-stock types – from as low as 50 pcs
• Short delivery times, typically around 1–2 weeks
• Complete series with accessories for labeling – labels without description, with description, or custom on request
• Technical support for solution selection
• Proven and long-term partnership with a globally recognized manufacturer

The entire COMBICON series of plug-in terminal blocks provides reliable solutions and a high level of versatility for various projects, including power supplies, motors, interconnections on PCBs, and many other applications.

We now have the most sought-after COMBICON terminal blocks readily available in our inventory for your projects. If you require additional types, we are happy to order them for you directly from the manufacturer under favourable conditions. Explore the complete range of Phoenix Contact terminal blocks on our website.