Multi-level installation terminal

Which multilevel installation terminals are there and what functions do they have in the control cabinet? Are multi-level installation terminals the same as feed-through terminals? What's the difference? How is the assembly done? Here you will find answers to many questions. In the eibabo® technology store you can get multi-level installation terminals from all well-known manufacturers such as ABB, Hager, Phoenix, Siemens, WAGO, Weidmüller and Wieland at top conditions and in large quantities. Delivery is worldwide, fast and safe.

Installation multi-level terminals are among the most important components within a control cabinet and fulfill several functions. The terminals represent connecting elements between the incoming cables and lines of an installation and the actual control cabinet installation. The assembly is carried out on the DIN rail.

What are installation multi-level terminals?

Installation multi-level terminals are multi-pole terminal blocks. The term 'terminal block' not only includes multi-level installation terminals, but also, for example, feed-through terminals, fuse terminals and relay terminals. Surely you have already heard or read about single-level clamps and triple-level clamps. These are other common names for feed-through terminals and tier terminals. When it comes to spring-loaded terminals, push-in terminals or screw terminals, the focus is on the type of wire attachment. But these terminals can also be counted among the multi-level installation terminals. The main feature of the installation multi-level terminals is the potential entries arranged one above the other.

What is the difference to a feed-through terminal?

The differences between feed-through terminals and multi-level terminals are small and mainly lie in the number and arrangement of the potential entries. A simple feed-through terminal usually only has one potential, while tier terminals can have several potentials. This saves space compared to feed-through terminals, since the feed-through terminals are arranged next to each other as individual terminals. A clear assignment of the different cores is guaranteed by the colored conductor entry openings in multi-level terminal blocks. Tier terminals are therefore more complex feed-through terminals and are often equipped with special functions for building installation, for example with N disconnect terminals, equipotential bonding terminals or distribution feed terminals.

How important are multi-level installation terminals for control cabinet construction?

With multi-level installation terminals, you achieve enormous flexibility in control cabinet construction. Rigid incoming cables and lines are clearly laid out on the terminals. You thus create flexible connection points to connect the actuators, fuses or other devices in the control cabinet with individual wires. This keeps the entire installation flexible, as there are nodes for testing and changing the entire system. A direct connection without installation multi-level terminals would not be clear and would lead to considerable effort in the event of changes.

Source: eibabo®, WAGO 2003-7641 Multi-level installation terminalImage: WAGO 2003-7641 Multi-level installation terminal

With the implementation of a well-structured circuit diagram, each link created in this way takes on a comprehensible function. The installation of the system remains clear. Additions, repairs and maintenance in the future are made easier. Changes to the system are always possible by reconnecting individual wires. The rigid supply lines remain untouched.

For a better overview

You can attach labeling fields to some tier terminals. We recommend using this. Label all devices and connections sensibly. Matching labeling fields are available here in the shop.


But this structure offers other advantages. During maintenance work, the electrician can carry out his insulation measurements and other control work directly on the tier terminals. This saves time and money when troubleshooting. For example, many DIN rail mounted devices (REG) only have two contact points for connecting the cables. With the use of installation clamps, you can expand this if necessary. An example: You want to protect several lines with one fuse. Unfortunately, you can only connect the wires from one line directly to the fuse. What can you do? In order to link further lines, establish clear jumper connections on the installation multi-level terminals.

How can the cables be attached to the installation multi-level clamps?

Each manufacturer builds the multi-level installation terminal blocks slightly differently. However, the principle is the same. While single-level terminals connect only one line as simple feed-through terminals, the installation of several incoming and outgoing lines is possible in multi-level terminals / tier terminals. A three-tier terminal block is designed for the connection of the protective conductor, the N line and the L line. The arrangement in tiers saves a lot of space in the control cabinet. Multi-level terminal blocks are used very frequently, especially in the smaller switch cabinets in private households and in smart home installations.

 


TIP:

If a terminal block does not have a connection point for the outgoing protective conductor, snapping it onto the DIN rail ensures 100 percent contact with the protective conductor contact foot.


 

The types of attachment for the cables represent a special distinguishing feature. There are screw terminals, spring-loaded terminals and push-in terminals.

With the screw terminal, a screw fixes the respective wire. This method is comparatively time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large system with many connections. Fastening with a screw must be done carefully so as not to damage the solid or flexible cable too much.

With the spring-loaded terminal, the electrical contact is made with a mechanical metal spring. The spring is in the form of a curved flat contact with a hole. The wire must be put through the hole to connect. This is only possible if the spring is stretched with a pointed tool. The line will bind as soon as the tool is removed and the spring relaxes. The connection is released in the same way.

The push-in connection is a variant of the spring-loaded terminal. Here, too, a spring-loaded metal contact presses against the wire. Installation is tool-free. The wire is inserted into the spring shaft of the multi-level terminal block and the contact is locked directly by the spring force. You need a tool to loosen the connection. Using a small screwdriver, bend the spring contact to the side and the wire will come loose. These connections save a lot of time with cables with solid conductors. Wires with flexible strands can also be fixed using this method, but they should be stabilized with a ferrule.

The attachment of the cores using insulation displacement terminals is rare and is only used if your cable is particularly thin. With this method, the conductive contact is made by cutting the wire insulation.

Special features of the neutral conductor contact

In addition to models with screw attachment and spring clamps, there are multi-level terminals where you can use an N busbar. With these terminals, the neutral conductor contact is designed in such a way that a busbar can be connected with a flick of the wrist. In this case you need an additional terminal for feeding. To ensure that the rail is held securely, use suitable trestles at the beginning and end of the row. Some clamps also offer mounting levers. Please also fix longer rails every 20 centimetres.

Are there different tier terminals for the different cable cross-sections?

Cables and lines with different cross-sections are used in electrical installations. This affects the tier terminals. Appropriate terminals are available for all common cable cross-sections. The suitability for certain cross-sections is indicated on the terminals. In addition, there is the option of bridging the N lines and the L lines via several tier terminals, sometimes on several levels. Suitable cable bridges are available here in the shop.

Why are multi-level installation terminals open on one side?

As you may know, the space available in the control cabinet is specified in modular widths (TE). The specification of the pitch units provides information about the capacity of a control cabinet and helps with the purchase decision. Installation multi-level terminals do not correspond to this grid dimension, but are manufactured as narrow as possible. So the narrower the individual terminal is, the more terminals you can install on a certain area of the DIN rail.

 


Good to know:

A pitch unit is 18 millimeters according to DIN 43880:1988-12. The installation width of the devices is 17.5 millimeters (deviation plus 0.5 millimeters) and its multiples.


 

Installation multi-level terminals are typically mounted directly next to each other on the mounting rail. There is therefore no risk of touching the contacts on the open sides. This saves material in production and some space. Without a side cover, a terminal is slightly narrower. Only the last terminal in a row is covered.

What are N disconnect terminals?

Electrical systems must be checked regularly. The insulation measurement (e.g. between neutral conductor and protective conductor) is an essential part of such a test. As a result, possible insulation faults, which can cause fires and the associated damage to persons or property, are detected at an early stage. To do this, the neutral wire of each circuit must be disconnected. The use of neutral conductor disconnect terminals is therefore necessary in this country in public facilities, workplaces in trade and industry and in fire-endangered premises.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Terminal blocks > Multi level installation terminal block you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Cage clamp
  • Double clamp
  • Feed block
  • Feed-through terminal block
  • Fuse plug
  • Ground terminal
  • Insta clamp
  • Installation clamp
  • Multi-level clamp
  • Phase terminal block
  • Single clamp
  • Spring clamp
  • Spring clip
  • Spring terminal
  • Terminal block
  • Three-wire terminal
  • Tier clamp
  • Tripod clamp
  • Universal clamp


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Multi-level installation terminal:

  • ABB
  • Hager
  • Phoenix
  • Siemens
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland


 
Which multilevel installation terminals are there and what functions do they have in the control cabinet? Are multi-level installation terminals the same as feed-through terminals? What's the... read more »
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Multi-level installation terminal block – Indispensable in control cabinet construction

Which multilevel installation terminals are there and what functions do they have in the control cabinet? Are multi-level installation terminals the same as feed-through terminals? What's the difference? How is the assembly done? Here you will find answers to many questions. In the eibabo® technology store you can get multi-level installation terminals from all well-known manufacturers such as ABB, Hager, Phoenix, Siemens, WAGO, Weidmüller and Wieland at top conditions and in large quantities. Delivery is worldwide, fast and safe.

Installation multi-level terminals are among the most important components within a control cabinet and fulfill several functions. The terminals represent connecting elements between the incoming cables and lines of an installation and the actual control cabinet installation. The assembly is carried out on the DIN rail.

What are installation multi-level terminals?

Installation multi-level terminals are multi-pole terminal blocks. The term 'terminal block' not only includes multi-level installation terminals, but also, for example, feed-through terminals, fuse terminals and relay terminals. Surely you have already heard or read about single-level clamps and triple-level clamps. These are other common names for feed-through terminals and tier terminals. When it comes to spring-loaded terminals, push-in terminals or screw terminals, the focus is on the type of wire attachment. But these terminals can also be counted among the multi-level installation terminals. The main feature of the installation multi-level terminals is the potential entries arranged one above the other.

What is the difference to a feed-through terminal?

The differences between feed-through terminals and multi-level terminals are small and mainly lie in the number and arrangement of the potential entries. A simple feed-through terminal usually only has one potential, while tier terminals can have several potentials. This saves space compared to feed-through terminals, since the feed-through terminals are arranged next to each other as individual terminals. A clear assignment of the different cores is guaranteed by the colored conductor entry openings in multi-level terminal blocks. Tier terminals are therefore more complex feed-through terminals and are often equipped with special functions for building installation, for example with N disconnect terminals, equipotential bonding terminals or distribution feed terminals.

How important are multi-level installation terminals for control cabinet construction?

With multi-level installation terminals, you achieve enormous flexibility in control cabinet construction. Rigid incoming cables and lines are clearly laid out on the terminals. You thus create flexible connection points to connect the actuators, fuses or other devices in the control cabinet with individual wires. This keeps the entire installation flexible, as there are nodes for testing and changing the entire system. A direct connection without installation multi-level terminals would not be clear and would lead to considerable effort in the event of changes.

Source: eibabo®, WAGO 2003-7641 Multi-level installation terminalImage: WAGO 2003-7641 Multi-level installation terminal

With the implementation of a well-structured circuit diagram, each link created in this way takes on a comprehensible function. The installation of the system remains clear. Additions, repairs and maintenance in the future are made easier. Changes to the system are always possible by reconnecting individual wires. The rigid supply lines remain untouched.

For a better overview

You can attach labeling fields to some tier terminals. We recommend using this. Label all devices and connections sensibly. Matching labeling fields are available here in the shop.


But this structure offers other advantages. During maintenance work, the electrician can carry out his insulation measurements and other control work directly on the tier terminals. This saves time and money when troubleshooting. For example, many DIN rail mounted devices (REG) only have two contact points for connecting the cables. With the use of installation clamps, you can expand this if necessary. An example: You want to protect several lines with one fuse. Unfortunately, you can only connect the wires from one line directly to the fuse. What can you do? In order to link further lines, establish clear jumper connections on the installation multi-level terminals.

How can the cables be attached to the installation multi-level clamps?

Each manufacturer builds the multi-level installation terminal blocks slightly differently. However, the principle is the same. While single-level terminals connect only one line as simple feed-through terminals, the installation of several incoming and outgoing lines is possible in multi-level terminals / tier terminals. A three-tier terminal block is designed for the connection of the protective conductor, the N line and the L line. The arrangement in tiers saves a lot of space in the control cabinet. Multi-level terminal blocks are used very frequently, especially in the smaller switch cabinets in private households and in smart home installations.

 


TIP:

If a terminal block does not have a connection point for the outgoing protective conductor, snapping it onto the DIN rail ensures 100 percent contact with the protective conductor contact foot.


 

The types of attachment for the cables represent a special distinguishing feature. There are screw terminals, spring-loaded terminals and push-in terminals.

With the screw terminal, a screw fixes the respective wire. This method is comparatively time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large system with many connections. Fastening with a screw must be done carefully so as not to damage the solid or flexible cable too much.

With the spring-loaded terminal, the electrical contact is made with a mechanical metal spring. The spring is in the form of a curved flat contact with a hole. The wire must be put through the hole to connect. This is only possible if the spring is stretched with a pointed tool. The line will bind as soon as the tool is removed and the spring relaxes. The connection is released in the same way.

The push-in connection is a variant of the spring-loaded terminal. Here, too, a spring-loaded metal contact presses against the wire. Installation is tool-free. The wire is inserted into the spring shaft of the multi-level terminal block and the contact is locked directly by the spring force. You need a tool to loosen the connection. Using a small screwdriver, bend the spring contact to the side and the wire will come loose. These connections save a lot of time with cables with solid conductors. Wires with flexible strands can also be fixed using this method, but they should be stabilized with a ferrule.

The attachment of the cores using insulation displacement terminals is rare and is only used if your cable is particularly thin. With this method, the conductive contact is made by cutting the wire insulation.

Special features of the neutral conductor contact

In addition to models with screw attachment and spring clamps, there are multi-level terminals where you can use an N busbar. With these terminals, the neutral conductor contact is designed in such a way that a busbar can be connected with a flick of the wrist. In this case you need an additional terminal for feeding. To ensure that the rail is held securely, use suitable trestles at the beginning and end of the row. Some clamps also offer mounting levers. Please also fix longer rails every 20 centimetres.

Are there different tier terminals for the different cable cross-sections?

Cables and lines with different cross-sections are used in electrical installations. This affects the tier terminals. Appropriate terminals are available for all common cable cross-sections. The suitability for certain cross-sections is indicated on the terminals. In addition, there is the option of bridging the N lines and the L lines via several tier terminals, sometimes on several levels. Suitable cable bridges are available here in the shop.

Why are multi-level installation terminals open on one side?

As you may know, the space available in the control cabinet is specified in modular widths (TE). The specification of the pitch units provides information about the capacity of a control cabinet and helps with the purchase decision. Installation multi-level terminals do not correspond to this grid dimension, but are manufactured as narrow as possible. So the narrower the individual terminal is, the more terminals you can install on a certain area of the DIN rail.

 


Good to know:

A pitch unit is 18 millimeters according to DIN 43880:1988-12. The installation width of the devices is 17.5 millimeters (deviation plus 0.5 millimeters) and its multiples.


 

Installation multi-level terminals are typically mounted directly next to each other on the mounting rail. There is therefore no risk of touching the contacts on the open sides. This saves material in production and some space. Without a side cover, a terminal is slightly narrower. Only the last terminal in a row is covered.

What are N disconnect terminals?

Electrical systems must be checked regularly. The insulation measurement (e.g. between neutral conductor and protective conductor) is an essential part of such a test. As a result, possible insulation faults, which can cause fires and the associated damage to persons or property, are detected at an early stage. To do this, the neutral wire of each circuit must be disconnected. The use of neutral conductor disconnect terminals is therefore necessary in this country in public facilities, workplaces in trade and industry and in fire-endangered premises.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Terminal blocks > Multi level installation terminal block you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Cage clamp
  • Double clamp
  • Feed block
  • Feed-through terminal block
  • Fuse plug
  • Ground terminal
  • Insta clamp
  • Installation clamp
  • Multi-level clamp
  • Phase terminal block
  • Single clamp
  • Spring clamp
  • Spring clip
  • Spring terminal
  • Terminal block
  • Three-wire terminal
  • Tier clamp
  • Tripod clamp
  • Universal clamp


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Multi-level installation terminal:

  • ABB
  • Hager
  • Phoenix
  • Siemens
  • WAGO
  • Weidmüller
  • Wieland
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