PCB Terminal Blocks for Potted PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Matt Coates
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 10:21:49 am
content: I'm looking for recommendations for terminal blocks to use on a PCB that will be potted.Ideally something such as this -https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/products/printed-circuit-board-terminal-mkds-15-2-1715022- but with the terminals raised so that the connecter is above the water line once the PCB gets potted into a plastic part. The components will be on the underside, so the compound should only encapsulate a few mm above the top of the PCB.Any suggestions or examples would be really appreciated!

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 10:29:08 am
content: Lever rather than screw terminal ... but this is available at TME DG2204S-5.0-03P-14-00Z(H). Plenty of height, good build quality.Or Wurth 691201520003 , which is 45 degree screw terminal.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 12:16:22 pm
content: Voltage & current rating? Wire gauge? Pitch? Screw, push-in, spring clamp, lever?As mentioned by bookaboo, the 45 degree screw terminals give you extra clearance. Some spring clamp ones are a similar design.I quite like the Wurth screwless 45 degrees entry ones in the WR-TBL range - e.g. 691412120003BSimilar parts are available from many vendors and various pitches. You'll find them from Phoenix Contact, Same Sky (CUI), Tyco, Cixi Kefa, etc.

author: Geoff-AU
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 03:56:00 am
content: Depending on whether you want to terminate on the potted device, or terminate on a plug that plugs into the potted device...https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/products/pcb-header-mstbva-25-6-g-508-1755778

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 08:45:28 am
content: WAGO could be another brand to consider.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 07:07:04 pm
content: Quote from: Matt Coates on July 14, 2025, 10:21:49 amI don't have any part numbers to hand, but exactly what you're asking for definitely exists -- they're designed so you can have a row of terminals like the above, then a second (and sometimes a third) row of taller terminals directly behind them, usually staggered so you can get a screwdriver between wires on the upper row. Here's a random example:https://www.pcb-terminalblock.com/sale-1841864-2p-24p-pcb-screw-terminal-block-pitch-5-08mm-300v-10a-pcb-terminal-blocks.htmlI'm sure Phoenix Contact sells something like that if anyone does, it's just a pain to find anything on their website.EDIT: Wurth has them in 5.08mm pitch at least:https://www.we-online.com/en/components/products/TBL_5_08_2495_HORIZONTAL_ENTRY_W_RISING_CAGE_CLAMP_6912495100XXNote that these are often designed to lock into the lower-level terminals in front of them, so they may be more susceptible to bending off of the PCB if used on their own. A part with a wider base might be a better bet if you need them to be robust.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2025, 08:21:57 pm
content: Quote from: Geoff-AU on July 15, 2025, 03:56:00 amI would also go with pluggable terminal blocks as my first choice. Also maybe place a sacrificial connector in it, until the workers learn how to do the potting without getting it everywhere. Make sure your drying area is flat (really flat).

author: Matt-Brown
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2025, 07:05:29 pm
content: https://www.kyocera-avx.com/products/connectors/wire-to-board/horizontal-contact-12-28-awg-70-9296/

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2025, 03:12:36 pm
content: I've been using On Shore Technology for some time, they make very similar terminals to Phoenix Contact. I get these from Digi-Key for small amounts, and also from Heartland Electronics in the central US at a MUCH better price. I mostly use the 3.81 mm pitch two part connectors with screw terminals.Jon