Newbie PCB screw terminal connectors question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 03:40:42 pm
content: I am building up some home made PCB boards from a French site's design. The schematics and photos show screw terminal, multi output PCB connectors. I am not sure the proper name for them, and they vary in size from two to 12 plus terminals. PCB hole spacing is 5mm. Can anyone suggest what I should search under, and if they by any chance know of a UK supplier please?I also link to the images in case they upload at too small a resolution.http://www.gatesgarth.com/pcb-connectors.jpgandhttp://www.gatesgarth.com/pcb-connectors2.jpgThanks.

author: dfmischler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 04:07:16 pm
content: On digikey you would search for "Terminal Blocks - Wire to Board". I mostly like the ones from Phoenix Contact.

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 04:20:05 pm
content: Thanks, I see RS have them as well. I have a bit of a problem to be sure whether the PCB hole spacings are 5mm or 5.08 mm (0.2 inch). Even over a span of twelve holes we are talking less than 1mm overall . Can you use either or do I need to find out how the board was designed, metric or Imperial? Thanks again.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 04:40:42 pm
content: Whenever I've used similar PCB connects I found that 4 holes/pins is about the limit before you have to worry about metric or imperial spacing.Quote from: Chris Wilson on August 15, 2013, 04:20:05 pm1mm! That's a whole hole out!

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 05:56:41 pm
content: connectors > terminal blocks > standardhttp://uk.farnell.com/standardand from there select "terminal blocks", "terminal blocks, pcb" etc .. they have 2.54mm, 5 mm, 5.08 mm, etc

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 06:49:10 pm
content: If I cannot measure accurately enough (I will re-measure later spanning the widest run of holes), and cannot find out from the designer, I have another idea. RS sells 36 row connector "strips" that can be cut into sections with a knife. I could guess and if they don't fit perfectly split them into sets of say 4. I will re-measure though, and also mail the designer. Thanks all!

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 12:21:49 pm
content: Seems on contacting the designer he settled on Imperial spacing, so I have ordered the correct terminals to save having to section longer incorrectly shorter pin spaced ones. Many thanks everyone!

author: Jon86
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 12:55:03 pm
content: http://www.bitsbox.co.uk/connectors/power_con.htmlDown at the bottom of that page

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 01:30:13 pm
content: Cheers Jon, thanks a lot!

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 06:23:10 pm
content: Quote from: Chris Wilson on August 15, 2013, 03:40:42 pmNever mind the PCB connector. I'm shocked (hah) at how close the HV lead is to the chassis!

author: Chris Wilson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2013, 08:40:13 pm
content: Quote from: envisionelec on August 27, 2013, 06:23:10 pmWhether that's an illusion I am not sure, but that is not my setup. I would have a good inch between circa 3kV and ground. I suspect it could be the angle of the shot, the gentleman seems very competent and builds lots of high voltage PSUs. Thanks for the warning though, appreciated.