3.5mm and 3.81mm Pluggable Terminal Blocks
3.5mm and 3.81mm Pluggable Terminal Blocks
This collection covers 20 product listings for 3.5mm and 3.81mm detachable terminal-block systems. The range includes PCB plug-and-header sets, separate wire plugs and headers, cable-to-cable docking pairs, locking connectors, screw-clamp and push-button spring terminations, plus through-wall panel connectors. Several listings contain other pitches, so the exact variant must be selected.
What Is a Pluggable Terminal Block?
A pluggable terminal block uses separable mating components. Depending on the product, a field-wireable plug mates with a straight or right-angle PCB header, two cable-side halves form an inline docking connection, or a male/female pair mounts through a panel. This allows disconnection at the connector interface without removing each conductor.
Product Formats in This Collection
- Screw-clamp wire plugs sold separately
- Straight and right-angle through-hole PCB headers sold separately
- Matched plug-and-header sets for PCB-to-wire connections
- Male/female cable-to-cable docking pairs, including locking versions
- Push-button spring-clamp plugs and matched PCB header sets
- Through-wall or panel-mount male/female connector sets with flanges
- Position counts extending from 2P to 24P in selected product families
3.5mm vs. 3.81mm Pitch
3.5mm and 3.81mm are different center-to-center spacings. They are not interchangeable on a PCB and should not be assumed to mate. 3.81mm equals 0.15 inch; 3.5mm does not. The position error accumulates across multi-pole connectors, so always match the exact pitch on both halves.
How to Select
- Choose the exact 3.5mm or 3.81mm pitch variant.
- Select PCB-to-wire, cable-to-cable docking or through-wall panel construction.
- Choose screw-clamp or spring-clamp wire termination.
- Select plug only, header only, male only, female only or a complete mating set.
- For PCB headers, choose straight or right-angle orientation.
- Choose the required position count and verify that it is offered for that exact family.
- Check locking tabs, flange or fixing-screw requirements and mating direction.
- Verify package quantity, which ranges from individual sets to 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100 components in different listings.
- Compare drawings for PCB drilling, body width, pin size, polarization, insertion depth and enclosure clearance.
Screw Clamp vs. Spring Clamp
Screw-clamp plugs use a screw and cage or pressure plate to secure the conductor. Spring-clamp products use a push control to open the contact. Their wire ranges, strip lengths, retention behavior and ratings differ. A spring plug is not automatically compatible with a screw-style header merely because both use 3.81mm pitch.
PCB Headers, Docking Pairs and Through-Wall Connectors
PCB sets combine a wire plug with a soldered straight or right-angle header. Docking products connect two wire-side halves and may include a latch or screw-lock feature. Through-wall products include panel hardware and are intended to pass a connection through an enclosure wall. These formats have different mounting and mating geometries.
Mixed-Pitch Boundaries
Several listings combine 2.54mm, 3.5mm, 3.81mm, 3.96mm and 5.08mm options. Only variants explicitly marked 3.5mm or 3.81mm belong to this collection’s pitch scope. Do not use the other options as substitutes, and do not infer compatibility from a shared 15EDG, 2EDG or KF2EDG keyword.
Ratings and Conductor Ranges
The collection does not have one universal 300V/10A or 24–12AWG rating. A large mixed-format listing states 300V/8A and 28–16AWG. The through-wall 3.81mm set states 250V/7A and conductor capacity up to 1.5mm². Other products publish different or incomplete values. Use the specification and traceable documentation for the exact selected plug/header pair.
Electrical suitability also depends on contact system, number of loaded positions, conductor, PCB copper, temperature rise, creepage, clearance and applicable equipment standards. De-energize circuits before mating or unmating unless the exact connector and system are expressly rated for live disconnection.
Compatibility and Brand Boundaries
2EDG, 15EDG, KF2EDG, 2EDGRK, 15EDGRKC and similar codes are listing identifiers or search terms. They do not prove that products from different manufacturers are dimensionally interchangeable. Likewise, the word “Phoenix” in a product title does not establish original Phoenix Contact manufacture or compatibility. Confirm pitch, keying, contact shape, latch design, mating depth and footprint.
Common Applications
When correctly specified, these connectors can support detachable control wiring, sensors, relays, test equipment, modular control boards and enclosure feed-through connections. These examples do not establish a universal industrial, PLC, motor-drive or mains rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 3.5mm and 3.81mm components mate?
No. Their contact spacing differs, and multi-position connectors will progressively misalign.
Does every option include both mating halves?
No. Many variants contain only a plug or only a header. Choose a pair or set when both halves are required.
Are straight and right-angle headers interchangeable?
Not without checking the PCB pattern and enclosure geometry. Their mating direction and lead arrangement may differ.
Are all products rated 300V/10A?
No. Published values vary, including 300V/8A and 250V/7A examples, and some listings lack a complete verified rating.
Are all products PCB mounted?
No. The collection also includes inline docking and through-wall panel connector formats.
Can connectors be unplugged under power?
Do not assume hot-plug capability. Isolate power before mating or unmating unless the exact system is specifically approved for it.
Ordering Checklist
Confirm exact pitch, positions, termination method, connection format, plug/header/pair configuration, orientation, locking or flange hardware, mating geometry, PCB footprint, conductor range, package quantity, ratings and compliance evidence.
