Editing Electrical connector (section)

===Screw terminals===
{{Main|Screw terminal block}}
Screw connections are frequently used for semi-permanent wiring and connections inside devices, due to their simple but reliable construction. The basic principle of all screw terminals involves the tip of a bolt clamping onto a stripped conductor. They can be used to join multiple conductors,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://updates.clipsal.com/ClipsalOnline/Files/Brochures/W0001868.pdf |title=Datasheet 563: Cable Connector |publisher=Clipsal |access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref> to connect wires to a [[printed circuit board]], or to terminate a cable into a plug or socket.<ref name="zvei" />{{rp|50}} The clamping screw may act in the longitudinal axis (parallel to the wire) or the transverse axis (perpendicular to the wire), or both. Some disadvantages are that connecting wires is more difficult than simply plugging in a cable, and screw terminals are generally not very well protected from contact with persons or foreign conducting materials.

[[Image:Terminal Blocks 01CJC.png|thumb|left|upright=0.9|Terminal blocks of various types]]
'''Terminal blocks''' (also called terminal ''boards'' or ''strips'') provide a convenient means of connecting [[individual]] electrical wires without a splice or physically joining the ends. Since terminal blocks are readily available for a wide range of wire sizes and terminal quantity, they are one of the most flexible types of electrical connector available. One type of terminal block accepts wires that are prepared only by stripping a short length of [[Electrical insulation|insulation]] from the end. Another type, often called ''barrier strips'', accepts wires that have ring or spade terminal ''lugs'' crimped onto the wires.

[[Printed circuit board]] (PCB) mounted '''screw terminals''' let individual wires connect to a PCB through leads soldered to the board.