Terminal Blocks accept 4 plug-in connectors.

Press Release Summary:




Included in WeiCoS (Weidmuller Connection System) terminal block series, ZT4/2AN/1 and ZTPE4/2AN/1 are 4 mm² models that carry 600 V/32 A electrical rating and handle up to 10 AWG conductors. They combine terminal block and plug-in connection technology, resulting in modular, functionally flexible, and manufacturer-independent wiring system. Externally-tensioned contact and locking element ensure shock- and vibration-proof connection of plug-in connector with terminal block.



Original Press Release:



Weidmuller Connection System (WeiCoS) : A New Generation of Terminal Blocks



RICHMOND, VA (September 12, 2006) - Weidmuller announces the extension of its WeiCoS (Weidmuller Connection System), terminal block series to now include a 4mm sq. portfolio that will handle up to 10AWG conductors. The new ZT4/2AN/1 and ZTPE4/2AN/1 give customers even greater flexibility and lower assembly costs. WeiCoS combines both terminal block and plug-in connection technology that results in an efficient, modular, functionally flexible, and manufacturer-independent wiring system. Prefabricated functional units such as lamps, door controls, mounting plates and switchgear panels can be connected to the existing installation-error-free and in seconds-simply by plugging connector onto the terminal. An externally-tensioned contact and locking element guarantee a shock and vibration-proof connection of the plug-in connector with the terminal block.

Ideal for use in mechanical and systems engineering, process technology, shipbuilding and railway vehicle construction engineering, WeiCoS offers both economic and technical advantages-from project planning and development, production and testing, to commissioning and service. Its standardized units minimize downtime and reduce expensive final assembly time. The user simply joins the WeiCoS modules-the terminal block with plug-in connections-and can replace them just as easily.

WeiCoS is equipped on one side with a tension clamp connection system and on the other with connections for one or two plug-in connectors. Terminals ZT 2.5/4AN/4 and ZTPE 2.5/4AN/4 are equipped to connect a total of four plug-in connectors, two on each side. This allows central connection points to be built up along a length of 85 mm for extremely fast wiring. In addition, these types of terminals have been designed to allow for straightforward plugging-i.e. the plug-in direction of all four connectors is the same-which is beneficial when pre-assembling the connectors. Straightforward plugging means you only have to ensure the correct order of the connections. With other systems you also have to consider which side of the terminal the connector will be plugged into. The newly expanded range offers similar features with the exception that the ZT and ZTPE offer tension clamp on one side and up to two pluggable connections on the opposite side. These features reduce planning time and installation costs.

By utilizing the complete series, the new vibration-proof terminals can be connected quickly with one or two solid or stranded conductors from 0.5mm2 up to 4mm2 (26 - 10AWG). The constant high contact force of the tension clamp system guarantees that the wire is securely connected. The wire connection in the TOP version, where wire insertion and spring operation are carried out parallel to one another, has been designed to ensure that the user can connect stranded conductors with or without plastic ferrules. The electrical ratings for the 2.5mm sq. and 4mm sq. variants are 300V/20A, and 600V/32A, respectively.

There are three plug-in connectors available for WeiCoS in one to sixteen-pole configurations. All three configurations can be plugged and coded without loss of pole. End plates are not required, thus the amount of planning is correspondingly low. The tension clamp system is also incorporated into pluggable connectors to reduce additional installation time.

Both the base terminal and the pluggable connectors can be marked with standard markers that remain clearly legible even when the connectors are plugged and completely wired, making maintenance and troubleshooting much easier.

The cross-connection channels of the WeiCoS terminals are time-tested and proven in the field. These channels make it possible for up to three different electrical potentials to be fed in parallel, and allow terminals to be skipped. Pluggable and fully insulated jumpers save time when bridging and also guarantee a touch proof installation.

WeiCoS terminals and plug-in connectors are made of WEMID, a special thermoplastic insulation material produced by Weidmuller that has an enhanced continuous operating temperature of 120 °C.

WeiCos features an extensive range of accessories, including additional locking elements that guarantee the shock, vibration and shake proof connection of the plug-in connectors on the terminal strip, coding elements that provide a clear coordination of the connectors and module position, strain relief devices on the connectors that offer additional safety for the connected wire, and test adapters that make fast and precise testing and simulations possible.

List prices for ZT 4 base terminals are $1.17 for feed through and $1.90 for branch. Pluggable connectors range from $1.62 (1-pole) to $17.11 (15 pole). ZT 2.5 base terminals are $.93 for feed through and $1.50 for branch. Pluggable connectors range from $1.17 (1-pole) to $11.96 (15-pole).

Further expansion to the WeiCoS line includes a full line of flying lead or coupling terminals. Utilizing the same proven connection technologies employed by the standard line of WeiCoS, Weidmuller has removed the shackles of having the terminal blocks secured to a DIN rail. The flying lead coupling concept offers a secure, vibration safe and compact connection without the need of bulky housing. With the capacity to hold up to a 12AWG conductor (26 - 12AWG) the coupling terminals boast a full 20A rating at 300 Volts (UL). A complete array of mounting accessories is also available. Accessories include hold down or mounting brackets, connector to connector locking brackets, a strain-relief, bulkhead side-mount kit for through panel mounting and a snap-on adaptor for mounting directly to a TS 15 or TS 35 DIN rail. The coupling terminals can be cross connected in the same fashion as standard terminal blocks using pluggable ZQV jumpers. Marking individual points is made simple with Dek5 markers.

Weidmuller is a leading supplier of control and automation connectivity solutions such as Reliable Ethernet Solutions, Power Delivery Solutions, Design-Build-Deliver Solutions, Complete Rail Solutions, switching technology for control panels, printed circuit board terminals and connectors, and terminal blocks. Weidmuller has approximately 3,400 employees worldwide, with 70 sales organizations or offices in more than 60 countries.

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