An improved range of 36-way terminal blocks feature a new stamped and formed rising clamp mechanism fabricated from 0.7mm gauge brass that offers improved strength.

Camden Electronics has launched a new and improved range of 36-way terminal blocks that feature numerous design enhancements to deliver better quality and improved strength among other attributes. The new CTB7000 and CTB7300 series terminal blocks are now available in standard colour grey (RAL 7035) to complement Camden's range of din rail mounting enclosures. CTB7000 and CTB7300 terminal blocks feature a new stamped and formed rising clamp mechanism fabricated from 0.7mm gauge brass that offers improved strength in comparison with previous generation products and imported terminal blocks.

Such products are often based on inferior materials and users frequently find that over-turning the screw mechanism can make the clamp buckle.

Camden has also heat treated the metalwork to further harden and strengthen the material.

In common with all Camden's latest terminal block designs, the new CTB7000 and CTB7300 terminal blocks feature a new clamp design with a lip that prevents users from accidentally inserting a second wire into the terminal once a cable has been clamped.

This avoids any possibility of incorrect wiring.

Moulded from UL94-V0 flame retardant grey polycarbonate, the new terminal blocks are available in unique 36-way strips that can easily be cut to the required number of poles.

For volume orders, Camden will supply strips pre-cut to a specified number of poles.

The new polycarbonate versions deliver better electrical characteristics and produce less 'flash' when cutting or breaking into required lengths.

A further design enhancement is the fully enclosed base that enables circuit designers to incorporate additional PCB tracks between the pins if required.

CTB7000 and CTB7300 terminal blocks are 5mm pitch with the 7000 series offering standard 90 deg cable entry while the 7300 version is a pluggable terminal block for either vertical or 90 deg mounting.

Additional features include guided pin alignment and captive screws.

CTB7300 terminal blocks can also be supplied with polarising clips (CTB7300/C) that can be fitted to each end of the male connector to ensure correct vertical or horizontal orientation of the female part.

Specifications for CTB7000 series terminal blocks include 4mm2 cable entry, 17.5A/380V rating, dielectric strength -2.5kV/60s, insulation resistance -5M ohms, and working temperature from -20 to +125 deg C.

The CTB7300 series rating is 13.5A/380V with other specifications as for the CTB7000.

Both new connectors feature cUR, UL and CE approvals.

CTB7000 types also have VDE approval.

* About Camden Electronics - Camden Electronics, based at St.

Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of PCB terminal blocks, fuses and fuseholders, sealed lead acid batteries, LEDs, miniature switches, interface modules, enclosures, IC and PLCC sockets and relay bases for the electronics, telecommunications, lighting, and electrical industries.

The company has ISO 9002 accreditation and exports a significant proportion of its production to Europe and the Far East.