How to Wire a Terminal Block

A terminal block is a useful electrical device that allows for objects to be connected and disconnected with ease. It provides a connection point for multiple wires at once, allowing for high density circuitry. This conserves space and allows for simpler modifications to the wiring system. Because of their overall effectiveness, terminal blocks are found in a wide range of circuits and electrical systems, including automobiles, stoves and more. The following is a set of instructions for how to wire a terminal block to a battery, which is one of the most common setups for terminal blocks.

Step 1 -- Collect Your Materials

You'll need to gather the proper materials and tools to complete this task before you begin the project. The following items will be necessary in order to wire a terminal block to a battery:

• Terminal block
• Battery cable with both red and black connectors
• Cable cutters
• Terminal lugs (4)
• Lug crimper
• Razor-edge knife
• Hammer and nails
• Adjustable wrenches
• Washers to lock

Step 2 -- Lay the Cable Route

Set up your battery and your terminal block where you'd like them to be. Lay the battery cables between the battery and the terminal block as you'd like the wiring to be routed. Use your cable cutters to cut the red and black cables to the length that you desire. Be sure not to cut off too much of the cable; it's best to leave some extra at this point, just in case you need it.

Step 3 -- Strip and Prepare the Cable Ends

Carefully strip the insulation off of the last 2 to 3 inches of each of the ends of both cables, leaving the wire exposed. Fit each end into a terminal lug and use a lug crimper and the hammer to cinch the end tight into the lug. Continue to gently tap the lug crimper with the hammer until the lug fits snugly on top of the end of the wire.

Step 4 -- Connect the Battery and the Terminal Block

Connect the red end of the wire to the positive battery terminal and the black end of the wire to the negative battery terminal. Next, attach the same ends to the corresponding terminals on the terminal block. Secure the connection with lockwashers, if you desire. Use a wrench to tighten the washers in place and to hold the ends of each wire into their respective ports.

When connecting a battery to a terminal block, it is crucial that you ensure that the terminal block is designed and sized to bear the load of the specific battery. There are a variety of terminal blocks available for different electrical settings, and an incorrect match up between block and battery may result in blown fuses and worse.

All of the tools and materials used in this project are available at hardware or electrical supply stores. Ask a service person at one of those stores for advice if you have a difficult time determining the proper battery cable or terminal block to use.