How To Maintain The Terminal Blocks? These Methods Are Very Practical
Terminal blocks are the core components of electrical connections, and improper maintenance can lead to poor contact, heating, and even fire hazards. Mastering the following practical methods can extend its service life and ensure electrical safety.
1、 Regular cleaning to prevent oxidation and corrosion
Dust, oil stains, and humid environments can accelerate the oxidation of terminal surfaces, forming insulation layers that hinder current conduction. It is recommended to blow the terminal surface with dry compressed air every 3-6 months, or wipe the metal contact points with a cotton swab of anhydrous alcohol. For terminals in industrial environments, a thin layer of conductive paste (such as silver containing conductive grease) can be applied to isolate the air and slow down the oxidation rate.
2、 Tighten the screws to prevent loose contact
Vibration or temperature changes can cause screws to loosen, leading to an increase in contact resistance. Regularly check the tightness of the terminals:
Use a screwdriver of appropriate specifications (to avoid slipping teeth);
Tighten in diagonal order to ensure even pressure;
It is recommended to inspect industrial equipment once a month and household distribution boxes every six months.
Attention: Excessive force may damage the threads, with the screwdriver head not sliding as the limit.
3、 Control environmental temperature and humidity
High temperature can accelerate the aging of plastic insulation components, and high humidity can easily cause electrical leakage. Suggestion:
Install a temperature and humidity meter inside the terminal box, with an ambient temperature not exceeding 40 ℃ and a humidity below 70% RH;
Use moisture-proof terminals or install dehumidification boxes in humid areas;
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent plastic from becoming brittle.
4、 Standardize operations to avoid physical damage
Attention should be paid when wiring:
The stripping length should match the depth of the terminal hole to avoid exposing the copper wire;
Do not use brute force to insert wires to prevent terminal deformation;
Multiple strands of wire need to be crimped onto the cold pressed end before insertion to ensure reliable contact.
5、 Regular testing to eliminate potential hazards in advance
Use an infrared thermometer to monitor the terminal temperature, and the normal operating temperature should be 20 ℃ lower than the ambient temperature. If local overheating (exceeding 60 ℃) is found, the machine should be stopped immediately for inspection. In addition, the insulation resistance is tested annually with a megohmmeter to ensure a value of ≥ 0.5M Ω.
Maintenance effect: Standardized maintenance can extend terminal life by 3-5 times, reduce contact failure rate by 80%, and ensure stable operation of the electrical system from the source.