‘Screw-less’ push-in terminations for machine building applications

Foremost Electronics is now offering a range of 22mm control panel switches from IDEC with secure screwless push-in terminations, said to greatly reduce assembly time.

Commonly used in control panel and machine building applications, the Push-In termination technology option is available on the industry-standard YW and HW series, and the CW series (flush mounting) switches.

Each of these is for 22mm mounting and available as a push button (with and without illumination), selector switch, key selector switch and pilot light/indicators.

In recent years, wire termination technology has slowly migrated away from the traditional screw connector and moved towards ‘screw-less’ terminations, says Foremost Electronics. “This was first seen on the simple DIN rail terminal and then on to other hardware, such as PLCs, relay sockets and more. Initially, this change to screw-less was done with a ‘spring clamp; however, this still required a screwdriver to open the spring to allow the cable to be inserted.

Sideways step

“More recently, the spring clamp has taken a step sideways and the ‘push-in termination’ has taken the lead. This simple, safe and smart connectivity is now referred to by IDEC as the S3 termination.”

With the Push-In connection technology, the force on the conductor is generated by a pressure spring made of high-quality stainless steel. The spring sits in a cage and is automatically opened upon connection and only released when a release tool is used.

Alan Vincent, sales director of Foremost, comments: “It’s often said that time is money. The IDEC S3 push-in principle now greatly reduces the amount of time required to wire a control panel. A recent study demonstrated a time saving of up to 55% when compared to more traditional methods, while still providing a high conductor retention force and a complete way of handling multiple conductor types.”