4/6-Way Screw Terminal Block – Wiring Connector Strip 20A

This terminal block (screw terminal strip) allows convenient and secure interconnection of multiple electrical conductors via bolt-and-nut terminals. It is available in two configurations – 4-way or 6-way – which lets you choose the model appropriate for the number of connections you need to make. In the context of this block, one "way" refers to one set of hardware (a bolt and nut) on the block, where two wires can be joined (one entering from each side). Thus, the 4-way version can join up to 4 pairs of wires, and the 6-way up to 6 pairs.

The construction is relatively simple but effective. The block is made of a hard insulating material (usually polyamide or phenolic/bakelite) that does not conduct electricity and can withstand moderate heat. This material electrically separates each way from the next, so adjacent connections do not interfere with each other and there’s no shorting between them. The screws are steel with nickel plating, which gives them corrosion resistance – important for use in damp environments or where they might be exposed to oil/fuel (such as an engine compartment). The nickel plating prevents the steel from rusting and ensures the threads turn smoothly even after many tighten/loosen cycles.

Electrical parameters: This terminal block is intended for low-voltage applications (up to around 30 V DC), which covers typical 12V and 24V systems. The maximum continuous current per connection is about 20 Amps, which is sufficient for most lighting circuits, small pumps, electronic devices, and other moderate loads. If used for higher currents (for example, starter motor cables), the block could overheat or incur voltage drop, so it’s recommended to stick to the nominal ratings. Each connection is made by tightening two wires under one nut – one wire enters from one side of the block, the other from the opposite side.

Installation and use: The terminal block has mounting holes (usually two, one at each end) which are used to screw it down to a flat surface – for example, the interior wall of an electrical panel or junction box. Once mounted, connecting wires is straightforward: loosen the nut on the desired terminal, place the wire lugs or stripped wire ends under the washer (many blocks include lock washers or split washers for better grip), then tighten the nut back down until the connection is secure. The nickel-plated nuts allow smooth tightening and are less prone to seize from corrosion, but it’s still wise not to over-tighten (to avoid stripping threads or cracking the insulating base).

Applications of the terminal block:

• Distributing power to multiple devices: For example, on a boat you might have one feed cable from the battery that you want to split off to several branch circuits (navigation lights, a bilge pump, radio, etc.). You can connect the feed cable to one terminal of the block and use jumpers or bridging bars across the other terminals (many terminal blocks support insertion of a common bridging comb). Then each device’s positive lead can attach to its own terminal – so all get their +12V from the common feed, but can be individually fused or switched as needed. This organizes the wiring and centralizes the distribution point.
• Extending wires (splicing): If a wire run is too short, a terminal block offers a clean, secure way to extend it – connect the original wire to one side of a terminal and the continuation wire to the opposite side, tighten – and you have a reliable splice without needing to solder or use temporary connectors. Such extensions are useful when repairing or modifying vehicle or boat wiring, where running a brand new wire might be difficult.
• Combining ground or positive connections: In a control panel with many instruments, rather than running multiple individual ground wires back to the battery, you can collect all grounds onto one terminal block (for example, the 6-way block) – one connection on the block goes to the battery’s negative, and the other five can accept the ground wires from individual devices. This makes the entire system more organized and simplifies troubleshooting (all grounds converge at one location). The same concept applies to positive distribution after a switch or fuse: multiple outputs from a single input point.

This terminal block is an extremely versatile component. It is widely used not only in marine equipment but also in automobiles, caravans/RVs, solar power setups, industrial control panels, and more. Whenever a secure multi-wire junction or splice is needed, a block like this does the job. With proper installation (tight connections, mounted in a dry or at least splash-protected spot), it will provide years of reliable service. For additional protection, you can fit a cover over the terminal block (some models come with a translucent protective cover), which prevents accidental contact or water drips from reaching the screws.