Three-Position PCB Terminal Block with Rising Cage Clamp
The TE Connectivity Buchanan 1546218-3 is a 3-position, single-level PCB terminal block with a 5.08 mm pitch. It terminates wires via a screw-driven rising cage clamp — the M3 screw lifts the clamp plate to trap the conductor against the bus bar, giving a gas-tight connection on solid or stranded wire from 12 to 30 AWG.
The 17.5 A rating per level is the continuous current at the rated temperature rise — it is not a peak or surge figure. At 5.08 mm pitch, the 300 V rating gives enough creepage for most industrial control and HVAC panels without requiring a wider block. The brass contacts are tin-plated, which is standard for screw-clamp terminations where the connection is permanent or infrequently cycled; tin provides good corrosion resistance in dry indoor environments.
Side Interlocking for Multi-Position Assemblies
The interlocking side feature allows multiple 1546218-3 blocks to be ganged together side-by-side on the same PCB or DIN rail, creating a continuous terminal strip with a common pitch.
Torque and Termination Checklist
The M3 screw has a specified torque of 0.79 Nm (7.0 Lb-In) — overtightening can strip the brass threads or crack the PA66 housing. The rising cage clamp accepts wire from 12 to 30 AWG; strip length should follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the clamp depth. The clamp material is brass with nickel plating, the screw is brass with nickel plating — both resist galvanic corrosion when used with copper conductors.