4-Position Side-Entry Terminal Block, 10 mm Pitch
The 282838-4: It terminates wires using a rising cage clamp mechanism, actuated by an M3 screw, and accepts wire from 16-30 AWG. The side-entry (horizontal with board) wire orientation suits applications where the wire path runs parallel to the PCB, common in power distribution and control panels. The green polyamide (PA66) housing carries a 600 V / 13.5 A rating, and the side interlocking feature lets multiple blocks snap together into a multi-position assembly without a separate jumper bar.
Rising Cage Clamp and Torque Spec
The rising cage clamp termination pulls the wire against a brass, nickel-plated clamp plate as the M3 screw is tightened. The specified torque is 0.68 Nm (6 Lb-In) — overtightening can strip the screw or deform the cage, while undertightening risks high contact resistance and thermal runaway. The screw and clamp materials are both brass with nickel plating, providing corrosion resistance suitable for industrial environments. The contact material is brass with tin plating, which mates with the wire conductor.
Side Interlocking for Ganged Assemblies
The interlocking (side) feature allows multiple 282838-4 blocks to be mechanically joined side-by-side, creating a multi-position terminal strip on a single PCB footprint without additional hardware. This is useful when the circuit count exceeds 4 positions but the layout calls for modular assembly or serviceability. The interlock does not carry current — it is purely mechanical alignment and retention.