What This PCB Terminal Block Does
The TE Connectivity 282888-3 is a two-level, 3-position-per-level PCB-mount terminal block from the Buchanan series. It terminates wires via a screw-driven rising cage clamp — the M3 screw tightens to 0.79 Nm (7.0 Lb-In), pulling the clamp up against the conductor. The green polyamide (PA66) housing is the standard Buchanan colour; side interlocking lets you gang multiple blocks into a single multi-position assembly without extra hardware.
Board Layout and Wire Termination
The 5.00 mm pitch sets the PCB drill pattern — each level has its own solder pin, so a 3-position, 2-level block needs six through-hole pads on 5.00 mm centres. The mating orientation is horizontal with the board (side entry), meaning wires enter parallel to the PCB surface. The rising cage clamp works with both solid and stranded wire; no ferrule is required, though ferrules help with fine-stranded 30 AWG. The brass contact material is tin-plated, adequate for the 17.5 A per-level rating in indoor, non-corrosive environments.
Current and Voltage Capacity
Rated 17.5 A per level at 300 V.
Side Interlocking and Ganging
The interlocking (side) feature means the 282888-3 has dovetail slots on both sides. You can slide multiple blocks together to build a longer terminal strip — no separate jumper bar or end bracket needed for mechanical alignment. The interlock keeps the blocks aligned on the PCB during wave solder and in service.