Terminal block with protection

Abstract

A terminal block mounts a plurality of insulation displacement connector type terminal clips formed of an electrically conductive material, each terminal clip having a base portion, an insulation displacing wire-engaging portions projecting outwardly from the base portion and a wire wrap post projecting outwardly from the base portion in a direction opposite to the wire-engaging portion. A block body formed of an electrical insulator material has an upper block section and a lower block section configured for releasably lockingly interengaging the upper block section. The upper block section and the lower block section each have a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart walls defining therebetween a plurality of open-ended cavities. Alignment structures are formed respectively on the upper and lower block sections for aligning respective ones of the cavities, such that one of the open ends of each cavity aligns with an open end of a corresponding cavity in the other of the upper and lower block sections, and such that opposite open ends of each cavity face outwardly when the upper and lower block sections are interengaged. Each cavity of the upper block section is configured for surroundingly receiving one of the terminal clips with the wire wrap post thereof extending toward the lower block section; and each cavity of the lower block section is configured for receiving a protector element therein. A plurality of connectors are provided, each operatively coupled with one of the wire wrap posts and configured for electrical engagement with a protector element.