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For 25 years, the CLIPLINE complete terminal block system has provided the opportunity to freely and flexibly combine the different terminal blocks. These include feed-through terminal blocks and various function terminals with different connection methods. In addition to the terminal blocks, the system also includes uniform bridge, marking, and test accessories.
The emergence of the terminal block system
The start of CLIPLINE complete
In 1928, we at Phoenix Contact, inspired by RWE, invented the first terminal blocks. In the years that followed, we continued to develop the terminal blocks, which were then still made of ceramic. The ceramic terminal blocks became thermoset terminal blocks in 1953 and were later followed by the first thermoplastic terminal blocks (UK) in 1976. The UK terminal block series was a significant step forward, as the terminal blocks not only met high requirements, but could also be produced in series for the first time. But that was not enough for us. Over time, the cost-effectiveness of products and companies became increasingly important due to internationalization and the initial idea of a comprehensive terminal block system was born. The aim was to be able to combine different terminal block types with identical accessories and thus keep storage and logistics costs to a minimum. In 1999, the ST terminal blocks became the first terminal block series of the CLIPLINE complete system. How has the system evolved? Take a look for yourself and click through the following timeline:
It all started in 1999, when “ST” spring-cage connection technology was introduced, representing the first essential component of CLIPLINE complete.
ST spring-cage technology (1999)
The start of the CLIPLINE complete terminal block system.
It all started in 1999, when “ST” spring connection technology was introduced, thus representing the first essential component of the CLIPLINE complete system. When developing the first ST terminal blocks, the desire for a standardized system was already born.
QT opened the door to the railway industry in France.
In 2002, the CLIPLINE complete system was extended with terminal blocks featuring insulation displacement connection technology. QT technology is still one of the fastest connection technologies today.
PT Push-in Technology (2009)
Push-in is one of the biggest milestones of the system.
In 2009, Push-in Technology was the basis for tool-free and efficient wiring in control cabinet building. The terminal block system supported the integration of the new Push-in Technology at the time. Due to the uniform accessories and the identical shape to the ST terminal blocks, customers were able to easily switch to Push-in.
UT screw connection technology (2004)
CLIPLINE complete expands due to the screw.
In 2004, the UT family was integrated into the CLIPLINE complete system and revolutionized the established screw connection technology of the UK terminal blocks. This integration helped the terminal block system to expand into the broader terminal block market.
XT Push-X technology (2022)
The future starts now.
In 2022, Push-X became the latest member of the family to join the terminal block system. The new connection technology will shape the next stage of innovation in control cabinet building. Push-X offers optimum properties for both manual and automated wiring.
COMBI plug-in connection technology (2001)
The plug-in solution of the system.
In 2001, the COMBI plug-in system was integrated into CLIPLINE complete. The COMBI connection is particularly suitable for wiring preassembled cable harnesses and therefore enables the end customer to easily connect the control cabinet.
RT bolt connection technology (2007)
Terminal blocks for conductor ends with cable lugs.
In 2007, the new RT bolt connection technology became part of the terminal block system. From then on, conductors with ring and fork-type cable lugs could also be wired using the CLIPLINE complete system.
QT was introduced to the market in 2002 and opened the door to the railway industry in France – it still remains the fastest connection technology.
A system requires a high degree of commonality – standardized accessories
Bridge accessories
Standardized plug-in bridges – a successful concept
The FBS plug-in bridging system is one of the key factors in the success of the CLIPLINE complete terminal block system. Phoenix Contact thus became the world’s leading terminal block manufacturer. Thanks to the bridging system, various terminal blocks can be connected quickly and easily across cross-sections, functions, and technologies. The standardization of the plug-in bridges also enables customers to reduce storage and logistics costs.
Test accessories
Uniform test pick-offs enable fast testing
The test accessories of the CLIPLINE complete system were also standardized and thus contact the current bars in the function shaft across terminal blocks. To test the current flow of an occupied function shaft, the terminal blocks of the CLIPLINE complete system have additional testing options. The spring-cage terminal blocks and QT terminal blocks have a test pick-off for standardized 2 mm test probes, for example, and the screw terminal blocks can be easily tested via the terminal screws.
Marking material for terminal blocks
Marking accessories
High degree of clarity for orderly control cabinets
The terminal blocks of the CLIPLINE complete system have standardized marking grooves for holding marking labels. The marking material can therefore be used in the various terminal blocks across technologies, which minimizes both storage and logistics costs. It is only when the cross-section changes and a different horizontal pitch is used that another material is required.
In 2004, the UT family was integrated into the CLIPLINE complete system and revolutionized the already established screw connection technology.
Industries and applications
Typical areas of application for the terminal block system
Energy industry
In the energy industry, terminal blocks are crucial for the efficient wiring and safe operation of control cabinets and distributors. The terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact are used in the field of power generation and distribution. In addition to the direct forwarding and distribution of obtained energy, the terminal blocks also support the generation of renewable energy, such as the manufacture of heat pumps, wind turbines, and solar parks.
Process industry
The CLIPLINE complete terminal blocks meet the various challenges facing the process industry. In addition to comprehensive system availability, modularization, and digitalization, the terminal blocks also satisfy particularly high requirements with regard to safety and durability. The terminal blocks with Ex certification (EAC Ex, ATEX, IECEx, UKCA Ex...) are particularly suitable for various areas of application in the process industry.
Transportation infrastructure
In this case, transportation infrastructure includes road traffic, shipping, and rail traffic. To ensure that the terminal blocks of the CLIPLINE complete system can also be used here, various terminal blocks of the system are subject to the specific standards and directives for maritime applications (DNV GL) and the railway industry.
Building installation
The terminal block system includes special installation and KNX terminal blocks for building installation. The installation terminal blocks have all the necessary standards for building installation and, due to their special properties such as integrated disconnect slides for disconnecting neutral conductors, they provide the best conditions for this area of application.
Machine building and switchgear manufacturing
The terminal blocks are also important components in machine building and switchgear manufacturing. Each individual machine or system requires various electrical interfaces for power and sensor wiring. When it comes to the control cabinet, these interfaces are usually implemented by means of terminal blocks.
Control cabinet building
The terminal blocks probably offer the greatest scope of application in control cabinet building. The terminal block system offers many advantages, particularly for contract manufacturing. Control cabinet builders can respond individually to the customer’s requirements with the CLIPLINE complete system. The future installation location and the desired connection technology do not present an obstacle here. In addition, a different accessory is not required for every order, which has a positive impact on both the storage and logistics costs.
Clever and simple – in 2009, Push-in Technology laid the foundation for tool-free and efficient wiring in control cabinet building.
The future of the terminal block system
Terminal blocks are and will continue to remain an important component of electrification. Of course, certain framework conditions and requirements will change over time, but our products will also continue to evolve. At Phoenix Contact, we research improvements and new technologies every day. We rely on tool-free connection solutions such as Push-in or Push-X technology. We firmly believe that the two spring-cage technologies will be the standard in wiring technology in the future. Why? Both connection technologies offer optimum wiring properties and are suitable for time-saving and effort-saving manual wiring as well as for automated wiring.
In 2022, Push-X became the latest member of the CLIPLINE complete system, thereby shaping the next stage of innovation in control cabinet building.
