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How to Wire an AC Terminal Block

Terminal blocks are devices used to connect two wires together, without having to splice them together. Basic terminal blocks are composed of a block constructed of a non-conductive material. On the block are individual metal strips containing two screws. These devices can be found in power panels and circuit boxes. AC terminal blocks come in a variety of sizes and voltage ratings. It is very important for the voltage rating of the terminal block to be higher than the voltages flowing through the wires that will be attached to it.

Things You'll Need

20-amp AC terminal block (4 position)
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
White wire
Black wire
Corded plug
Single phase AC motor.

Instructions

- 1
  Cut one six-inch black and white wire. Use the wire stripper to strip 1/2-inch of insulation off of the ends of each wire. Also strip 1/2-inch of insulation off of the wired end of the corded plug.
- 2
  Use a screwdriver to loosen one of the screws on the terminal block. Wrap one of the two corded plug wires around that screw and then tighten the screw. Choose a second screw, that is not attached to the first screw, and attach the second wire of the corded plug. The corded plug should now be attached to one side of the AC terminal block so that neither wire touches each other.
- 3
  Take the white wire and connect it to the second screw that touches the first wire of the corded plug. Then take the black wire and connect it to the second screw that touches the second wire of the corded plug on the terminal block.
- 4
  Connect the white wire to the common terminal of the AC motor. After that is done, connect the black wire to the "hot" or "Line" terminal of the motor. Plug in the motor and the motor should run. Do not touch the AC terminal block when the motor is plugged in.

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