CWS in Birmingham stock a 3-way connection block, also known as a terminal block, lever connector
or splicing connector, is a type of electrical connection device that is commonly used in the United
Kingdom and other countries around the world. They are designed for terminating or connecting
cables of the same insulation colour, up to a certain amperes rating, also known as amps. Some
older installations where old phase colours are still in use, such as the old red line (live) you could
therefore connect to the new harmonized brown coloured cable.
The same protocol can be used
with the old neutral wire, which was black, this old black cable can only be connected to the new
harmonized blue cable. Allowing for the safe and efficient connections of electric cable, these 3-way
connectors are commonly used by electricians in a wide range of applications such as in industrial or
commercial settings, as well as in domestic installations. They come in different sizes, designs, and
colours.
Stocked in depth at CWS Electrical Wholesalers, our 3-way terminal block lever connector, such as a
32amp QL3322 is one such versatile product that can be used to connect and terminate copper
cables of different gauges and types, whether stranded or solid conductor. They are manufactured
from high-quality plastic and feature an interlinked three-way copper terminal, each of which can
accept a single copper conductor. The terminals are not labelled given they will normally be
identified by the cable insulation colour terminated into them.
Electricians will need to take extra care however when connecting older phase colour cables to the newer harmonized cables. One of the main benefits of 3-way splicing connectors, such as our 32amp WAGO 221-413, is that they offer a safe and reliable way to terminate a conductor safely. They provide a secure connection that can help to prevent wires from becoming loose or disconnected, which in turn can prevent electrical fires through arcing, short circuits, or electric shock.
Another benefit of 3-way terminal blocks is that they are easy to install and require little or no
maintenance once installed, provided they are accessible. They typically feature a simple and user-
friendly design that makes them easy to install for electricians and are often installed within a plastic
or metal panel, enclosure, or adaptable box. Additionally, they can be easily disconnected and re-
connected, thus making maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks more manageable.
3-way terminal blocks are also suitable for many other applications. They are commonly used in
industrial settings, such as in factories and warehouses to connect or extend electrical cables safely.
They are also used in commercial settings, such as offices and retail shop spaces, for similar reasons.
They can also be used in domestic settings by electricians to terminate groups of cables together or
to extend cables at the rear of socket outlets. Electricians also use 3-way terminal blocks for
installing additional lighting off existing circuits, where safe termination is required. Birmingham
based Central Heating engineers who purchase electrical accessories from CWS Great Barr, will also
use 3-way terminal blocks for connecting pumps, three-way valves and wall mounted thermostats,
as well hot water tank thermostats.
Measured in amps, 3-way compact splicing connectors are available from CWS in different current
ratings, such as the higher rated 41amp WAGO 221-613. Any type of cable connection device should
only be installed by a qualified electrician.
If CWS Electrical Wholesalers in Birmingham can be of further assistance, please give our sales team
a call in Great Barr on 0121 439 8010.