Terminal block product attributes

Terminal block data carries two rating systems at once. IEC and UL test the same block under different rules, so a single part commonly shows one current and voltage under IEC and a lower pair under UL. Supplier files often publish only one of them, or place both in one field, which leads to panels being specified with the wrong rating for the market they ship to.

Conductor range raises the same issue. Wire size is given in mm² for IEC markets and AWG for North America, the two scales do not map one to one, and ranges can differ for solid, stranded and ferruled conductors. The connection technology, whether screw, spring, push-in or insulation displacement, also affects which conductors are accepted and how they must be prepared.

A terminal block family creates many SKUs from a few variables: width, color, number of levels, function and connection type. Accessories such as end covers, end brackets and jumpers are bought separately and are specific to the family. Records that capture width, rail type and accessory relations let a panel builder order a complete, compatible strip in one pass.

The terminal blocks attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 9 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	TB-4-FT-GY
GTIN / UPC gtin_upc	Identifier	Channel / evidence	5412345000501

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Terminal Width (Pitch) terminal_width_pitch	Number · mm	Core	6.2 mm
Nominal Current – IEC nominal_current_iec	Number · A	Buyer decision	32 A (at 4 mm² nominal cross section)
Nominal Voltage – IEC nominal_voltage_iec	Number · V	Buyer decision	1000 V
Nominal Current – UL nominal_current_ul	Number · A	Buyer decision	30 A
Nominal Voltage – UL nominal_voltage_ul	Number · V	Buyer decision	600 V

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Terminal Block Type terminal_block_type	Controlled list	Core	Feed-through
Termination Style termination_style	Controlled list	Core	Screw connection
Number of Positions number_of_positions	Number	Core	2
Number of Levels number_of_levels	Number	Core	1
Conductor Range – mm² conductor_range_mm2	Text · mm²	Core	0.14–6 mm² (solid and flexible)
Conductor Range – AWG conductor_range_awg	Text · AWG	Core	26–10 AWG

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Mounting Style mounting_style	Controlled list	Core	DIN rail, TH35-7.5 and TH35-15 (EN 60715)

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
UL 1059 Use Group ul_1059_use_group	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	B, C
Flammability Rating (UL 94) flammability_rating_ul_94	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	V-0
Agency Approvals agency_approvals	Text	Channel / evidence	UL Recognized (UL 1059); CSA; IEC 60947-7-1
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Germany

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Current and Voltage Ratings Split by Standard (UL vs IEC)
• UL 1059 Use Group
• Tightening Torque and Stripping Length
• Conductor Range by Conductor Type (solid, stranded, ferruled)
• Accessory Relations (end cover, end bracket, jumper)

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing terminal blocks ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• What is the UL rating for this block on a panel shipping to North America?
• Will a 12 AWG stranded wire with a ferrule fit this push-in terminal?
• Which end cover and jumper fit this block's width?
• Does this mount on the 35 mm rail already installed in my panel?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ