May 30, 2001 Tyco Electronics Corporation (www.tycoelectronics.com) recently introduced the PIVOT terminal-block. Available in 2-16 positions, the block accepts both solid and stranded wire and features contacts on a 3.5mm centerline pitch.
PIVOT blocks use insulation displacement contacts (IDC) for termination in place of crimping and wire stripping. The product name is derived from the method of tool-less termination accomplished by pivoting a lever on the block. The pivoting action then forces the wire into the IDC contact.
In addition to introducing the PIVOT block, Tyco will consolidate all of the terminal block product line, including PIVOT, under the Buchanan brand. This consolidation includes blocks formerly marketed under the AMP and RDI brands but will not mean any changes in the construction of existing products.
"The transition, for the most part, should be transparent to our customers," according to Anna Jacobs, Tyco's terminal block product manager. She continues, "The only noticeable change will be the phasing out of the AMP and RDI logos from the terminal block's plastic housing." These logs will be replaced by the Buchanan brand name.
A Buchanan terminal block catalog was recently completed to reflect the consolidation and is available by e-mailing [email protected].