Why use ceramic terminal blocks instead of plastic?
Jan 06, 2026
In the world of industrial electrical design, cutting costs on small components often leads to expensive failures. The most common culprit? The humble terminal block.
While thermoplastic (plastic) connectors are standard for household electronics, they are a ticking time bomb in high-temperature environments like heaters, kilns, and automotive engines. A melted connector doesn't just mean a broken circuit; it means downtime, fire risks, and safety violations.
At yxsxceramic., located in China's "Ceramic Capital," we have spent over a decade perfecting the art of dry-pressed ceramics.
1. Thermal Stability: Surviving the Heat
The most immediate difference between plastic and ceramic is the melting point.
The Plastic Problem: Most polyamides (Nylon) or thermoplastics begin to soften around 120°C (248°F). Under continuous heat, they undergo "creep" (deformation). This causes the metal screws inside to loosen, increasing contact resistance, generating more heat, and eventually leading to a complete meltdown.
The Ceramic Solution: Steatite ceramic is an inorganic material sintered at extreme temperatures. It does not melt.
Our Steatite Terminal Blocks can safely operate at temperatures up to 800°C - 1000°C. They maintain their rigid shape regardless of the heat, ensuring the electrical contact remains tight and secure forever. For manufacturers of ovens or furnaces, this dimensional stability is non-negotiable.
2. Electrical Safety: Arc Resistance and Fireproofing
When plastic burns, it often carbonizes. Carbon is conductive. This means a burnt plastic block can turn into a bridge for electricity, leading to dangerous arcing and short circuits.
Steatite ceramic offers superior dielectric strength and safety:
Non-Combustible: Ceramics simply do not burn. They are inherently fireproof.
Arc Resistance: Even if an electrical arc occurs, ceramic will not track or carbonize.
High Insulation: Produced using our large-tonnage mechanical dry powder forming production lines, our blocks have a high density with zero porosity. This ensures excellent insulation performance even in high-voltage environments, making them ideal High-temperature ceramic connectors for heavy machinery.
3. Chemical and Environmental Durability
Industrial environments are harsh. Wiring is often exposed to oil, chemical fumes, and UV radiation.
Plastic connectors can become brittle, yellow, and crack over time when exposed to these elements. Steatite ceramic is chemically inert. It does not react with acids, alkalis, or oils. Whether installed in a chemical processing plant or an outdoor power station, ceramic blocks resist aging and corrosion, offering a lifespan that often exceeds the machine itself.
4. Side-by-Side Comparison: Ceramic vs. Plastic
To help you make the right engineering decision, here is a quick data comparison:
Feature
Plastic (Standard Nylon/Polyamide)
Steatite Terminal Blocks
Max Operating Temp
~100°C - 150°C
Up to 1000°C
Fire Safety
Flammable / Self-extinguishing
Non-Combustible (Fireproof)
Deformation
Melts and warps under heat
Rigid / Dimensionally Stable
Aging
Becomes brittle over time
No Aging / Lifetime Durability
Cost
Low
Medium (High ROI)
5. Why Choose Yixing Shenxing Technology?
Not all ceramics are the same. The quality of a heat resistant terminal block depends entirely on the manufacturing process.
As a comprehensive professional ceramic technology company, Yixing Shenxing leverages the unique resources of Yixing City. We utilize advanced Dry Powder Compacting technology rather than simple wet molding.
Precision: This process allows us to achieve tighter tolerances for automated assembly lines.
Density: Dry pressing results in a denser, harder material with better wear resistance.
Global Reach: With products exported to Germany, the USA, and Japan, our quality meets the strictest international standards (like C221 Steatite standards).
FAQ
Q: Are ceramic terminal blocks brittle?
A: While ceramic is harder than plastic, high-quality Steatite ceramic produced via isostatic or dry pressing has excellent mechanical strength. It is robust enough to withstand standard installation torque and industrial vibration.
Q: Can I use ceramic blocks for low-temperature applications?
A: Yes, but they are "over-engineered" for simple household wiring. They are best used where safety and longevity are critical, or where ambient temperatures might rise unexpectedly.
Q: Do you offer custom sizes?
A: Yes. Yixing Shenxing has dedicated R&D teams. We can customize the number of poles (2-way, 3-way), mounting holes, and glazing options to fit your specific equipment.
2025-10-14
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