Why Choose Ceramic Terminal Blocks Over Plastic for High-Temp Wiring?
Dec 17, 2025
In industrial machinery, heating elements, and automotive systems, the weakest link is often the connection point. While standard thermoplastic connectors work fine for household electronics, they pose a significant risk in high-temperature environments.
Imagine a production line halting because a $2 plastic connector deformed inside an industrial oven, causing a short circuit. The cost isn't just the connector; it's the downtime.
At Yixing Shenxing Technology Co., Ltd., located in China's "Ceramic Capital," we understand that material selection is critical. In this guide, we explore the engineering science behind why Ceramic Terminal Blocks are the non-negotiable choice for high-heat applications, replacing vulnerable plastic counterparts.
1. Thermal Stability: Surviving the Heat Wave
The most obvious difference lies in the melting point. Standard plastics (like Polyamide/Nylon) typically begin to soften around 120°C (248°F) and melt shortly after. In contrast, advanced technical ceramics are born in fire.
Plastic Failure Mode: Under sustained heat, plastic undergoes "creep"—it slowly deforms. This loosens the metal screw connection inside, increasing resistance, creating more heat, and eventually leading to a complete meltdown or fire.
The Ceramic Solution: Our Steatite ceramic blocks are sintered at temperatures exceeding 1000°C. They can easily withstand operating temperatures up to 800°C (1472°F) without changing shape.
For even more extreme environments, we utilize Alumina ceramic components, which offer thermal stability up to 1600°C. This dimensional stability ensures that the electrical contact remains tight and secure, regardless of the ambient heat.
2. Electrical Insulation and Arc Resistance
Heat isn't the only enemy; electricity itself is.
When plastic connectors age or burn, they can carbonize. Carbon is conductive. This means a burnt plastic block can actually become a bridge for electricity, leading to dangerous arcing.
Ceramic Terminal Blocks offer superior dielectric strength.
No Carbonization: Ceramics do not burn. Even if exposed to a direct flame, they will not turn into conductive carbon.
Leakage Prevention: Produced using our large-tonnage mechanical dry powder forming lines, our ceramics have a dense structure that prevents current leakage, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment in high-voltage applications like EVs (Electric Vehicles) and power grids.
3. Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
In industries like chemical processing or petroleum equipment, wiring is often exposed to harsh fumes and corrosive agents.
Plastic connectors can become brittle and crack when exposed to certain oils, solvents, or UV light. High-temperature wiring connectors made from ceramic are virtually chemically inert. Whether it’s acid fumes in a factory or oxidation challenges in an outdoor energy station, ceramic maintains its structural integrity where plastic crumbles.
4. Technical Comparison: Ceramic vs. Plastic
To help you make the right engineering decision, here is a quick comparison based on our lab data:
Feature
Plastic (Polyamide)
Ceramic (Steatite/Alumina)
Max Operating Temp
~120°C - 150°C
300°C - 800°C+
Fire Rating
Flammable / Self-extinguishing
Non-combustible (Fireproof)
Dimensional Stability
Deforms under heat/load
Rigid at all temps
Chemical Resistance
Low to Medium
Excellent
Durability
Prone to aging/yellowing
Lifetime durability
5. Why Yixing Shenxing Technology?
Not all ceramics are created equal. The performance of a ceramic block depends heavily on the manufacturing process.
As a comprehensive professional ceramic technology company established in 2010, Yixing Shenxing doesn't just mold clay. We use Dry Powder Compacting technology.
Higher Density: Our dry-pressed blocks are denser than wet-molded alternatives, providing better insulation.
Precision: We achieve tight tolerances suitable for automated assembly lines in the automotive and electronics sectors.
Global Standard: Exporting to Germany, Japan, and the USA means our products meet the strictest international quality standards.
FAQ
Q: Are ceramic terminal blocks brittle?
A: While ceramic is harder than plastic, high-quality Steatite ceramic blocks produced via isostatic pressing have excellent mechanical strength. Unless dropped from a significant height or hit with a hammer, they are robust enough for rigorous industrial installation.
Q: Can I use ceramic blocks for standard household wiring?
A: Yes, but they are "over-engineered" for simple room-temperature uses. They are best utilized in heaters, kilns, furnaces, and high-power machinery.
Q: Do you offer custom sizes?
A: Yes. At Yixing Shenxing, we have dedicated R&D teams. We can customize the number of poles, mounting holes, and specific material composition (Alumina vs. Steatite) to fit your equipment.