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earth led terminals

Standards-compliant protective conductor distribution – compact, clearly marked, safe

Protective conductor terminals (PE terminals) are specifically designed for distributing protective conductors inside control cabinets. Unlike standard rail terminals, they are internally connected to the DIN rail – the protective conductor is distributed directly via the earthed mounting rail. The green-yellow marking is normatively required and makes PE terminals instantly identifiable at a glance. At WATT24 you'll find protective conductor terminals for all common conductor cross-sections – as single terminals and in multi-level versions.

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What is a protective conductor terminal?

A protective conductor terminal is a specialised rail terminal for the standards-compliant distribution of protective conductors (PE) inside control cabinets. The key difference: unlike standard rail terminals, where the conductor is isolated from the DIN rail, a PE terminal creates a conductive connection to the mounting rail. The connected protective conductor is distributed directly via the earthed DIN rail – without additional bridging or external connections.

Protective conductor terminals are identified by their green-yellow marking, which is normatively required under IEC 60947-7-1 (VDE 0611-1). They are mounted on the 35 mm DIN rail (TS 35) and can be combined directly with standard rail terminals.

Important: Protective conductor terminals route the PE via the DIN rail – the mounting rail itself must therefore be earthed. Without an earthed DIN rail, standards-compliant PE distribution is not possible.

Protective conductor terminals at a glance

Type	Feature	Typical application
PE terminal (standard)	Conductive connection to DIN rail, green-yellow	PE distribution in control cabinets, machines, plant
PE terminal with test point	Measuring point accessible for test probe	Systems subject to regular inspection (DGUV / periodic testing)
Two-level PE terminal	Two PE levels in one terminal	Space-saving PE distribution at high conductor density
Three-level PE terminal	Three PE levels in one terminal	Maximum wiring density, complex switchgear installations

Selecting the right protective conductor terminal

Three criteria are key when choosing the right PE terminal:

Conductor cross-section: The PE terminal must accommodate the cross-section of the connected protective conductor – typically 1.5 mm² to 16 mm², larger for main protective conductors
Connection type: Screw connection (classic, tool-required) or spring-clamp connection (tool-free, faster for high volumes)
Wiring density: For many PE conductors in a confined space, two-level or three-level PE terminals are worthwhile

Tip: Combine protective conductor terminals and standard rail terminals directly side by side on a single DIN rail – for a compact, standards-compliant terminal strip with integrated PE distribution in one run.

Applications for protective conductor terminals

Protective conductor terminals are required wherever protective conductors need to be distributed and connected in a standards-compliant manner:

Machine building: PE distribution for all protectively earthed components in the machine
Building automation: Protective conductor connections for actuators, sensors, drives
Industrial plant: Standards-compliant earthing in complex control cabinets
Test systems: PE terminals with test point for straightforward periodic testing

Frequently asked questions about protective conductor terminals

What is the difference between a protective conductor terminal and a standard rail terminal?

Standard rail terminals isolate the conductor from the DIN rail. Protective conductor terminals are internally connected to the mounting rail – the protective conductor is distributed directly via the earthed DIN rail. PE terminals are also normatively marked in green-yellow (IEC 60947-7-1).

Does the DIN rail need to be earthed for PE terminals to work?

Yes. Since protective conductor terminals route the PE connection via the mounting rail, the DIN rail itself must be earthed. Without an earthed DIN rail, standards-compliant protective conductor distribution is not possible.

What conductor cross-sections can protective conductor terminals accommodate?

Depending on the version, protective conductor terminals cover conductor cross-sections from 1.5 mm² to 35 mm². The cross-section of the PE terminal must be at least equal to that of the connected protective conductor.

Can I combine protective conductor terminals with standard rail terminals?

Yes. Protective conductor terminals are lined up directly next to standard rail terminals on the DIN rail. This creates a standards-compliant terminal strip with integrated PE distribution in a single run.

Which standard applies to protective conductor terminals?

Protective conductor terminals must comply with IEC 60947-7-1 (in Germany: VDE 0611-1). This standard governs the green-yellow marking, minimum cross-sections, and the requirements for the connection to the mounting rail.

Buy protective conductor terminals at WATT24

At WATT24 you'll find protective conductor terminals for all common conductor cross-sections – as single terminals and in two-level and three-level versions, available for fast delivery at fair prices for electricians and commercial customers.

Questions about selection? Our team is happy to help – by phone, email, or via our contact form.

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