PEN Distribution Block
Distribution block intended for connection of a combined PEN protective and neutral conductor in systems where this function is provided.
A PEN distribution block is used in electrical systems where one conductor simultaneously performs the PE protective and N neutral functions.
The construction may be used to connect an incoming PEN conductor, distribute it, or form a point for subsequent separation into independent PE and N conductors.
Important parameters include the number of electrical potentials, incoming and outgoing connections, permissible conductor cross-sections, maximum currents, and mechanical reliability of contact connections.
Continuity of the protective function, construction of the current-carrying part, clamping quality, and short-circuit conditions are especially important.
Use of a PEN distribution block depends on the earthing-system arrangement and the specific electrical installation scheme.
Selection criteria include the purpose of the installation point, PEN conductor cross-section, number of outgoing connections, mounting method, and declared standards.
This subcategory includes distribution blocks for combined PEN conductors and points intended for their distribution or subsequent separation.
PEN Distribution Block
General6
Commercial or technical designation of a manufacturer's product family sharing a common design and compatible characteristics.
Range of tasks and systems for which the manufacturer recommends the component.
Primary function of the device and its intended use as defined by its design and the manufacturer's documentation.
Permissible installation location of the product: indoors, outdoors, in a technical area, or as part of equipment.
Environmental conditions under which installation and operation of the product are permitted.
Permissible spatial orientation of the component during installation and operation.
Dimensions11
External horizontal dimension of the product between its outermost lateral points.
External vertical dimension of the product from its lowest to its highest point.
External distance between the foremost and rearmost surfaces of the product.
Clear width of the opening used to insert a conductor into the incoming terminal.
Clear height of the opening used to insert a conductor into the incoming terminal.
Clear diameter of the round opening used to insert a conductor into the incoming terminal.
Mechanical conductor insertion depth from the entry surface of the incoming terminal to the design-defined stop or support point.
Clear width of the opening used to insert a conductor into the outgoing terminal.
Clear height of the opening used to insert a conductor into the outgoing terminal.
Clear diameter of the round opening used to insert a conductor into the outgoing terminal.
Mechanical conductor insertion depth from the surface of the outgoing terminal to the design-defined stop or support point.
Capacity and Layout23
Actual electrical pole configuration of the product, including the number and function of switched poles.
Total number of electrical connection points provided by the product.
Centre-to-centre pitch between adjacent repeated electrical connection points or contacts.
Number of electrical connection points intended for incoming or supply-side connections.
Number of electrical connection points intended for outgoing or load-side connections.
Number of electrically independent potentials provided by the product design.
Number of vertically stacked or functionally distinct electrical connection levels.
Number of electrical connection points provided on one connection level.
Maximum number of conductors that may be connected simultaneously to one incoming connection point.
Maximum number of conductors that may be connected simultaneously to one outgoing connection point.
Physical direction from which a conductor enters an incoming or supply connection point.
Physical direction from which a conductor enters an outgoing or load-side connection point.
Centre-to-centre distance between adjacent repeated incoming connection points.
Centre-to-centre distance between adjacent repeated outgoing connection points.
Centre-to-centre distance between adjacent electrical poles or potential paths of a multipole product.
Number of physical rows containing incoming or supply connection points.
Number of physical rows containing outgoing or load-side connection points.
Number of incoming connection points arranged in one row.
Number of outgoing connection points arranged in one row.
Centre-to-centre distance between adjacent rows of incoming connection points.
Centre-to-centre distance between adjacent rows of outgoing connection points.
Geometric shape of the opening used to insert a conductor into the incoming terminal.
Geometric shape of the opening used to insert a conductor into the outgoing terminal.
Materials and Finish14
Primary visually perceived colour of the product's external surface.
Designation of the product's primary surface colour according to the RAL colour system.
Indicates whether the product's primary material has electrical insulating properties and is intended to electrically separate conductive parts.
Primary electrical insulation material applied to or integrated with the conductive part of the product.
Manufacturer-declared thermal class of the electrical insulation system or insulation material.
Insulating material group used when evaluating creepage distances and insulation coordination.
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of the insulating material, characterizing its resistance to formation of conductive tracks under specified test conditions.
Manufacturer-declared temperature index of the insulating material.
Manufacturer-declared Relative Temperature Index (RTI) of the insulating material.
Primary material of the internal current-carrying part, bridge, busbar, or other conductive element of the product.
Grade, alloy designation, or other declared material designation of the main current-carrying part.
Metallic plating of the principal current-carrying part, different from its base material.
Material of the mechanical clamping element, such as a screw, spring, pressure plate, or clamping cage.
Protective or functional metallic plating of the mechanical clamping element.
Mounting and Installation16
Primary material of screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, and other product fasteners.
Installation arrangement permitted by the product design, such as wall-mounted, flush-mounted, floor-mounted, or another specified mounting type.
Method used to mechanically secure the product to a support, surface, or load-bearing structure.
Type of surface or supporting base to which the product may be fixed.
Number of holes provided in the product for mechanical fixing.
Diameter of the hole provided for a fixing element used when mounting the product.
Distance between the centres of mounting holes in the horizontal direction.
Distance between the centres of mounting holes in the vertical direction.
Horizontal dimension of the mounting pattern between the outermost fixing points of the product.
Vertical dimension of the mounting pattern between the outermost fixing points of the product.
Size designation of the screw, bolt, or other threaded fastener used for mounting the product.
Designation of the thread provided in the product's mounting holes or fixing elements.
Tightening torque recommended or permitted for fasteners during product installation.
Indicates whether the required fasteners are included with the product.
Indicates whether equipment may be mounted directly to the mounting surface without an intermediate DIN rail.
Indicates whether the intended installation of the product can be carried out without tools.
Electrical Parameters115
Type of electrical current for which the product's main supply circuit is intended.
Voltage value assigned to the product by the manufacturer for specified application conditions and characteristics.
Rated RMS value of alternating voltage assigned to the product by the manufacturer.
Rated direct voltage assigned to the product by the manufacturer.
Operating-circuit voltage with reference to which the product's performance characteristics are specified.
Maximum voltage at which continuous operation of the product is permitted under the conditions declared by the manufacturer.
Minimum voltage at which the manufacturer guarantees the intended operating mode of the product.
Current assigned to the product by the manufacturer for the declared operating and thermal conditions.
Highest rated current permitted for the relevant version or configuration of the product.
Ratio of the permissible current-carrying capacity of the neutral conductor or busbar to the corresponding phase current capacity.
Maximum nominal conductor cross-section permitted at the product's incoming connection.
Maximum nominal conductor cross-section permitted at the product's outgoing connection.
Maximum nominal cross-section of the neutral conductor permitted by the relevant product connection.
Maximum nominal cross-section of the PE protective conductor permitted by the relevant product connection.
Conductor materials for which the specified terminals and connection methods are designed.
Conductor connection methods supported by the specified terminals or connection elements.
Tightening torque specified by the manufacturer for a screw or bolted terminal connection.
Voltage with reference to which the product's insulation clearances and dielectric properties are specified.
Peak value of an impulse voltage of specified waveform that the product insulation must withstand without breakdown.
Test voltage applied to verify the dielectric strength of the product insulation.
Minimum permissible insulation resistance between the specified electrically separated parts.
Category characterizing the expected level of impulse overvoltages at the product's point of use.
Degree of pollution of the surrounding microenvironment considered when selecting insulation distances and product characteristics.
Type of electrical insulation used, considered in terms of its protective function and construction.
Class of protection against electric shock determined by the product design and protective connection method.
RMS value of short-time withstand current Icw that the product can withstand for the declared duration without unacceptable damage.
Duration for which the product must withstand the declared short-time current.
Peak current value Ipk that the product can withstand under the declared short-circuit conditions.
Prospective short-circuit current that the product can withstand when the specified external protective device is used.
Manufacturer-declared permissible short-circuit current value for the product or assembly under specified conditions.
Indicates whether an external short-circuit protective device is required for the declared operation of the product.
Indicates whether an additional upstream protective device is required to achieve the declared product characteristics.
Indicates whether the design provides a point or means for connecting the product to the earthing system.
Indicates whether provisions are provided for protective equipotential bonding of conductive product parts.
Indicates whether a dedicated point or terminal is provided for connection of the PE protective conductor.
Indicates whether a point or terminal is provided for connection of a combined PEN protective and neutral conductor.
Electrical network earthing systems with which the product may be used in the declared configuration.
Thermal power loss of the product or current-carrying system at rated current.
Factor used to reduce the permissible load relative to the rated value under specified conditions.
Ambient temperature to which the manufacturer's declared electrical or thermal characteristic applies.
Current that the product can carry continuously under the manufacturer's declared conditions without exceeding permissible temperature rise.
Indicates whether the product is permitted for use as part of a protective conductor under the specified installation and operating conditions.
Indicates whether the product is permitted to perform the combined protective and neutral conductor function (PEN) under the specified conditions of use.
Minimum conductor cross-section permitted for connection to the incoming terminal of the main power circuit.
Minimum conductor cross-section permitted for connection to the outgoing terminal of the main power circuit.
Minimum neutral conductor cross-section permitted for connection to the corresponding product terminal.
Minimum PE protective conductor cross-section permitted for the specified protective connection of the product.
Conductor construction classes permitted by the product's electrical connection system.
Maximum number of main-power-circuit conductors that may be connected simultaneously to one terminal.
Maximum rated current of an external backup overcurrent protective device permitted by the manufacturer for use with the SPD.
Manufacturer-declared voltage drop across the product, connection path or current-carrying element at rated current under the specified reference conditions.
Manufacturer-declared temperature rise of the product above ambient temperature at rated current under the specified installation conditions.
Maximum manufacturer-declared continuous current permitted for an individual outgoing connection point. This is distinct from the total rated current of the product.
Electrical connection technologies supported at the incoming or supply-side connection points of the product.
Electrical connection technologies supported at the outgoing or load-side connection points of the product.
Minimum manufacturer-declared clearance through air between conductive parts at different electrical potentials.
Minimum manufacturer-declared creepage distance along an insulating surface between conductive parts at different electrical potentials.
Maximum manufacturer-declared permissible temperature of the conductive part of the product in service.
Manufacturer-declared nominal conductor cross-section assigned to the relevant connection system.
Minimum conductor cross-section permitted by the connection system within its general conductor-size range.
Maximum conductor cross-section permitted by the connection system within its general conductor-size range.
Minimum conductor stripping length specified by the manufacturer.
Maximum conductor stripping length specified by the manufacturer.
Declared designation of the internal cylindrical gauge applicable to the conductor connection opening.
Maximum total current permitted by the manufacturer for the complete internally interconnected distribution product.
Maximum continuous current permitted by the manufacturer for one incoming or supply connection point.
Declared nominal conductor cross-section assigned specifically to an incoming or supply connection.
Declared nominal conductor cross-section assigned specifically to an outgoing or load-side connection.
Minimum stripping length specified for an incoming or supply conductor.
Maximum stripping length specified for an incoming or supply conductor.
Minimum stripping length specified for an outgoing or load-side conductor.
Maximum stripping length specified for an outgoing or load-side conductor.
Manufacturer-declared tightening torque for an incoming or supply terminal.
Manufacturer-declared tightening torque for an outgoing or load-side terminal.
Conductor forms and end-preparation methods permitted for the incoming connection.
Conductor forms and end-preparation methods permitted for the outgoing connection.
Minimum rigid conductor cross-section permitted for the incoming connection.
Maximum rigid conductor cross-section permitted for the incoming connection.
Minimum flexible conductor cross-section permitted for the incoming connection.
Maximum flexible conductor cross-section permitted for the incoming connection.
Minimum incoming flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule without an insulating plastic collar.
Maximum incoming flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule without an insulating plastic collar.
Minimum incoming flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule with an insulating plastic collar.
Maximum incoming flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule with an insulating plastic collar.
Minimum cross-section of each of two incoming conductors permitted for joint connection using a TWIN ferrule.
Maximum cross-section of each of two incoming conductors permitted for joint connection using a TWIN ferrule.
Minimum rigid incoming conductor cross-section suitable for direct insertion into a compatible push-in connection.
Maximum rigid incoming conductor cross-section suitable for direct insertion into a compatible push-in connection.
Minimum incoming conductor cross-section with a ferrule without a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Maximum incoming conductor cross-section with a ferrule without a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Minimum incoming conductor cross-section with a ferrule with a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Maximum incoming conductor cross-section with a ferrule with a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Minimum rigid conductor cross-section permitted for the outgoing connection.
Maximum rigid conductor cross-section permitted for the outgoing connection.
Minimum flexible conductor cross-section permitted for the outgoing connection.
Maximum flexible conductor cross-section permitted for the outgoing connection.
Minimum outgoing flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule without an insulating plastic collar.
Maximum outgoing flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule without an insulating plastic collar.
Minimum outgoing flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule with an insulating plastic collar.
Maximum outgoing flexible conductor cross-section when fitted with a ferrule with an insulating plastic collar.
Minimum cross-section of each of two outgoing conductors permitted for joint connection using a TWIN ferrule.
Maximum cross-section of each of two outgoing conductors permitted for joint connection using a TWIN ferrule.
Minimum rigid outgoing conductor cross-section suitable for direct insertion into a compatible push-in connection.
Maximum rigid outgoing conductor cross-section suitable for direct insertion into a compatible push-in connection.
Minimum outgoing conductor cross-section with a ferrule without a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Maximum outgoing conductor cross-section with a ferrule without a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Minimum outgoing conductor cross-section with a ferrule with a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Maximum outgoing conductor cross-section with a ferrule with a plastic collar suitable for direct insertion.
Declared electrical contact resistance of a connection point where one common value applies to equivalent connections.
Declared electrical contact resistance of an incoming or supply connection.
Declared electrical contact resistance of an outgoing or load-side connection.
Maximum permissible temperature rise of a terminal or connection point under the declared test or operating conditions.
Cross-section of the connected conductor associated with the declared or tested short-time withstand current value.
Type of upstream overcurrent protective device permitted or required by the manufacturer for the declared conditional short-circuit withstand rating or SCCR.
Conditions associated with the declared short-circuit withstand rating or SCCR, including required type, class, rating, or other restrictions of the upstream protective device.
Protection and Safety12
Indicates whether the product material is classified as halogen-free according to the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
Degree of enclosure protection against access to hazardous parts and ingress of solid objects and water, designated by the IP code.
Method or level of protection of the user against direct contact with hazardous live parts.
Indicates whether the design prevents finger access to hazardous live parts in the intended condition.
Indicates whether the design provides protection against accidental contact with hazardous live parts.
Indicates whether insulating or mechanical protective shrouds are included with the product.
Indicates whether live parts are covered by protective elements in the intended product state.
Classification of a material according to its ability to ignite, sustain combustion, and cease burning under a specified test.
Temperature of the heated wire used when testing the material or product against an ignition source.
Indicates whether the material ceases self-sustained burning after the ignition source is removed under specified conditions.
Indicates whether the product is compatible with insulating terminal covers or protective terminal shrouds.
Indicates whether insulating terminal covers or protective terminal shrouds are supplied with the product.
Environmental Conditions23
Minimum ambient temperature at which normal operation of the product is permitted.
Maximum ambient temperature at which normal operation of the product is permitted.
Maximum permissible average ambient temperature over a consecutive 24-hour period.
Minimum ambient temperature permitted during storage of the product while not in operation.
Maximum ambient temperature permitted during storage of the product while not in operation.
Minimum ambient temperature permitted during transportation of the product.
Maximum ambient temperature permitted during transportation of the product.
Minimum ambient temperature at which the manufacturer permits installation of the product.
Maximum ambient temperature at which the manufacturer permits installation of the product.
Indicates whether permissible electrical or thermal loading must be reduced as temperature changes.
Temperature above which the permissible product load must be reduced.
Indicates whether the manufacturer has published the relationship between permissible product load and temperature.
Minimum relative air humidity permitted for the declared operating or test condition.
Maximum relative air humidity permitted for the declared operating or test condition.
Temperature at which the corresponding relative humidity value is specified or standardized.
Indicates whether the permissible humidity value applies only to non-condensing conditions.
Maximum altitude above sea level at which the product may be installed without exceeding the declared conditions.
Indicates whether the permissible product load must be reduced as installation altitude increases.
Altitude above sea level above which the permissible product load must be reduced.
Indicates whether the product's resistance to vibration has been verified under the declared conditions.
Indicates whether the product's resistance to short-duration mechanical shocks has been verified.
Standard or method used for climatic, mechanical, or combined testing of the product.
Minimum declared temperature for static use of the insulating material under cold conditions, distinct from the minimum operating temperature of the complete product.
Included Equipment4
Indicates whether an installation hardware kit is included in the product's standard equipment.
Indicates whether documentation is included in the product's standard supply.
Indicates whether an installation manual is included with the product.
Indicates whether the required or applicable end cover is supplied with the product.
Special Features7
Indicates whether multiple connection points are electrically interconnected by an internal current-carrying bridge.
Indicates whether external electrical bridging of connection points or adjacent products is supported.
Supported technologies or methods for providing an external electrical bridging connection.
Indicates whether the product design provides an intentional electrical disconnect function.
Indicates whether the product includes an integrated electrical point for testing or measurement.
Indicates whether the product has an open side that may require an end cover, adjacent device, or another closing element.
Indicates whether a separate end cover or closing plate is required to complete installation or the electrical insulation system.
Standards and Compliance43
Regions or markets for which the manufacturer declares regulatory or certification compliance of the product.
Certification, market-approval, or conformity marks applicable to the product.
Primary normative document or standard according to which the manufacturer classifies or assesses the product.
Additional normative documents and standards declared by the manufacturer as applicable to the product.
Indicates whether an official declaration of conformity is available for the product.
Indicates whether a separate manufacturer declaration concerning declared product characteristics or conformity is available.
Indicates whether a certificate relating to the declared certification or conformity of the product is available.
Identification number of the certificate relating to the product or its certified version.
Name of the organization that issued the certificate or performed the relevant conformity assessment.
Indicates whether the product was tested by an organization independent of the manufacturer.
Indicates whether a test report confirming the declared product characteristics is available.
Indicates whether a type-test report for the product or relevant design is available.
Indicates whether a report of routine or acceptance tests on the manufactured product is available.
Indicates whether documented confirmation of design verification for the product or assembly is available.
Methods used to verify that the design complies with the declared requirements.
Indicates whether the CE marking is applied to the product where applicable.
Indicates whether the UKCA marking is applied to the product where applicable.
Indicates whether the EAC marking is applied to the product where applicable.
Indicates whether the product has a declared UL Listed certification or recognition status.
Indicates whether the product has a declared UL Recognized certification or recognition status.
Indicates whether the cULus mark is applied to the product where applicable.
Indicates whether the product has a declared CSA certification or recognition status.
Indicates whether the product has a declared TÜV certification or recognition status.
Indicates whether the product has a declared VDE certification or recognition status.
Indicates whether product compliance with applicable RoHS restrictions on hazardous substances has been declared.
Indicates whether the manufacturer declares compliance of the product with applicable REACH Regulation requirements.
Indicates whether the product falls within the scope of WEEE requirements for waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Indicates manufacturer-declared suitability of the product for use as service equipment where that classification is applicable.
Indicates declared compliance with the applicable IEC 60947-7-1 requirements for terminal blocks for copper conductors and test disconnect terminal blocks where applicable.
Indicates declared compliance with the applicable IEC 60947-7-2 requirements for PE/PEN protective-conductor terminal blocks where applicable.
Indicates declared compliance with the applicable UL 1059 requirements for terminal blocks, including protective-conductor terminal blocks where applicable.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable general requirements of IEC 60998-1 for connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar purposes.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable IEC 60998-2-1 requirements for separate connecting devices with screw-type clamping units.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable IEC 60998-2-2 requirements for separate connecting devices with screwless clamping units.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable IEC 60999-1 requirements for screw-type and screwless clamping units for the relevant copper conductor sizes.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable IEC 60999-2 requirements for clamping units for conductors of the relevant larger cross-sections.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable UL 1953 requirements for power distribution blocks.
Indicates manufacturer-declared suitability of the product for use in feeder circuits where this classification is applicable.
Indicates manufacturer-declared suitability of the product for use in branch circuits where this classification is applicable.
Indicates manufacturer-declared suitability of the product for installation on the line side of service equipment where permitted by the applicable certification and installation rules.
Indicates manufacturer-declared suitability of the product for installation on the load side of service equipment.
Indicates declared compliance or qualification of the product with the applicable EN 50155 requirements for railway rolling-stock equipment.
Indicates declared compliance of the product with the applicable IEC 61373 shock and vibration requirements for railway rolling-stock equipment.
Logistics10
Mass of the product itself, excluding transport packaging, additional accessories, and external equipment.
Mass of the product together with its individual packaging and the accessories included in it.
External horizontal dimension of the product's individual package.
External vertical dimension of the product's individual package.
External depth dimension of the product's individual package.
Design type of the product's individual or transport packaging.
Number of individual products contained in one packaging unit at the specified level.
Country of origin of the goods declared for customs or commercial purposes.
Commodity code under the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.
Commodity code under the Combined Nomenclature of the European Union.