Terminate and Protect Your Control Loop and System With One Terminal Block

Imagine being able to land your control loop on one 6mm terminal block!  Then think about the space savings that would add up in high I/O count systems! Introducing the AVK Series Double Deck Fused Disconnect Terminal Block by Klemsan – the space-saving, ultra-slim 6mm wide block with powerful functionality. This block allows you to combine AC (Hot and Neutral) or DC (POS and NEG) in a single unit, featuring a protective 5x20mm or 5x25mm... Read More

Lighten Up! Lose Weight and Cost With Nylon Cable Grips

If you are using Metallic Cable Grips (or maybe even running conduit) and your environment allows for the use of Nylon Cable Grips then you are in for two huge benefits.  One being that the weight of your system will drop dramatically and two, the cost will be significantly lower.  Not only will your shipping costs (to and from your facility) improve but your material costs for those products should drop 50% - 75%!  Why... Read More

A Simple Solution for Crimping LARGE Wire Ferrules - The VICE Crimper

If you are having a hard time finding a crimping tool for LARGE wire sizes 1/0 up to 300 MCM we have the solution for you!  It's called the VICE 70150 - crimping wire ferrules of 70 - 150 mms or 1/0 - 300 MCM !  There are a few ways to accomplish this but none as easy and as cost effective as the American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) VICE Crimper.  That’s right, it fits right... Read More

Time to Market: Opportunities to Improve Production Operations

If you value time to market and on time delivery and are tired of hearing questions like:  How long has this project been on the floor?  What’s taking so long?  What’s the bottleneck?,,, It may be time to look at the manufacturing operations performed in your facility and to see where it may make sense to automate.American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) sells machinery and equipment that can help you speed up those operations that may be... Read More

Still Crimping Wire Ferrules by Hand? These Pneumatic Tools Make Cents!

It doesn’t cost much more to move from standard hand tools to Pneumatic tools - they’re priced just a bit higher than hand tools but make sense when it comes to helping the techs that work with you!  Hand tools are plain and simple - stressful on your hands and can cause permanent nerve damage if certain movements are done repetitiously for a long time period.  No one wants that - right?  Then why not... Read More

Put Some Teeth Into Your Cable Tie Selection

Introducing the new 2-LOCK™ Cable Ties by Elematic - these high quality Cable Ties have two patented and innovative 316 Stainless Steel teeth to provide one of the highest tensile strength Cable Ties in the Industry at 175.40 lbs!  These cable ties are Halogen free, detectable and smooth bodied so that they can be tightened to any degree.  The 2-LOCK™ Cable Ties were specifically designed for use in food and pharmaceutical processing industries but are... Read More

Cracking the Codes for Insulated Wire Ferrules

Insulated Wire Ferrules have so many different colors available, sometimes it’s confusing to navigate.  There are three color codes that have been developed since the early 1970’s.  The three codes available today are:  DIN, W and T.  In some cases, they have the same colors for the same wire sizes but in others, they are vastly different.  Wire Ferrules are specified by the wire size being used, the color code and the barrel length.  We... Read More

New Tension Clamp Terminal Blocks Can Take The Heat

American Electrical Inc.’s (AEI) new SRD series tension clamp style terminal blocks by Klemsan are rated non-burning - UL 94 V0 !  For some customers, that's a requirement and we’re happy to provide a high quality tension clamp terminal !!!  Simply open the clamp with a screwdriver and push the wire in - to remove a wire, you must depress the clamp with a screwdriver. Imagine how this terminal block will improve your production!  The... Read More

EMI - Throwing the flag on Interference

In the Controls Industry, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is a big deal.  Control System cables and equipment running all over production facilities creates antennas, electric fields and cross communication.   EMI can have a significant negative impact on control signals in various ways. EMI can introduce noise into control signals, leading to distortion. This distortion can alter the original signal's amplitude, frequency, or phase, causing the control system to receive incorrect or incomplete information.  Control signals... Read More

Keep Your Cool: Thermocouple Terminal Blocks Support Signal Integrity

American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) offers two versions of DIN Rail mounted thermocouple terminal blocks - Type J and Type K.  The unique feature of the block is that a multimeter can be plugged into the top of the device, allowing the technician to read the process temperature directly (or inject an analog signal) while not having to remove the thermocouple connections!  What a time saver!  That's innovation! Do you have thermocouples in your system?  Why... Read More

Wire Ferrules Make Solid Connections

Wire ferrules are small tin plated, copper sleeves that are crimped onto the ends of stranded wires, providing several benefits in electrical connections. Here's why you should use them: Improved Connection Quality: When stranded wires are inserted directly into terminals or connectors, the strands can spread apart, leading to uneven contact and potential connection issues. Ferrules compress the strands together, ensuring a solid and uniform connection, which reduces the risk of loose connections or arcing.... Read More

This THIN Relay Can Save You Valuable Space

Amazing - a 6mm THIN DIN Rail mounted RELAY?  At American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) that's what we do all day - save you time, save you space and save you money !  Especially with these space saving relays by Klemsan. A 6mm, space saving package with FOUR different coil voltages - 12 and 24 VDC and 120 and 230 VAC.  It also comes with a set of normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC) contacts... Read More

Down to Earth - Grounding Made Easy

Have you ever seen a design where there were multiple ground runs to an exposed busbar or groundbar in the bottom of the enclosure?  Those green wires running all over the control panel making their way to the copper bar?  Do you have a legacy system that makes similar runs and needs an upgrade?There’s a much better example for your grounding options - the Ground Terminal Block or Groundblock.  A Groundblock takes your ground wire... Read More

A BRIGHT IDEA ! - Using Colored Terminal Blocks Can Enhance Your Design

Colored terminal blocks are used in electrical and electronic applications for a variety of practical reasons. Here are four key reasons to use colored terminal blocks: Improved Organization and Identification: Colored terminal blocks help in easily identifying different circuits, wires, or components. By using different colors for different functions or voltage levels, technicians and engineers can quickly distinguish between connections, reducing the risk of errors during installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting. Typically, red and black signify... Read More

The fastest, most exact way to cut DIN Rail

Introducing the TS3CUT by American Electrical, Inc. (AEI).  Never before has it been so easy and repeatable to make a quality 90 degree cut in Aluminum or Steel DIN Rail.  The TS3CUT can cut 3 different types of DIN Rail - 35mm x 7.5mm (shallow), 35mm x 15mm (deep) and 15mm mini-DIN Rail.  It is table mounted with 4 anchor bolts and comes with an integrated 1 meter measuring stick with a moveable “stopper” to... Read More

Crimp over 100 different Terminals from ONE Machine!

That's the EC-65 - a fully electric (120VAC) crimper that can crimp the following terminals:Wire Ferrules, Ring Lugs, Flat Tab Terminals, Turned Contacts and Uninsulated Lugs!  Where in the World can you get a portable machine to be as versatile as the EC-65?  Look no further, American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) has these machines in stock and ready to ship !  Your technicians will LOVE you for buying this and you will LOVE the competitive price... Read More

Power Distribution Made Easy

If you're looking for a design that can easily take large AWG sizes and distribute them down to smaller sizes then this product may be for you ! Do you need to feed several circuits with one incoming power feed? Are you confused about all the jumpering required with standard Terminal Blocks and the time required to research how to accomplish it? Are you certain the current rating of the said jumpers will they carry... Read More

Not Your Average Cable Tie

Introducing the Elematic 2 Lock™ Cable Tie - this is the only Cable Tie with two Stainless Steel locking mechanisms.  Having two locking mechanisms eliminates the necessity for having ridges along the cable tie.  The elimination of the ridges on the Cable Tie makes for a continuous smooth surface for the product, device, or cable you are trying to control.  The patented cable ties are rated at -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C and... Read More

Start your Motors! ... with American Electrical’s DIN Rail Mounted Contactors

DIN rail mounted contactors are an essential component in modern electrical systems, providing reliable control (and protection in some cases) for various applications. At American Electrical, Inc.(AEI), we offer a comprehensive range of DIN rail mounted contactors, by CBI, that cater to diverse needs in industrial and commercial settings. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and features of these versatile devices.1. Versatility and Reliability DIN rail mounted contactors are designed to handle a wide... Read More

Not Your Average WireNut- What to Consider When Sizing a Terminal Block

Unlike a WireNut that just serves a function to keep wires bound together, Terminal Blocks actually carry current and can perform multiple functions - there’s much more to consider.  Let’s take a look at five attributes to consider when sizing your terminal block in most any application - they happen to be Function, Load, Wire Size, Voltage and Physical Size.Function - What is the terminal block doing in your application?  Is it at feedthru, fuse,... Read More

The American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) Line Card

Here’s a quick and easy guide to get to our product line quickly!  All products are stocked in Richmond, VA.  You will not only find our service to be exceptional but also our competitive pricing.  Call us today at 804.379.2899 or visit us below!  Thanks for following - please SHARE !ConnectionDIN Rail Terminal Blocks - Feedthru, Fuse, Disconnect and Groundinghttps://www.americanelectrical.com/category/connection/din-rail-mounted-terminal-blocks/DIN Rail Contactors https://www.americanelectrical.com/viewitems/connection/din-rail-mounted-contactors/Cable Grips - Nylon and Metallic, PG, NPT or Metrichttps://www.americanelectrical.com/category/connection/cable-grips/DIN Rail - Steel... Read More

Quite Shocking- UL 1077 DIN Rail Circuit Breakers with 24% Space Savings at a Competitive Price!

2 ways of saving - Savings in raw Product Cost and Savings along the DIN Rail of nearly 25%. Wow, why not look further?  American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) sells the Circuit Breaker Industries (CBI) line of DIN Rail mounted Circuit Breakers. These UL 1077 Breakers may have the SAME UL 1077 rating that you currently purchase - with two catches - 13mm THIN (NOT 17mm) our UL1077 Breakers provide a space savings along the DIN... Read More

See the Light! Fuse Blocks with Indication Help YOU (or your customer) Troubleshoot!

American Electrical, Inc. (AEI) offers many different versions of fuse holders from 1 amp to 50 amps with and without fuse failure indication.  What is fuse failure indication?  It’s a tiny circuit that measures the voltage across a fuse.  This circuit has a resistor and an LED in series.  During normal operation, the fuse is good so there’s no differential across the fuse.  When the fuse blows, the supply side is high and the other... Read More

Push-IN Terminals Save Time and Money

The PYK series Terminal Blocks are one of American Electrical, Inc.’s "Push In" style DIN Rail mounted tension clamp blocks.  Designed by Klemsan, wires are simply pushed into the entryway and secured by the tension clamp inside.  Wire ferrules may or may not be used - to remove a wire, simply insert a screwdriver in to release. Four reasons to use tension clamp terminals:In many Industries, tension clamps are preferred due to their vibration proof... Read More

Shield Grounding- Pro Tip

The Easiest Way to Ground Cable Shields:Easyconnect cable grips by AGRO AG , are by far, the EASIEST, FASTEST and most RELIABLE method to ground Cable Shields in the WORLD. That’s a big statement that can be backed up by hundreds of thousands of successful applications and installations all over the planet. American Electrical, Inc., in Richmond, VA stocks thousands of AGRO AG products, including EASYconnect cable grips.Interested? Check out the 1 ½ minute video... Read More

Why Are You Still Crimping Ferrules by Hand?

If you have only a small volume, we understand. However if you are crimping over a few thousand a year then please consider upgrading to the MC 25 - Automatic Wire Ferrule Crimping Machine. The MC 25 Strips and Crimps 20-14 AWG wires and applies an insulated wire ferrule in 1.5 seconds!  The machine holds 1000 wire ferrules on a reel (500 for 14 AWG) and weighs only 28 pounds so it can be moved... Read More

Increase Productivity - Outfit Your Techs with the Crimpkit

Why not consider outfitting your techs with all the wire ferrules, tools for cutting, stripping and crimping they need to do their jobs?  No more hunting for the right tool or the right wire ferrule.  Think of all the time that's wasted.The Crimpkit comes complete with a stripping and cutting tool, a wire ferrule crimper and an assortment of insulated wire ferrules from 24-10 AWG.  All this in a rugged metallic sectioned box that can... Read More

Save Time and Money by utilizing POE injectors

POE, or Power Over Ethernet, utilizes twisted pair spare wires in an RJ 45 (CAT 5) wiring set. Only 2 of the four twisted pairs are being used for LAN transmit and receive, and created an opportunity to simply use the same LAN cable to transport power (48VDC). This comes in handy since many devices like cameras, wireless access points, network switches and VOIP phones can operate with 48VDC. Imagine not having to run a... Read More

The Case for Molded Case Circuit Breakers

7 important facts for Engineering consideration:We’re talking about protecting your entire control panel - pretty important isn't it?  Molded case circuit breakers have held the number one position for this application for many years.  Molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) offer several advantages that make them a popular choice in electrical applications, specifically the main power feed disconnect and protector.  Here are seven important facts concerning MCCB’s:1.  Overcurrent Protection: MCCBs are designed to protect electrical circuits... Read More

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Let’s talk about DIN Rail - are you buying it AND are you cutting it?

Let’s talk about DIN Rail - are you buying it AND are you cutting it?  If so, let American Electrical, Inc. help you in both cases!AEI sells all types of DIN Rail - steel and aluminum in solid or slotted AND shallow (7.5mm) or deep (15mm) versions in one or two meter lengths.  AEI’s wide variety of DIN Rail is available for shipment from Richmond, VA for an extremely competitive price - and if you... Read More

Aesthetics Count ! How does your control cabinet stack up?

Let’s face it - Looks matter.  How does your control cabinet look through the eyes of your customer?Creating a visually appealing and neatly organized control cabinet while ensuring safety and functionality requires attention to several key aspects. Here's 10 things that you can do to design the best-looking and safe control box:1.  Layout Planning: Start by carefully planning the layout of components within the cabinet. Group similar components together and arrange them logically to minimize... Read More

Why should you protect your control system from Mother Nature?

Protecting control systems from lightning is crucial for several reasons:Preventing Damage: Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to control systems, including electrical components, circuitry, and connected devices. This damage can result in system downtime, costly repairs, and potential data loss.Ensuring Operational Continuity: Control systems are often critical for the operation of various processes and infrastructure, such as power plants, transportation systems, and manufacturing facilities. Protecting them from lightning helps maintain uninterrupted operations and prevents disruptions... Read More

Best Practice: How to Properly Terminate Thermocouple Wires

First let's discuss Thermocouples!  A thermocouple is a temperature sensor device used to measure temperature in various industrial, scientific, and commercial applications. It consists of two different metal wires or alloys joined together at one end, called the sensing or measuring junction, and connected to a temperature-measuring instrument at the other end.  When the two different types of metals are joined together, they produce a micro-voltage proportional to the temperature. What happens in between that junction... Read More

Why do we Isolate Circuits?

Electrical isolation is crucial in various scenarios to ensure safety, prevent electrical interference, and protect sensitive components. Isolation refers to the separation of electrical circuits or components from each other. There are several reasons why isolation may be necessary:Safety: Isolation is vital for preventing electric shock.  Isolating circuits can minimize the risk of electrical accidents and protect individuals from harmNoise and Interference Reduction: Isolating circuits can help reduce electrical noise and interference. In sensitive electronic... Read More

Power Distribution Blocks

Power Distribution Blocks allow easy connection of conductors to distribute power from one load into multiple smaller loads. They are installed downstream of a disconnect switch, transfer switch, or circuit breaker.IP20 Finger Safe Protection• IP20 rated.• Finger-safe design provides touch safeprotection from live parts.Wide RangeThe extent of the range makes it possible to findthe distribution system adapted to its needs:• 5 single pole power distribution blocks UL,• 4 single pole power distribution blocks UR,• 1... Read More