bisco Expands Online Catalog by Over 2.5 Million Products
Your One-Stop-Shop
Over the past six months bisco industries has added over 2.5 million products to its online catalog. The expansion of our online catalog provides engineers and purchasing agents with additional flexibility to find solutions for current and upcoming projects. Users can now search and filter newly added products by part number, product description, dimensions, and many other attributes.
What is a Disconnect Switch?
Disconnect switches (also known as isolator switches, safety switches, and load break switches) are used to isolate electrical circuits by interrupting the flow of electrical current. By quickly stopping the flow of power, disconnect switches allow for emergency shutdowns, switching to alternate power sources, and maintenance.
Manufacturer Profile: Altech Corp
New Jersey based Altech Corp has a long history of manufacturing industrial control products, power distribution components, and much more. In fact, Altech offers nearly all the common products found in enclosures in addition to enclosures themselves. Altech prides itself on quality and is an ISO 9001 certified company with many products that meet UL and international standards. While Altech products meet top tier quality standards, they are also competitively priced and readily available.
Altech Corp Products Include:
- Terminal Blocks
- Ferrules
- Circuit Breakers
- Switches
- Timers
- Sensors
- Relays
- Enclosures
For a complete listing of Altech products view Altech’s digital catalogs.
bisco – Authorized Altech Distributor
bisco industries is proud to be an authorized Altech distributor. We have recently updated our Altech landing pages to include product data on hundreds of Altech items. Looking for pricing and stock information? Visit biscoind.com and simply search the Altech item. If pricing is not readily available our e-commerce customer service team will be happy to assist you.
What is a Terminal Block?
Terminal blocks function as convenient connection points for electrical wires while avoiding the need for wires to be spliced together. At the most basic level a terminal block is a strip of molded plastic fitted with metal plates and screws. Each connection point (terminal) features a metal plate and two parallel screws which conduct electricity and secure the wires in place. Connections are formed when the wires (typically outfitted with terminal lugs) are clamped between the screws and the conductor plate. Terminal blocks are also available in more complex configurations which provide features like spring clamp terminals and din rail mounting. Related products include euroblocks (European style terminal blocks) and power blocks.
Common Terminal Block Configurations
- Din Rail Mounted Terminal Blocks
- Double Row Terminal Blocks
- Single Row Terminal Blocks
- Feed Thru Stud Terminal Blocks
- Barrier Terminal Blocks
Leading Terminal Block Manufacturers
- Marathon Special Products (Kulka)
- Molex
- TE Connectivity
- Altech
- ABB
- WAGO
For more information about terminal blocks check out resources from manufacturers like ABB and Marathon. Have a question? Contact bisco’s customer support team anytime.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
Circuit breakers act as automatic switches that prevent damage from spikes in electrical current or the incorrect flow of electrical current (short circuit). Circuit breakers do this by detecting irregularities in the flow of electricity, interrupting the current and then controlling the current arc. Interruption and containment of the electrical current (arc) can be accomplished through a variety of means including air pressure, and pressurized gas. While they perform the same function as fuses, circuit breakers can sustain repeated use as long as they are reset. An everyday example of a circuit breaker is a standard power strip. Like their commercial counterparts, power strips prevent power surges from damaging connected devices by switching off the flow of electricity. Key variations to keep in mind when selecting a circuit breaker include voltage range, current rating, and type (low voltage, magnetic, etc.).
Common Circuit Breaker Applications
- Solar Installations
- Commercial lighting
- Data centers
- Oil rigs
- Aircraft
Circuit Breaker Manufacturers
The circuit breaker marketplace is extremely competitive but a few of the top players include:
- ABB
- Schneider Electric
- Altech
- Eaton Bussmann
- Phoenix Contact
Looking to learn more about circuit breakers? Check out free this 20 minute training courtesy of ABB.
This blog is part of bisco industries’ weekly blog series, What is it Wednesday?, which focuses on providing foundational product knowledge to procurement professionals. Click subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news from bisco industries.
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