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Electrical Component FAQs

RFI Filters, Terminal Blocks and Other Electrical Component Solutions

The following electrical component resources are for Curtis Industries, a professional electrical component manufacturer that creates standard and custom terminal blocks and EMI filters.  Our experienced engineers focus on quality to provide the best electrical components available. Curtis Industries is the leading electrical component manufacturer, producing parts with only the best materials and affordable solutions for your business.

Our engineering specialists are the finest electrical component manufactures in the industry. We create high quality terminal blocks, RFI power line filters, relay sockets, DIN rail blocks, PC board terminal blocks and liquid level controls. Curtis Industries’ reliable electrical components can be ordered in standard form or custom built to your exact specifications. Our custom terminal blocks are created to suit the specific needs of your machinery. We first design prototypes, then manufacture and test the line filters to ensure quality. Curtis Industries' experienced electrical component manufacturers provide the best, most cost effective EMI filters and custom terminal blocks on the market.

Curtis Industries produces many reliable parts for a variety of applications. Our dependable electrical components are manufactured for industrial, instrumentation, power supply, telecom, medical, commercial, appliances, machinery control, aerospace and military solutions. Curtis Industries patented technology and experience in many industrial applications provide innovative custom solutions for any business.

We have been manufacturing standard and custom electrical components for over 75 years. Curtis Industries is the most knowledgeable on RFI filters, custom terminal blocks and power line filters in the industry. Our expertise in electrical component manufacturing provides the highest quality components for your business solutions.

Unequaled expertise in electrical component engineering allows our specialists to precisely answer any questions you may have about our EMI filters, power line filters, or terminal blocks. View our frequently asked questions below to learn about our well-built custom electrical components.

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    RFI Filter, Terminal Block and Liquid Level Control Selection Guides

    Curtis Industries offers our customers comprehensive catalogs and selection guides to help you determine which type of component will best suit the needs of your electrical application. All of our electrical components and the corresponding diagrams are available for viewing in the catalogs. We also outline the specifications they meet.

    We have catalogs specific to each of our products including:

    • RFI Filters and Filters Selection Guide
    • Terminal Blocks and Selection Guide
    • 9000 Series Terminal Blocks
    • Liquid Level Controls

    Our Capabilities brochure clearly summarizes our manufacturing abilities, including custom work. It details the various types of electrical components we produce and gives a general overview of who we are and what we do. Curtis Industries ensures our customers make an informed decision.

    Curtis Industries is available to assist you in choosing the ideal electrical component you need to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently.

    EMI Filter
    Catalog

    electrical component resources

    EMI Filter
    Selection Guide

    electrical component resources

    Terminal Block
    Catalog

    electrical component resources

    Terminal Block
    Selection Guide

    European Terminal
    Block Catalog

    Liquid Level
    Controls Catalog

    electrical component resources

    Curtis/Tri-Mag
    Capabilities Brochure

    Curtis_Capabilities_Brochure_2018-02-20-Cover

    EMI Filter Application
    White Paper

    Healthcare Device
    EMC Design Guide

    Design Guide for Home Healthcare Devices_Page_1

    For more information on custom electrical components

    RFI Filter Questions

    Since no electronic equipment operates in total isolation, manufacturers must protect their own equipment from RFI noise produced by other devices functioning in close proximity or on the same power source. They are also responsible for making sure that their equipment does not transmit offending RFI noise, resulting in the malfunction of other devices.

    While our specific methods for creating custom molded electrical components can include horizontal and vertical injection, as well as vertical transfer and compression; the basic process works using the same core principle.  Curtis Industries builds our own stamping dies and metal components that will be used to create a custom mold for your component.  Then, we use one of our high temperature resins to complete the process.  Some of these filled and unfilled resins include:

    • PP (Polypropylenes)
    • PEI (Polyetherimide)
    • Various nylons
    • Thermoset resins

    The type of resin used will vary depending on what exactly is being made.  We have created high-quality custom molded electrical components from scratch for high profile companies and business in the medical, gaming, electronic, and even military fields.

    Radiated RFI is usually contolled by providing proper shielding in the enclosure of the equipment. Conducted RFI can be attenuated to satisfactory levels by including a power line filter in the system. The filter suppresses conducted noise leaving the unit, reducing RFI to aceptable levels. It also helps to lower the susceptibility of the equipment to incoming power line noise that can affect its performance.

    Consisting of a multiple-port network of passive components arranged as a dual low-pass filter, the RFI filter attenuates radio frequency current to pass through with little or no attenuation. Their function, essentially, is to trap noise and to prevent it from entering or leaving your equipment.

    RFI is conducted through a power line in two modes. Asymmetric or common mode noise occurs between the line and ground. Symmetric or differential mode is measured from line to line.

    An electrical or electronic device emits RFI in two ways:

    1. Radiated RFI is emitted directly into the environment from the equipment itself.
    2. Conducted RFI is released from components and equipment through the power line cord into the AC pwer line network of the building. This conducted RFI can affect the performance of other devices on the same network.

    Radio frequency interference (RFI) is the radiation or conduction of radio frequency energy (or electronic noise produced by electrical and electronic devices at levels that interfere with the operation of adjacent equipment. Frequency ranges of most concern at 10 kHz to 30 MHz (conducted) and 30 MHz to 1 GHz (radiated).

    Governments and safety agencies of major industrial countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, have established noise emission regulations that are focused on digital and other electronic equipment. The most important of these guidelines are FCC docket 20780 in the United States and VDE 0871 and VDE 0875 in Germany.

    FCC docket 20780 (Part 15, Subpart J) regulates the RF interference of electronic computing devices, defined as any electronic devices or system that generates and uses timeing signals or pulses at a rate in excessof 10,000 pulses (cycles) per second and uses digital techniques. This definition includes telephone equipment that utilizes digital techniques and any device or system that generates and uses radio frequency energy for the purpose of performing data-processing functions such as electronic computations, operations, transformations, recording, filing, sorting, storage, retrieval or transfer.

    FCC regulations are broken down into Class A computing devices marketed for use in commercial, industrial or business environments, and Class B devices intended for use in a residential environment.

    Verband Deutscher Electrontechniker (VDE), the Association of German Electrical Engineers, has established two guidelines on radio frequency interference, generally adhered to throughout Europe. VDE 0871 governs didital equipment generating a broad spectrum of energy in the 10 KHz to 1 GHz range. VDE 0875 applies to digital and non-digital equipment with low-frequency limits of 150 KHz.

    In addition to governmental regulations, safety agencies worldwide have established guidelines for all electrical/electronic components. These include UL, CSA, VDE and SEV. They are designed to protect against shock and fire hazard.

    Most electrical or electronic equipment can produce RFI. The most common sources include components such as switching power supplies, relays, motors and triacs, and equipment such as business computing devices, work processors, electronic printers, medical instrumentation, industrial controls, personal computers and electronic games.

    Only Curtis tests for quality and specification compliance, including insertion loss, on a 100% production basis. We employ a rigorous component qualification program and thorough incoming and on-line inspection procedures. And our computer-controlled 100% safety and performance testing to demanding customer requirements is your assurance of the highest quality RFI filters available today.

    PC Board Blocks Questions

    PC board blocks are typically installed and attached directly to the computer using a special tool called a soldering iron. They function as connectors and use a wide variety of innovative designs in order to ensure a sturdy, secure connection that is meant to last. Some of these standard designs include screw connections, IDC fast connection, and push in technology. PC blocks are considered to be a standard computer component, and due to their vital importance as connectors it is extremely vital that only quality PC components like products by Curtis Industries should be used.

    PC Board Terminal Blocks are an assembled collection of computer components that attach directly to the computer’s main circuit board.  Their sole purpose is to function as a centralized system of connectors.  They can pose as outlets for a wide variety of different components depending on their intended purpose; but typically they connect and transmit signals, data streams, and power sources to the machine.

    Cheap and generic PC blocks produced in mass quantities may work, for a while. However, whenever these inferior products start to give you problems (and they will cause problems), repairs can often be a headache.  Large quantities of time is wasted during the troubleshooting process, while meticulously tracking down the faulty connection, and eventually out of sheer frustration many people find themselves replacing the entire PC Board Block with a Curtis Industries product anyways.

    Liquid Level Temperature and Process Controls Questions

    Liquid level temperature controls can encompass a wide range of devices that usually have adjustable sensitivity levels. Some of these include shut-off switches or valves.

    The specific type of fluid level control device that will be best for you ultimately depends on the specific conditions involve in the industrial process as a whole.  Currently some of the industry’s preferred liquid level temperature and process gadgets include:

    • Probes
    • Electronic emitters and data interpreter combos
    • Regulatory valves

    These devices, while they may appear to be menial, can actually eliminate the potential for human error and divert valuable labor towards industrial processes that require higher levels of attention to detail.

    Liquid level temperature and process controls utilize both mechanical and electronic technology in order to stop, start, and regulate certain properties using the properties of a specific liquid.

    Custom Molded Electrical Components Questions

    While our specific methods for creating custom molded electrical components can include horizontal and vertical injection, as well as vertical transfer and compression; the basic process works using the same core principle. Curtis Industries builds our own stamping dies and metal components that will be used to create a custom mold for your component. Then, we use one of our high temperature resins to complete the process. Some of these filled and unfilled resins include:

    • PP (Polypropylenes)
    • PEI (Polyetherimide)
    • Various nylons
    • Thermoset resins

    The type of resin used will vary depending on what exactly is being made. We have created high-quality custom molded electrical components from scratch for high profile companies and business in the medical, gaming, electronic, and even military fields.

    We often get asked what it is that sets us apart from our competitors when it comes to producing high quality, custom molded, electrical components. Curtis Industries is unique in the sense that we don’t produce cheap, mass produced, one size fits all components. Rather we custom build our molds and use high quality resins to create components that are insulated against electricity and designed with your specifications in mind. Unlike our competitors we actually spend a great deal of time with our customers. We continually work consult and verify every square inch of the design process with you before we begin production. We understand that custom molded electrical components are not cheap, but with Curtis Industries you get what you pay for. With us, you can be guaranteed that you will have the perfect component before we start production.

    Innovative Engineering Solution Videos

    Hi, I’m Steven Powers, President of Curtis Industries. I’m here to introduce the first in a series of 3 videos on engineered solutions for terminal block applications. This first video will show the design challenge our custom engineering team faced when a global 100 company needed to convert its Network Integrated Services (NIS) routers from AC input to a DC power interface. The second video will present the solution, and the third video will show you how that solution was implemented.

    Curtis Industries makes Terminal Blocks, EMI/RFI filters, and related electrical components for a variety of industries. Filter Networks, a division of Curtis Industries provides similar products and services for the US Military.

    One particular customer posed a major challenge to us recently. They needed to convert the AC power input module used on their NIS routers to a DC power interface. In addition, the new interface could not be any larger than the AC power module. Further, the project had to meet strict international safety and environmental compliance standards. The customer solicited bids from 12 different companies, 11 of them said no to the project. They either would not, or could not even bid on it. Curtis embraced the challenge.

    The DC power interface module required a 3-terminal, 40 amp DC power input connection with a signal-level power switch and a LED indicator. That part was easy. The hard part was fitting all this into the same 36mm x 58mm footprint of the power entry module used on the AC version. Technical and environmental requirements were a challenge.

    The terminals had to accept standard 8 gage wires with lugs and had to be finger safe. In addition the design had to meet UL, CSA, IEC and CCC safety requirements. An environmental or green compliance required multiple certifications at all levels on the supply chain. But more on that during our 2nd video in this series. It’s no wonder no one else wanted to bid on the project. But this is the kind of task that Curtis Industries thrives on. We love a challenge.

    Whether developing a new power input to fit in a tiny space or customizing an EMI filter for extreme insertion laws, Curtis engineers examine the problem, offer innovative solutions, create prototypes, test it to meet all technical requirements, and then we manufacture your products exactly to your specifications. Now, join us for the second video in our series to learn how we solved this seemingly unsolvable problem.

    ISO 9001:2015 Certified Electrical Component Manufacturing Quality Management System

    Curtis Industries Adheres to Quality Standards

    Curtis Industries is proud to be an ISO 9001:2015 certified electrical component manufacturer. Having an ISO 9001:2015 certification is a sign of quality products and practices. The ISO 9001 scope of endorsement includes all aspects of the design, manufacturing and distribution of Curtis Industries products including:

    The ISO quality policy is understood and implemented by all of our employees.

    The ISO certification symbolizes our dedication to surpassing the expectations of our customers, while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements for our products.

    Curtis Industries routinely performs internal audits to ensure our ISO quality management system is working and effectively delivering on all of our quality promises. Using feedback from advisory groups and professionals, like Curtis Industries, who have implemented the ISO procedures, the ISO 9000 standards are continually evolving, and putting our consumer’s best interests first.

    What does it mean to be ISO Certified?

    The International Organization for Standardization, commonly referred to as ISO, is an entity that provides a standardized form of documentation in order to verify the quality of a business’s performance.  ISO seeks to create a set level of quality control in order to effectively prevent false, misleading, or otherwise faulty advertising.  It provides concrete proof of commitment to excellence in all areas of business.  In order for an organization to become ISO certified, they first must qualify by meeting a set of set guidelines, which is followed by the application process, and then the business in question must pass various audits performed by an ISO certified board.   After the application is approved and all audits have been successfully passed, the company will then receive a three year ISO certified stamp of approval.

    What are the Benefits of ISO Certification?

    The goal of ISO certification is to help businesses achieve lower operating costs by achieving maximum efficiency, help companies comply with all legal requirements, and give the business a higher level of trust amongst consumers who recognize the ISO seal of approval.  It shows that the business is committed to quality, and willing to go the extra mile above and beyond what is expected of them. In addition, because each business has to recertify every 3 years, this ensures that they stay up to date and maintain the same level of quality throughout.  Also, ISO certification is recognized by most major industrialized countries worldwide, making it able to be recognized across national borders.

    Why Use an ISO Certified Electronics Company?

    According to the ISO website, in order for a company to be properly certified it must:

    “Demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.”

    Because of this, you can be guaranteed that each, and every electronic component we produce will never vary in quality.  We don’t take shortcuts, use inferior raw materials, or try to pinch costs by trimming down the manufacturing process.  Instead, we take a great sense of pride in our certification, and will go to all costs to ensure that our company keeps it.  We utilize all feedback given to us by the ISO board, and actively use criticism to improve our business continually.

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