In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, electrical connections must be fast, safe, and reliable—without sacrificing space or performance. Phoenix Contact, a global leader in industrial automation and connection technology, has pioneered a range of Push-in Technologies, culminating in the revolutionary Push-X.

This guide walks you through Phoenix Contact's key Push-in connection solutions—each one engineered to meet different wiring needs.

Standard Push-in Technology - Top Connection (PT)

Phoenix Contact's original PT terminals use a specially formed spring that allows direct insertion of solid or ferruled conductors without tools. The spring opens automatically upon insertion and securely clamps the wire.

Key Features:

  • Tool-free insertion for solid or ferrule-tipped wires.

  • Spring design ensures strong, gas-tight connection.

  • Manual release via push button or tool.

  • Wire size: 0.25 mm² to 185 mm² (AWG 24 to 350 MCM).

With Push-in connection technology, you can connect conductors from 0.25 mm² easily – both directly and without tools. The special terminal block contact spring enables up to 50% lower insertion force. Other features include the high contact quality and high conductor pull-out forces. Push-in technology is available for conductor cross-sections up to 185 mm².

Standard Push-in Technology - Lateral Connection (PTV)

The PTV terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact have a lateral Push-in connection. The connection combines the lateral conductor routing of a screw connection with the tool-free direct connection technology of a Push-in connection. The terminal blocks therefore combine the advantages of both connection technologies. This ensures clear and fast wiring without bending radii.

Advantages Over Top-Entry Terminals:

  • Neater cable organization along horizontal ducting.

  • Improved legibility of terminal markings.

  • Easier access in tight spaces or shallow panels.

Push-X Technology: The Next Evolution

Push-X is Phoenix Contact’s most advanced connection technology, designed for ultra-fast, tool-free connection of all conductor types, including very fine-stranded wires without ferrules.

Unlike traditional push-in terminals that require insertion force, Push-X is preloaded and triggered upon contact, making it ideal for automated wiring and ultra-fast assembly.

Key Features:

  • Spring-loaded: Activates with minimal contact force.

  • Zero insertion force for all conductors - even without ferrules.

  • Audible "click" and visual indicator for positive feedback.

  • Enhanced vibration and gas resistance.

The XT terminal blocks with Push-X technology enable easy connection of rigid and flexible conductors with or without ferrules. Even small and flexible conductors can be clamped quickly and easily with the pretensioned contact chamber. Simply insert the conductors to the end of the chamber. Pressing down the locking mechanism at the end of the chamber releases the contact spring and snaps it shut rapidly. The XT terminal blocks are initially available with a nominal cross-section of 2.5 mm².

So why choose Phoenix Contact Push-In Technologies?

From basic terminal blocks to high-speed automation solutions, Phoenix Contact's Push-in connection technologies meet a wide range of industrial needs. Whether you’re wiring a simple control panel or designing for robotic assembly lines, there’s a Push-in variant tailored for your workflow.

  • Speed Up Assembly: Save up to 50–80% on wiring time.

  • Tool-Free Convenience: Most versions don’t require tools—ideal for quick changes.

  • Future-Ready: Push-X enables true automation compatibility.

  • Reliability: All variants offer vibration-proof, gas-tight connections.

Push-In and Power On...


Ready to upgrade your connection system? Explore the Push-X and Push-in family to reduce wiring time, eliminate tools, and ensure secure, maintenance-free connections.