How-To Guide  ·  Allen-Bradley Compact 5000 Accessories  ·  Removable Terminal Blocks

5069-RTB: Selection Guide, Installation, and Wiring for Compact 5000 Terminal Blocks

Part Number: 5069-RTB  ·  Compact 5000 Platform · Spring-Clamp & Screw-Type · Controllers & I/O Modules

1. What Is a Removable Terminal Block?

A removable terminal block (RTB) is a modular wiring connector that snaps onto the front of a Compact 5000 I/O module or CompactLogix 5380 controller. It provides the physical connection points where you land your field wires — sensor cables, actuator leads, power conductors, and signal returns. The RTB connects to the module through a set of internal pins and is held in place by a spring-loaded latch.

The key advantage of the removable design is separation of wiring from electronics. You can:

1. Pre-wire at a bench. Wire all field connections to the RTB before the module is even installed, then snap it on in seconds.
2. Swap modules without rewiring. If a module fails, pull the orange latch, slide off the RTB (with all wires intact), replace the module, and snap the RTB back on. No wire-by-wire reconnection.
3. Choose your connection style. Every RTB in the 5069 family is available in spring-clamp or screw-type. Use whichever your plant standard requires — the module doesn't care.

2. Catalog Number Breakdown

The 5069-RTB naming convention encodes the pin count and connection type:

Complete Catalog Number Reference

3. RTB Selection Guide: Which RTB for Which Module?

Use this table to determine which RTB to order for each 5069-series product. All modules require one RTB. Controllers require one RTB kit (which contains two blocks).

Controllers

Digital I/O Modules

Analog I/O Modules

Safety I/O Modules

Specialty Modules

4. Technical Specifications

All specifications below are sourced from Rockwell Automation publication 5069-PC005B-EN-P (February 2025) and 5069-TD001P-EN-P (March 2026).

Electrical Ratings

Wire and Termination Specifications

Note: For the 5069-OW16 relay output module only, use minimum 18 AWG, 105 °C rated wire for load connections to relay output modules.

5. Installing and Removing RTBs

Installing an RTB on an I/O Module

1. Verify the correct RTB. Confirm you have the right catalog number for your module (RTB18 for most modules, RTB14CJC for temperature modules).
2. Align the RTB with the module pins. Hold the terminal block with the wiring terminals facing outward. The block is keyed to fit only one way — align the top edge and pin holes with the module's pin header.
3. Press the RTB firmly onto the module. Push straight in until the orange release latch at the top clicks into the locked position. You will feel the pins seat.
4. Verify the latch is engaged. The orange latch should be flush against the module housing. If it is sticking out, the RTB is not fully seated — press harder until it clicks.

Installing RTB64 Kit on a Controller

CompactLogix 5380 controllers have two RTB positions on the top of the unit:

1. Identify the two RTB slots. The 4-pin RTB (MOD power) connects on the left side. The 6-pin RTB (SA power) connects on the right side. The slots are labeled on the controller housing.
2. Align and press each RTB into its slot. Each block is keyed and will only fit its designated position. Press firmly until the latch clicks.
3. Verify both latches are engaged. Both orange latches should be flush.

Removing an RTB

1. Power off the system. Disconnect all power sources.
2. Pull the orange release latch outward. The latch is at the top of the terminal block. Pull it straight out (away from the module face).
3. Slide the terminal block straight off. Pull the RTB away from the module. All wires remain connected to the RTB.
4. To reinstall, align the RTB with the module pins and press firmly until the latch clicks closed.

6. Wiring Best Practices

Wire Preparation

1. Strip the wire to the correct length. Spring-clamp RTBs: strip 10 mm (0.39 in.). Screw-type RTBs: strip 12 mm (0.47 in.). Too short and the wire won't seat properly; too long and bare copper may be exposed outside the terminal.
2. Use the correct wire gauge. All 5069 RTBs accept 22–16 AWG (0.5–1.5 mm²) solid or stranded shielded copper wire rated at 105 °C or greater.
3. Use ferrules on stranded wire (recommended). While not required, DIN-standard ferrules prevent stray strands from bridging adjacent terminals and provide a more reliable connection in both spring and screw terminals. Ferrules are standard practice in European and many North American industrial panels.
4. Single wire per terminal only. Do not wire more than one conductor into a single RTB terminal position. If you need to distribute a signal, use external terminal blocks or wiring distribution.

Spring-Clamp Wiring Technique

1. Push the orange release button on the terminal position using a small flat-blade screwdriver or the Rockwell spring-clamp tool. The clamp opens.
2. Insert the stripped wire straight into the terminal opening.
3. Release the button. The spring clamp grips the wire automatically. Tug gently to verify the wire is held securely.

Screw Terminal Wiring Technique

1. Loosen the screw on the target terminal position using a small flat-blade screwdriver.
2. Insert the stripped wire into the terminal opening beneath the screw plate.
3. Tighten the screw to 0.4 N·m (3.5 lb·in). Use a torque-controlled screwdriver if available. Under-torqued screws cause intermittent connections; over-torqued screws can damage the terminal or strip the wire.
4. Tug the wire gently to confirm it is held securely.

7. Spring-Clamp vs. Screw Terminal: Which to Choose?

Every RTB in the 5069 family is available in both spring-clamp and screw-type variants. The module itself is identical regardless of which RTB you use — the choice comes down to your application requirements and plant standards.

8. Controller Power RTB Wiring (RTB4 & RTB6)

CompactLogix 5380 controllers use two RTBs from the RTB64 kit: a 4-pin block for MOD (module) power and a 6-pin block for SA (sensor/actuator) power. Both must be wired for the system to operate.

MOD Power RTB (4-Pin)

The MOD power RTB supplies system power to the controller and passes it through to I/O modules via the internal bus. MOD power is 18–32V DC.

SA Power RTB (6-Pin)

The SA power RTB supplies field-side power that some I/O modules use to power sensors and actuators. SA power can be DC (0–32V DC) or AC (0–240V AC, 47–63 Hz) depending on the I/O modules in your system.

9. Alternative: 1492 Wiring Systems

Rockwell Automation also offers the Bulletin 1492 Wiring System as an alternative to point-to-point RTB wiring. Instead of wiring individual conductors to each RTB terminal, you use a pre-wired, pre-tested cable that connects the I/O module to a DIN rail-mounted interface module (IFM). Field wiring lands on the IFM's larger, more accessible terminals.

The 1492 wiring system is documented in publication 1492-TD018 and supports all Compact 5000 digital and analog I/O modules. Key benefits include:

1. Reduced wiring time. Pre-wired cables can be installed up to 30× faster than point-to-point wiring.
2. Zero wiring errors. Cables are factory-tested for 100% accurate connections.
3. Field-side diagnostics. IFM options include per-channel LED indication, blown-fuse indicators, and field-side fusing.
4. Simplified panel drawings. Drawings call out a cable catalog number and IFM instead of detailing every wire.

10. Troubleshooting RTB Issues

Most RTB-related problems are wiring issues, not RTB defects. Use this table to diagnose common symptoms.

11. Related Compact 5000 Guides

These guides cover the modules and controllers that use 5069-RTB terminal blocks:

Reference Documentation

The following Rockwell Automation publications were used as references for this guide. These are the official manufacturer documents for the hardware covered in this article.