Screwless terminal

A screwless wiring or connecting terminal for electric conductors is disclosed. According to the invention, a clamping spring of the leaf type is secured in a housing such that it can be tensioned in ring- or hairpin-fashion. One end of the spring can be detented in a cocked position by a detent associated with the spring. A conductor can be clamped between the one end of the spring and the housing when one end of the spring is released. A terminal according to the invention has the advantage that the spring terminal can be supplied from the factory in a cocked position, so that it is not necessary for the customer to apply high forces to insert and clamp a conductor. Terminals according to the invention are particularly well-suited for use in equipment having a large number of terminals, such as electromagnetic switchgear.