Circuit Board Accessories

Discover the Best Circuit Board Accessories & Where to Buy Them in the UK

Why the Right Circuit Board Accessories Matter

When you're building or repairing electronics, the tiny extras — like corner pads, splitters, and mounting accessories — make a big difference. They’re the unsung heroes that keep your circuit boards stable, prevent shorts, and make connections easy to manage. Whether you’re soldering up a prototype in your garage or replacing components in a finished product, choosing the right accessory can save time, reduce frustration, and help avoid costly mistakes. Think of them as the finishing touch on a good recipe: the difference between “works” and “works well.”

Key Products to Know: Splitters and PCB Pads

Two categories that pop up again and again are wire splitters and PCB corner pads. A reliable wire splitter lets you feed power or signals to multiple points without complicated wiring. PCB corner pads, on the other hand, protect the board edges, provide mounting points, and can help absorb vibration. If you’re new to electronics, these parts might sound minor, but they’re essentials in almost every build — from LED lighting projects to hobbyist robotics and home automation.

Click Flow 4 Pin Splitter 20A — CT350

The Click Flow 4 Pin Splitter 20A (CT350) is a great example of a straightforward, high-current splitter commonly used in lighting and power distribution projects. Rated for 20 amps, it’s the kind of part you grab when you need to split a power feed into two or more branches without bulky solder joints. It’s especially handy for LED downlight installations where neat, reliable connectors speed up installation. Always double-check that the rating matches your application so you don’t overload the connector and risk heat or failure.

Integral L-Shape Corner PCB Pads — ILSTAA301 & ILSTAA302 (Pack of 5)

Integral’s ILSTAA301 and ILSTAA302 L-shape corner PCB pads come in small packs — typically five per pack — and are intended to reinforce board corners and provide tidy mounting points. These pads reduce stress at board edges and make it easier to secure boards in enclosures or frames. If you’ve dropped a board or noticed cracks around screw holes, these pads can prolong the life of your PCBs. Think of them as little bumpers that protect both the board and the electronics mounted on it.

Where to Buy: Shops Featured and Trusted UK Retailers

If you’re hunting for the parts above, a few specialist retailers and general electrical stores in the UK are go-to options. The HTML data shows items stocked by stores like Downlights and Expert Electrical, and there are also well-established electronics distributors and tool suppliers across the UK that carry similar accessories. Below I’ll walk through each store type and what you can expect in terms of stock, service, and product selection.

Downlights — More Than Just Lighting Gear

Downlights retailers often stock more than just bulbs and fixtures. Because LED lighting projects demand connectors, splitters, and mounting accessories, many lighting specialists carry parts like the Click Flow CT350 splitter and PCB support pads. If you’re working on a lighting retrofit or building a custom panel, a downlight-focused shop can be surprisingly convenient: they understand LED current requirements and can help you avoid mismatching parts. Plus, they tend to have practical, installation-minded advice if you ask.

Expert Electrical — Specialist Parts for Installers

Expert Electrical tends to cater to electricians and installers, which means their inventory often includes high-quality connectors, cable management, and PCB accessories. The Expert Electrical listing for the Click Flow 4 Pin Splitter and Integral PCB pads reflects that installer-focused range. If you need robust connectors rated for higher current, or prefabricated parts that speed up an install, shops like this are worth checking. They usually supply items that meet trade standards and can advise on safe, compliant use.

RS Components — The Engineer’s Warehouse

RS Components is a staple for hobbyists and professionals alike. They stock a huge selection of connectors, boards, pads, mounting hardware, and related tools, often with detailed datasheets and fast shipping. If you need a specific part number or want to compare multiple brands side by side, RS is a dependable place to start. You’ll find options across price points and clear technical specs so you can choose the part with confidence.

Farnell and Rapid Electronics — Breadth for Projects Big and Small

Farnell and Rapid Electronics are two more excellent choices for PCB accessories. Farnell leans towards industrial and professional customers with large catalogs and global sourcing, while Rapid often has hobbyist-friendly packs and smaller quantities. Both are useful when your project needs a precise part or you want to browse alternatives by specification. They also carry complementary items like standoffs, heat-shrink, and crimp terminals — handy when finishing a build neatly.

CPC, Screwfix, and Other General Suppliers

CPC and Screwfix are more generalist suppliers but still worth a look. CPC bridges the gap between electronics and industrial supplies, offering a mix of connectors, cable accessories, and PCB fixings. Screwfix is handy for basic mounting hardware and electrical accessories, especially when you need a quick fix from a high-street store. For one-off installation items or when you want to pick up a few professional-grade accessories alongside your toolbox essentials, these retailers fit the bill.

How to Choose the Right Accessory for Your Project

Choosing the best accessory depends on three simple factors: electrical rating, mechanical fit, and the environment where the board will live. For electrical parts like the Click Flow CT350 splitter, match the amp rating to your maximum expected current, and give a safety margin rather than cutting it tight. For mechanical parts such as Integral L-shape pads, consider the board thickness and screw sizes you’re using — a pad that’s too thin won’t protect much, while one too thick can create stress when the board is tightened into an enclosure.

Compatibility Tips — What to Double-Check Before Buying

Before hitting “buy,” check connector pitch, wire gauge compatibility, and whether the part is designed for indoor or outdoor use. For splitters, confirm the pin layout matches your cable, and look at the insulation type if you’re working in a damp area. For PCB pads, inspect how they mount — adhesive or mechanical — and whether they’ll interfere with other components on the board. These few minutes of cross-checking save you from returns, rework, and solder-sweat down the line.

DIY Installation: Simple Steps for Splitters and PCB Pads

Installing a 4-pin splitter or adding corner pads is usually straightforward, but doing it cleanly matters. For splitters, strip the wire to the recommended length, tin the ends if solder is used, or use proper crimp terminals where specified. Make sure the insulation is seated so no bare conductor is exposed. When fitting L-shape PCB pads, align them at the corners and use the recommended adhesive or screw mounting method — a little patience with placement pays off when you assemble the final enclosure. Use gentle force so you don’t lift traces from the board.

Safety First: Handling High-Current and Sensitive Boards

Always respect current ratings and heat. A connector rated for 20 amps like the CT350 can carry significant power and will heat up if overloaded. Use fuses or breakers where appropriate and verify that your wiring and connectors are rated for the same current. For sensitive PCBs, take ESD precautions: work on an anti-static mat, wear a wrist strap if available, and keep metal tools clear of live boards. Protecting the circuitry is as much about handling as about the parts you choose.

Pricing and Finding the Best Value

Prices for similar accessories can vary widely between specialists and general suppliers. Bulk packs from electronics distributors often lower the cost per item, but trade shops and lighting specialists can offer convenience and local support. It’s worth comparing unit pricing, but also factor in shipping or collection options. Some retailers list “price lists” or product bundles that make it simple to see total cost for multiple items, which is handy when you’re sourcing everything for a single project.

Sustainable and Local Sourcing Options in the UK

Thinking sustainably? Look for UK-based suppliers who stock durable, reparable components and avoid disposable products. Buying locally reduces shipping distance and can shorten lead times when you need replacements. Many UK distributors now highlight eco-friendly materials or recyclable packaging. If repairability matters to you — and it often does — choose parts that are easily replaceable and avoid custom components that force you to scrap an entire board.

Where to Compare Prices and Check Reviews

Comparison sites and distributor catalogs are your friend when you want to weigh options. They let you line up datasheets, see customer reviews, and compare prices across vendors without opening ten tabs. For parts like the CT350 splitter or the Integral pads, reading buyer comments can reveal installation tips or compatibility surprises that specs alone won’t show. And remember, a part that’s perfect on paper still needs to fit your case and wiring layout in real life.

Useful Accessories to Pair with Your PCB Parts

Don’t forget the small stuff that makes installation neat: heat-shrink tubing, cable ties, standoffs, and thermal tape. For LED and lighting projects, grab inline fuses and IP-rated connectors if your setup will be exposed to moisture. When mounting PCBs, vibration-damping washers and rubber feet can prevent stress fractures over time. Consider a modest stock of common sizes so you’re not forced to make compromises on installation day.

Conclusion

Finding the right circuit board accessories in the UK is mostly about knowing where to look and what to check. Shops like Downlights and Expert Electrical provide targeted selections for installers, while distributors such as RS Components, Farnell, and Rapid give broad catalogs and technical details. Match parts like the Click Flow 4 Pin Splitter CT350 and Integral L-shape PCB pads to your project’s electrical and mechanical needs, take safety precautions, and favor suppliers who offer clear specs and honest reviews. With the right accessories, even a modest project can look professional and last longer — and that’s always a win.