Electronic – the correct name for a footprint that connects to a panel mount component

footprintpcbpcb-designterminology

Let's say you have a panel mount switch. When you create the footprint for this switch, you aren't creating it for the switch itself, rather, you are making a footprint with holes for the wires that will be run to the switch on the panel.

So what do you call a footprint that isn't for the component itself, but for wires that will run to the component? It's driving me nuts not having a way to refer to this.

I've been calling them "interfaces" but it's a stupid name and just a filler until I learn the correct word. What are these types of footprints called?

Best Answer

Use the most sensible name that will mean the most to most people. If the footprint connection is to a switch then call it SW1 or SW2 etc..

The switch is soldered to wires that connect to the circuit board so, it makes sense to provide meaning in the footprint name. If the panel switch is an SPST type you could even call it SPST1 or 2 etc..