Wire Terminals & Splices & connectors & Cold pressed terminal
From crimp ring terminals to bootlace ferrules and butt splices, we stock a wide range of electrical terminals and splices for use with varying wire types and sizes.

What are electrical terminals and splices?
Terminals and splices are types of connector that are mounted onto a wire. Together they can connect to a component to allow the electrical current to be used. Examples of wire terminals and splices include:

Ring Terminals /R-Terminals /O Terminals / Cold pressed terminal
Space Connectors
Splice Connectors
Butt Splice
Bootlace Ferrules
Fork Terminals
Screw Terminals

What is the difference between a terminal and a splice?
Splices are used to typically join two conductor ends together without a mechanical connection. Wire splices feature a metal insert which cuts into the plastic insulation of the wires and crimps them. Wire splicing using a s splice connector means you do not need to solder the joint.

Terminals are used to "terminate" a conductor mechanically by crimping or soldering to a component. Crimp terminals, like splices, provide a quick and easy connection, without the need for soldering.

Selecting a terminal
They are available in various shapes, materials and mounting types. There are also specific colour codes to them that designate the size. When choosing a terminal, here are some points to consider:

Receptacle size
Wire/cable size (AWG/mm²)
Termination method
Terminal orientation
Insulation type
Operating temperature
Terminal material

What is terminal insulation?
Terminals can be insulated with various materials, such as Nylon or vinyl. The type of insulation depends on the purpose of the application. Heat shrink insulation is popular in terminals because it provides protection from moisture and corrosion. Nylon is also a popular insulation choice as it is easy to use and requires a simple crimping process.

Non-insulated terminals are also available and are a cost-effective option. However, they do not offer the same level of protection and would need to suit the chosen application.

What are crimp connectors?
A crimp is an electrical connection which is formed by reshaping the wire. It is sometimes referred to as a cold welding. Crimping is used to terminate a wire and to attach a connector, such as a ring terminal. Crimping is achieved using a crimp tool. There are various levels of crimping and a well-performed crimp can provide a seal around the wire which prevents moisture getting in. This enables the connection to last longer and avoid corrosion.

Automotive Connector Terminals

Automotive connector terminals are standardised wire connectors made to provide a quick and simple connection point for one or more wires together to create robust and functional cable solutions. Different securing methods can be used for specific applications and across different industries. Quick latch connections for terminals that may need frequent maintenance or are often connected and disconnected or screw down terminals for a more long-term and robust application whilst still allowing flexibility in their use and reliability every time.

Electrical connectors used in applications such as cars, motorcycles and motorhomes have to be durable and reliable as they are most commonly used in parts of a vehicle that are exposed to the elements and excessive wear. Typically, automotive connector terminals are very well sealed against dust ingress and moisture, and usually have a high degree of heat resistance. Due to the excessive vibration of being installed in a vehicle, these connectors will often have secure locking systems built into the plug and socket to prevent unwanted disconnect.

Termination Types

Terminal blocks may use a variety of methods to achieve a robust and reliable wire connection.

Spring clamps

Spring clamp connections simply use the pressure of a spring to press down and retain the wire in place. Spring clamps are useful in applications using small wire diameters without the need for high strength connections as well as for use in a limited working space where screwing terminals down may be difficult.

Screw clamps

Similar to a spring clamp, use pressure to hold a wire in place but can achieve greater clamping pressure with the use of a screw to tighten the clamp over the wire. This method of electrical connection is the most classic and industry-standard termination method. This type can accommodate a very wide range of wire sizes and provides a reliable connection.

Insulation displacement connections (IDC) are a simple and easy connection method that is achieved by pushing the wire between two sharp pieces of metal, that can break the outer sheathing to allowing a connection to be made without exposing any bare wire.

Applications

Automotive connector terminals come in both pre-insulated and non-insulated forms and are suitable for use in a wide range of both commercial and industrial applications. Whether its connecting a fuse, a battery terminal or even a vehicle sensor, our range of terminals allow for easy often modular applications at a range of voltages both high and low. Terminal kits can be a great way to ensure you have a range of terminal sizes suitable for almost any situation big or small.

The role and core of Automotive connector

If understand the Automotive connector terminals , we have to first know what it is and what is its function ?

Automotive connector terminals is a kind of thing that electronic engineering and technical personnel will often come into contact with during work and study. It has a very large effect, but it is also very simple to use.

Generally, it is used more in the circuit, and it will be used in the circuit. When used, it forms a kind of blocking and forms a bridging process between circuits that are no longer energized, just like a bridge. After the link is connected, the current can be connected and used, and the circuit can be realized.

However, when using, there are a lot of changes in the plug-in form and structure of the car connector, which can be said to be ever-changing, but the general car connector is composed of several basic circuits.

These circuits are contacts and shells, but the materials of the shells are different because of the different conditions of use, and there are many varieties, so the appearance and materials of the shells are also different, and there are insulators and some accessories and so on.

What is the contactor?

In the automotive connector system, there is a component that is very close to the core called the contact, which is mainly the main device that completes the electrical connection. When making contact, it is a thing composed of positive contact and invisible contact. Among them, the shape of the male contact piece only needs to have such a shape, which are cylindrical, square cylindrical and flat, and its constituent materials are mainly brass and phosphor bronze, and so on.

The female contact is also called the jack of the car connector. This part is a very important key part for the car connector.

When it is used, it mainly depends on this part to work. The female contact is connected when it is connected. Rely on its own elastic structure and when the pins are inserted, the elastic force is generated due to the effect of elasticity and a kind of intimate contact with the male contacts is completed, so as to complete the overall link, but the structure of the female connector is still very diverse. Yes, there are cylindrical and tuning fork shapes, and there are longitudinally slotted cantilever-shaped female connectors. These are shapes that are often used in daily life.

About the shell of the car connector,

we also call it a shell or sheath. The use of the shell/sheath is an external protection in the car connector, and it is also provided to insulate the mounting board and the pins. A firm protection. This mechanical protection can prolong the service life of the car connector. It can also help the alignment when the plug and the socket are combined. With its help, the connector can be directly fixed on the The equipment .