Terminal(Contacts) Shapes and Styles

 

What is the reel and loose piece terminals ?

Reel and Loose piece terminals

Figure 1 shows loose piece and strip female crimp terminals. Both are crimp terminals. Loose piece terminals connect to a single interface point, prioritizing stability and reliability. Strip terminals come in a series or reel for multiple connections, emphasizing crimping efficiency. Both use mechanical crimping, securing the wire conductor within the terminal for a safe and stable electrical connection. Crimping requires specific wire sizes and stripping lengths. Proper crimp height and wire placement within the terminal are crucial. The loose piece terminal fits 20-24AWG wire; the strip terminal fits 14-18AWG. Both are used in automotive, connector, and wire harness applications.

 

Figure 2 illustrates various terminals, including ring, spade, U-shaped, pin, ferrule, and blade terminals. These are available with or without insulation. They are connected by insertion and crimping or soldering and crimping, using tools like crimpers or hammers. The applicable wire gauge depends on the terminal size. These are used in automotive, aerospace, and industrial electronics.

Blind crimping terminals

 

What are Blind crimping terminals ?

Blind crimping terminals are crimping unvisible to see the terminal positon ,  it is a hose crimping postion, you need to positrack the tab while insert wire insulation into the hose, then crimping.

It is metal connectors commonly used for electrical connections. Typically made of aluminum or copper, often with an insulating boot, they join wires and conductors through crimping or soldering, enabling current and signal transmission. These terminals are available as insulated or non-insulated (bare) versions, catering to various current ratings and applications. The choice of terminal type depends on the specific needs of the application and the operating environment. Blind crimping terminals offer ease of installation and reliable performance, making them widely used in electronic devices, telecommunications, and various other industries. Their versatility and safety contribute to their widespread adoption.

 

 

Why are they called “Blind crimping” ?

 

Blind crimping terminals encompass ring, spade, U-shaped, pin, ferrule, and blade types. These terminals are connected without heat, using mechanical pressure at room temperature to crimp the wire to the terminal. The applied force deforms the terminal, creating a tight connection with the wire for secure signal and current flow. This cold-pressing method is simple and widely used in various electrical equipment and wiring systems due to its efficiency and ease of implementation. The absence of heat makes it safer and more versatile compared to soldering methods.

 

What are the quick connect terminals (250, 187, 110) ? Why are they called “quick connect”?

 

Quick connect terminals, including push-in, spring cage, and blade types, offer easy and fast wire termination. Their primary advantage is the ability to be repeatedly inserted and removed, enabling rapid connection and disconnection of wire signals and current, which improves work efficiency and simplifies maintenance and replacement. This “plug-and-play” functionality streamlines the process of connecting and disconnecting circuits.

 

The 250, 187, and 110 designations refer to specific sizes and models of quick connect terminals, all of which are straight, push-in types, typically made of brass with PVC, nylon, or rubber insulation depending on the application environment. 250 terminals are suited for higher voltage or current applications (22-26AWG). 187 terminals handle medium voltage and current (22-24AWG). 110 terminals are for lower voltage and current applications (16-24AWG).

 

What are insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) ?  Hint: They can be directly inserted into PCB wafers.

 

Insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) eliminate the need for soldering. The terminal is inserted into the connector housing, and the stripped wire is then inserted, completing the connection through displacement of the insulation by the terminal’s specially designed contact blades. This creates a gas-tight connection. On PCBs, IDCs can pierce circuit board traces with minimal force to establish connections with other devices. IDCs offer repeatable connections, providing faster and more efficient connections than soldering, and facilitating easier replacement and maintenance.