FAQ Guide for Wire Terminals

DIFVAN, wire terminals manufacturer focused on wire terminals and connectors more than 15 years, have rich experiences in design and producing kinds of wire terminals.

Nowadays, with many technology related innovations, as we create ways using electronics and or mechanics to come up with a comfortable way of living, we also get innovative enough to develop tools and devices that help us to do so. wire Terminals also have a great innovation to fit different electric components.

Dealing with electrical structures should be handled with caution to prevent electrical failures that could eventually lead to fires and other property damages. Today, electrical structures and designs are made more convenient with easy wire wire terminal ends connections. As a 20 years wire terminals manufacturer, DIFVAN is specialized in varies kinds of wire terminals. in this article we will talk about some FAQ related with the wire terminals:

Thankfully, nowadays there are numerous tools and devices  that are now made available like electrical terminal wire connectors. These are used to join electrical terminations and create an electrical circuit. Here let’s talk about the wire terminals together:

Which kind of packing of wire terminals can you supply?

1. Wire Terminals in OEM bag packing

DIFVAN normal packing for all wire terminals is 100 pcs per bag.

You can choose neutral packing without the logo in the bag and cartons.

Most customers choose to make their own brands for the label, meaning OEM packing.

If you are a terminal reseller or you have an electric shop, looking for a terminal supplier in China, or you’re in need of OEM bag packing, DIFVAN will be your best choice.

Just send your brand and logo to us, we will design a label for you for all kinds of wire terminals.

2. Wire Terminals in OEM box packing & blister card/ shrink packing

OEM box packing can also be sold in the electric shop and super electric market.

If your customer wants to buy all terminals in kits, sometimes with tools, to make wire connection easier and convenient, DIFVAN OEM terminals box packing will solve all your problems.

DIFVAN wire terminal kit can be DIY per your customers’ different requirements, a different type of wire terminals mixed together like 240pcs or 360 pcs wire terminals.

OEM blister card & shrink packing is also very popular.

For example, box packing in the electric shop and super electric market.25 pcs quick splice terminals or 5 pcs copper ring lugs can be packed in different sizes of blister card or shrink card.

No matter what kind of packing for wire terminals, DIFVAN can DIY for you.

What Certificate do you have for Wire Terminals?

DIFVAN factory passed ISO9001 quality management system according to GB/T 19001-2008 standard.

All wire terminals conform to the CE low voltage directive EN 60947-1:2007.

Also, they are environmentally protected under SGS and ROHS test.

How do the wire terminals work?

DIFVAN wire terminals have a wide range of uses.

Different wire terminals are used in different place.

All wire terminals can be used for high power transistor switch module, circuit breaker, socket, PCB boards, automotive aftermarket lights and DC motors in cars and aircraft controls.

These electronic components and devices sometimes must be connected to a plug and socket connectors or terminal blocks.

But individual screw terminals and fast on or quickly to disconnect terminals are more common when connecting to a bare soldering wire.

DIFVAN wire terminal can be divided into blade terminal, screw terminal, twist-on wire connectors, and crimp-on connectors.

1. Blade Terminals

Blade terminals including FDD series Male and Female Disconnects, FDFD Fully Insulated Female Disconnects, FRD Bullet Male and Female Disconnects, PBDD Piggy Back Disconnects and LBV Lipped Blade Terminals.

In all these kinds of blade types, the flat copper conductive blade is inserted into another blade receptacle (which mean a pair, male and female type).

There’s a wire attached to the male blade connector and female blade receptacle.

After the male blade inserted into the female blade receptacle, the voltage can get through.

In some cases, the blade is an integral part of an electric component (such as a switch or a speaker unit). Only to push the female blade receptacle onto the male blade to form a connection.

2. Screw Terminal

Screw terminal including Ring Terminals and Spade Terminals (also known as eyelet terminals and fork terminal.

Screw terminals are connected by passing a screw or a bolt through the ring or spade electrical contact surface mechanically.

Ring terminals are only connected by screw or bolts if you need to change the connecting configuration and all screws should be removed.

But for spade terminals that are partially screwed in, it is convenient to form a factor that facilitates connections.

There is no need to remove all screws, just make the screw a little loose.

This way, ring terminals can be fixed wires that are better than spade terminals.

But spade terminals are more convenient and are used widely.

3. Twist-on wire connectors

The twist on wire connectors is frequently used in low-voltage power circuits for wires from # 22 AWG up to about #10 AWG in size.

In North American, people use the twist on wire connector in electrical boxes which are easier to install than the obsolete soldering and taping wires.

4. Crimp-on connectors

Crimp on connectors include Pin Terminals, Cord End Terminals, Twin Cord End Terminals, Lipped Blade Terminals, and Closed-End Wire Connector.

Insert wires to these terminals, then crimp the terminals by a crimping tool to form a connection.

5. T-tap Scotchlok Connectors

With DIFVANT-tap Scotchlok Connectors, there is no need to strip the wires.

Simply insert the existing wire into the splice along with your second wire, snap shut-solid on the metal insert with standard pliers, then close the insulating flap.

A permanent connection will be done without soldering.

How to Choose the Correct Wire Terminal Size for your using?

Their sizes can be determined by the size of the conducting wire AWG and the screw/bolt diameter size designation.

1. Blade Terminals

Size of blade terminals can be decided by the conducting wire AWG(or mm²), NEMA tab size (including tab width and tab thickness).

For example DIFVAN item number FDD1.25-250 female disconnects, wire range is 0.5-1.5mm² means 22-16AWG, Tab size is 0.8×6.35 mm ( means can be connected tab thickness 0.8mm, blade width can be 6.35mm), while the insulation PVC is red in color. These FDD1.25-250 female disconnects work together with MDD1.25-250(male disconnects) as a pair.

2. Screw Terminal

Size of blade terminals can be decided by the conducting wire AWG(or mm²) and screw hole size or stud size.

For example: DIFVAN item number RV5.5-6 insulated ring terminals.

The conductive wire range is 4-6mm²meaning 12-10AWG, stud size1/4 means it can fix a screw hole of 6.4mm.

The standard color is yellow and max current is 48A.

3. Twist-on wire connectors

Size of a twist on wire connectors is decided by the wire sizes and how many wires will be twisted into the connector.

For example: DIFVAN item number SP4 yellow wire nut and wire range is 22-10 AWG.

This way, wire through size can be max 2 piece of #12 wires and 2 pieces of #14 wires. Minimum size is 3 pieces #20 wires.

Wing nut wire connectorsare also the same with single wing nuts.

4. Crimp-on connectors

Size of a twist on wire connectors is decided by the wire sizes which will be inserted into the connectors.

For example: DIFVAN item number CE2 closed end connectors, wire range 22-16 AWG means wire size is 1.5-2.5mm2, the wire cannot be inserted if the size is larger than 2.5mm².

Also, please pay more attention to the tube inside, because there are copper and aluminium types.

Vinyl wire terminals/ Nylon wire terminals/ and heat shrink wire terminals-  Which One Do You Need?

Wire terminal connectors are devices designed to make electrical connections possible. It is usually the point at which a conductor from a component, device or network comes to an end.

Wire Terminals may also refer to an electrical connector at this endpoint, acting as the reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected. These wire terminal ends come in different shapes and sizes depending on other tools and components.

These are electromechanical devices that can be used for primarily insulation displacement connectors, there are splice or butt connector types that permanently join two lengths of wire or cables. With these devices, it also help prevent unwanted electrical failures and mishaps.

This type of device comes in many different shapes and sizes depending on the size of the wire and screw. Several types of wire terminals include:

• Ring
• Spade
• Hook
• Bullet

Dealing with electrical structures should be handled with caution to prevent electrical failures and other hazards that could eventually lead to fires and other property damages.

Thankfully, nowadays there are numerous tools and devices  such as wire terminals that are now made available in insulated types to help prevent unwanted electrical failures and mishaps.

It also helps in making the electrical structures and designs more convenient with easy wire connections. We hope that in this article, you will be able to learn some types of wire connectors and how to use them. Choosing the right one is vital for any purpose and installation.

There are varieties of wires and cables as well as wire and cable insulations. Insulated wire or cable consists of non-conductive material or some other kind of material that is resistant to an electric current. It surrounds and protects the wire and cable inside.

How do you use the right wire terminal connector?

Each wire connector can be used for a specific purpose, and they must be only used according to what purpose they best fit. Do not use tools in places that they are not intended to be used.

Determining which terminal is best for your particular application is often a difficult task. One of the most confusing parts is the wide variety in insulation types. There are:

• non-insulated terminals
• vinyl insulated terminals
• nylon insulated terminals
• heat shrink insulated terminals.

To make matters worse, within the heat shrink terminals there are crimp seal, solder seal and crimp & solder seal options. In hopes of making things simpler, here are some pros and cons of each.

What are non-insulated wire terminals?

Non insulated terminals and insulation for auto electrical, marine and motorcycle wiring repairs or loom assembly. These wire terminals can be crimped using our Non-Insulated Terminal Crimp Tools or most types can be soldered.

Non-insulated crimp terminals and connectors in a range of types and sizes to suit various applications. Includes terminals for multi-way connectors.

It is often used for applications where insulation is not needed. Some people prefer this over the other types because it is usually the least expensive option.

This non-insulated wire terminals can handle high temperatures as high as 340° F and other non-insulated wire connector options can handle up to 900° F

People prefer this also because the crimp point is visible so they can see if they’ve made a good connection.  you can also solder or add heat shrink to create a better or sealed connection.

It should be noted that for this type of wire terminal, it has no insulation so they should not be used in places where they could come in contact and  short other exposed or non insulated wire terminals. Some of the high temp or heavy duty options require significant force or special tools to crimp. And lastly, using  these means that the connections are not sealed so they can be prone to corrosion. If only crimped, they can be prone to wires pulling out.

What are Vinyl Wire Terminals?

Wire terminal suppliers offers wide selection of vinyl Insulated Terminals. These are commonly used in home security, electronics, automotive electrical, and many other areas.

This type of insulation is available in different kinds of wire terminal connectors such as:

• vinyl butt connectors
• vinyl ring terminals
• vinyl spade terminals,
• vinyl male and female disconnect terminals and
• vinyl hook terminals.

Wide selection of options for this type of wire is a great feature for installation jobs as well as it is easy to crimp.

Vinyl-insulated wire connectors are terminals that are used to connect, mate, or terminate electrical wire. The vinyl material acts as an economic insulation for professional electrical applications.

Vinyl insulation is great for automotive & marine vehicles, and in other applications that utilize wire to transfer electrical current.

Vinyl-insulated wire wire connectors are the most economical insulated terminal available and usually the cheapest insulated option that  is why it is commonly available. Its PVC insulation sleeve is securely fastened to the barrel.

The opening section of vinyl connectors often have a flared entry for easy wire insertion. Like most wires, it is available in standard industry color-coding that can indicate wire range. Vinyl insulated terminal are often rated 600 volts maximum for building wire and 1000 volts maximum for signs and fixtures.

Crimp area is not visible, so it can be hard to determine if a good crimp is achieved and using these do not guarantee sealed connection so they can be prone to corrosion and if it crimped only, wires can also be prone to pulling out.

What Are Nylon Insulated Wire Terminals?

Nylon, very flexible wire insulation, is usually extruded over softer insulation compounds. It serves as a tough insulation, exhibiting strong abrasion, cut-through, and chemical resistance.

Wide selection of options are available, and suppliers often offer a full selection of nylon insulated terminals including:

• nylon butt connectors
• nylon ring terminals
• nylon spade terminals
• nylon male and female disconnect terminals
• nylon hook terminals and
• nylon bullet connectors variants

What Are Heat Shrink Crimp Seal Wire Terminals?

This type of wire terminal connector has many product variants, but it is often available in  heat shrink butt splice and crimp connectors and ring terminals.

These are paired with  polyolefin heat shrink tubing with an adhesive melt liner for secure sealed connections.

To use them, simply crimp on the wire then shrink the tubing with a heat gun to permanently seal and protect your connection.

When heat is applied, the insulation shrinks of the electrical wire terminals and it creates a seal ideal to keep out water, salt, and contaminants.

There are other variants available for this type of of wire terminal such as:

• Solder-Loaded Heat-Shrink Ring Terminals which when heat is applied, the enclosed solder melts, creating the most secure, electrically conductive, and environmentally sealed connection.
• With Elongated Heat-Shrink Ring Terminals, the elongated ring can be mounted with a range of screw sizes.
• Fully Insulated Heat-Shrink Quick-Disconnect Terminalsallow the connection tab on these terminals is completely covered with insulation, leaving no metal exposed when mated.
• Heat-Shrink Spade Terminals apply heat to shrink the insulation and create a seal that keeps out water, salt, and contaminants.
• When heat is applied to Solder-Loaded Heat-Shrink Spade Terminal, the enclosed solder melts and the insulation shrinks, creating the most secure, electrically conductive, and environmentally sealed connection we offer.

This type is known as the most common heat shrink terminal. With its translucent insulation, it makes it easier to see if good connection has been made.

The heat shrink insulation is more flexible and abrasion resistant than vinyl or nylon. Its insulation provides a sealed connection to prevent corrosion.

The heat shrink insulation of the wire terminals with adhesive lining allows a connection that does not just rely on the crimp for strength, reducing the likelihood of wire pull out.

It is more expensive than nylon or vinyl terminals. Using this type of wire terminal requires additional tools either a heat gun or butane torch to install properly and shrink the wrap.

What Are Heat Shrink Solder Seal Terminals?

This type of wire terminal connector have solder seal in it. To use, heat these terminals to shrink the insulation once satisfied with the connection you’ve made. Heat shrinking the insulation creates a seal that keeps out water, salt, and contaminants.

There are other variants in this type such as: Fully Insulated Solder-Loaded Heat-Shrink Quick-Disconnect Terminals and  Insulated Solder-Loaded Heat-Shrink Quick-Disconnect Terminals.

The connection tab on Fully Insulated terminal type is completely covered with insulation, leaving no metal exposed when mated.

For Insulated Solder-Loaded, a plastic cover on the barrel provides electrical insulation.

With Heat Shrink Solder Loaded Wire terminal, the solder creates a stronger connection than crimp. It reduces or eliminates voltage drop across the connection. This type of wire terminals can sometimes be used in tight situations where there is no room for a crimp tool.

Heat Shrink insulation is translucent which makes it easier to see if you’ve made a good connection. Its insulation is more flexible and abrasion resistant than vinyl or nylon.

Heat shrink insulation provides a sealed connection to prevent corrosion and other contaminants. The insulation with adhesive lining creates a connection that does not just rely on the crimp for strength, it also reduces the chances of wire pull out.

But it is more expensive than nylon or vinyl terminals and is considered to be more difficult to use than crimp seal terminals. Aside from regular crimping tools, it requires additional tools to heat shrink the insulation. You may either use a heat gun or butane torch to install wire terminal properly.

What Are Heat Shrink Crimp & Solder Seal Terminals?

Heat Shrink Crimp & Solder Seal Terminals are more expensive than regular heat shrink terminals and is considered as more difficult to use than crimp seal terminals.

This type of wire terminal has limited options available. Aside from crimping, it requires either a heat gun or butane torch to install properly and heat shrink the insulation. Crimp & Solder wire terminals creates a stronger connection than just crimp because it reduces or eliminates voltage drop which is good for voltage sensitive sensor connections.

Its translucent insulation makes it easier to see if you’ve made a good connection and is more flexible and abrasion resistant than vinyl or nylon. The heat shrink insulation provides a sealed connection to prevent corrosion. The combination of crimp, solder, and adhesive lined insulation makes a connection that is stronger than the wire itself giving no risk of wire pull out. This type of wire is ideal when creating a permanent fix.

Conclusion:

We hope that you find this article as a guide to choosing which insulated wire terminal is needed for your wire connections.

Choosing the wrong connector for your design can cause a range of issues, from unwanted wire corrosion  to components catching fire, so understanding the different types of connectors that best fits the job is necessary.

As you can see from above, there are a variety of wire/cable insulation materials. Make sure you contact one of our wire/cable specialists to ensure your wire and cables have the proper insulation for the installation you are performing.

Wire terminals are often available in both insulated and non-insulated types. Determine which best fit depends on your project or usage. DIFVAN Wire insulation provides a protective cover serving as a non-conductor. Insulation protects the wire from exposure to moisture, like water, and as well as protects against extreme heat or cold.

Wire insulation is typically available in vinyl, nylon and heat shrink. Non-insulated terminals provide much more economic value with its low cost and also commonly used when extra protection is unnecessary.