Views: 90 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-06-16 Origin: Site
Connectors and terminals are types of the electrical wire connectors that are used to end a cable, terminate it completely or connect it to any electrical system. They can be things like butt splices, ring terminals, fork terminals, wire caps, ferrules, pin terminals, etc.
In today's article, I am glad to take you through a detailed guide to help you understand about connectors and terminals, what are they, their differences, what to consider when choosing a terminal and connector, and any other necessary information you need to know related to this.
Generally, this is a useful electrical accessory and as it name suggest terminal is an endpoint. This accessory is made of a metal and sealed inside the plastic casing. Its acts just like a reusable endpoint to the conductor, so it is kind of a connector where someone can connect the circuits.
Further, Terminal has holes at two ends where you should insert the wire. Overall, the general purpose of the Terminal is connecting external and internal wiring of the power terminals and printed circuit boards.
This is a device which connects two devices to typically transmit an electric current or transmit signals. And there are two specific parts to a connector which is the connector and the plug-in. Basically, a connector is the component which electronic engineering technicians mostly come to contact with.
Connector is the general term, while terminal is a type of connector. Terminals are used in the electrical and electronic field and are also used to connect the outside and inside of printed boards, PCB circuit boards and power distribution cabinets.
The terminal range is also increasing, so their types are as well increasing. However, nut terminals, hardware terminals, spring terminals, among others, are widely used in PCB board terminals. Inthe power industry, there is exceptional terminal boxes, terminal blocks, double-layer, single layer, voltage, current etc.
Overall, Terminal belongs to the rectangular connector. On the other hand, connectors come in different types, such as circular connectors, rectangular connectors, stepped connectors, etc. Since their line connections are everywhere, they are utilized in a wide range of the applications.
The most used are electrical connectors used to typically connect the two electronic products with different components. However, connectors have various properties based on circumstances and conditions in which the user is using them.
Below are different considered features on terminal vs. connector:
Moisture or oil resistant
ESD shielded- the protection from an electrostatic discharge
Locked- it is held in the mechanism place, which prevents accidental breakage and movement
RFI or EMI - protection from radio frequency, interference or electromagnetic interference
Water resistant- a protection from the water damage because of dampness or splashes
Hermetically-sealed
Remember, the right connector tends to make your system lighter, smaller, and easier to you to handle. Therefore, reliable and right connector or terminal is the key. Below are top factors to when choosing a connector or terminal:
The material needed in connector housing can be a metal, plastic, etc. Choose the material wisely because it might impact weight, reliability, and cost. For example, you can consider plastics for disposable applications and limited reuse. And to some food industry processes, aggressively corrosive environments, stainless steel might be the perfect one.
Ensure you got a right number of the contacts and them which can carry all power demands of the application. So, the size and contact of your wire dictate the current-carrying ability of the contact.
Be sure that your connector will effectively stable in extreme and harsh environments.
In this case, ensure both connector and cable are compatible via defining cable assembly and raw cable.
Compare models for number of pins, pin size, and functionality. However, look carefully for details in every connector because the details become essential as current and voltage increases.
Determine whether the other functions should or can be added into the connector.
Check manufacturer IP rating for good sealing to water and dust at operating time frames and various depths.
Termination types
The temperature at which terminals will reach over normal service
Cross-section zone of your conductor
The number of conductors you want to connect together
Ask about delivery and service
Feed-through
Barrier strips
PCB mount
Terminals and connectors are different application which belongs to similar concepts. This manifestation is based on various applications, industries, locations, and products. With the above guide, you get a chance to understand the differences between Terminals and Connectors and any other important information you should know about these two electronic components.
