Wire Terminals

Wire terminals are used on electrical components to make electrical wire connections. A wire terminal must have solid mechanical contact and good electrical contact to work effectively and to prevent damage to the conductors. Wire terminals are available in non-insulated and insulated designs. Non-insulated wire terminals are more cost-effective than insulated and can be used when extra protection is not necessary. Wire insulation is typically made of vinyl, nylon or heat shrink. It is used as a non-conductive cover for the wire and protects it from moisture and extreme temperatures. Three common types of wire terminals are: disconnect, ring and spade.

Disconnect terminals provide a reliable and convenient way to quickly connect and disconnect two wires using a male terminal on one end and complimentary female terminal on the other. They are ideal for applications that require the wires to connect and disconnect repeatedly. Many electronic devices and components have integrated disconnect connections to provide power and other signals. 

Ring terminals are used to connect or terminate a single wire. The round end of the ring terminal makes an electrical connection with the help of a stud or a screw. The ring terminal is positioned over the circuit point where the flat surface of the ring makes the electrical connection. The screw is inserted into the circuit point, while going through the center of the ring terminal, and tightened into place. 

Spade terminals or fork terminals are used to connect or terminate a single wire. The spade terminal makes an electrical connection with a screw, similar to a ring terminal, however, the open-ended spade terminal allows for a faster process because the screw can be left partially screwed in when the terminal is attached or removed.