Crimp Connectors

There are several options for connecting cables to component connections. In addition to direct soldering or the use of connectors, crimp connectors are often used. There are a variety of crimp connectors that cover different types of connectors.

Fixed cables with a single copper wire can be plugged directly or screwed by bending an eyelet. On the other hand, the strands of flexible wire cables must be bundled and fixed in place by means of crimp connectors to ensure a secure connection. The resulting connection at the end of the wire can now be plugged on or screwed on. Connections such as flat plugs even require flat-pin receptacles as a connection. These are often found in the automotive sector, for example.

Crimp connectors enable direct connection to components without a detour via terminal strips or plug systems. In contrast to solder connections, such connections can also be dissolved quickly and without residues.

Crimping is carried out with special pliers, called crimping pliers. These are designed for different crimp connectors. There are also universally applicable pliers, in which only the use matching the respective crimp-type connector has to be changed. Do not crush with conventional combination pliers or even side cutters. This will not result in a secure crimping, the connectors could become loose or damaged. In use, this could lead to dangerous connection points.

Ferrules

Wire end sleeves form a sheath around the wire strands so that they can be attached to terminal connections. In order to attach two wires to the same terminal, it is recommended to use twin wire end sleeves. Two wires are squeezed underneath them and thus brought together on one connection.

Flat plug and spade plug

Spade connectors are inserted in female spade connectors. These types of connections are found on certain components and can be connected to crimp connectors with the respective counterpart.

Ring, tube and fork cable shoes

These cable lugs clamp wires under screw heads. Ring terminals are designed for very fine-wired conductors. They are usually used for smaller cross-sections. Multi-wire conductors with low number of strands can be provided with tube cable lugs. These cable lugs are often used for conductors with large cross-sections and for higher mechanical loads. Fork terminals are used where a screw cannot be completely removed. The forks of the connection are simply pushed under when the screw is loosened.

Butt Connectors

Two wires with the same cross-section can be connected directly with shock connectors. This permanent connection is used, for example, when wires are to be firmly connected in places that are more inaccessible, such as cable channels. If it is possible to re-lay the wire or the cable without much effort, this variant is recommended. Shock connectors are more suitable for repairs and should not be included in a new planning from the outset.

Other crimp connectors and accessories

In addition to the types of crimp connectors listed here, there are also some other special forms . For special component connections, refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the component.

For crimp connectors, there are practical storage boxes in which the connectors can be sorted and stored. Additional insulating sleeves can be used to provide contact protection on uninsulated connectors.

For crimp connectors, always pay attention to the cross-section size. There are connectors with which you can apply only a specific conductor cross-section. Others allow a certain cross-section range, which is usually specified in the form of a maximum and minimum value.

Many crimp connectors are insulated and uninsulated . Here you should select the respective type according to the purpose of use. Insulated connectors should be selected whenever there is a possibility of contact under voltage. Insulated wire end sleeves, for example, offer complete protection against accidental contact.

The crimp connectors are available individually in different container sizes or as a set. Sets consist of a selection of different types of crimp connectors or contain different sizes of a crimp connector. The set may already contain a crimp pliers. You can use color coding to separate the different cross-section sizes.

If you need several crimp connectors, access sets with the supplied crimp pliers . If you are planning a wide range of applications, larger quantities and suitable crimping tools with suitable inserts are suitable.

Some connector types are available in addition to the straight version, also as angled crimp connectors . These can be used in narrow places (e.g. in small component housings) where straight connectors no longer fit.