Wire Harness Terminals
wire-terminalsTerminals are another necessary component to establish an electronic or electrical connection in a wire harness. The terminal is an electromechanical device that terminates a conductor to a fixed post, stud, chassis, etc., to establish that connection. They are generally composed of a metal or alloy, but there are other conductive materials available such as carbon or silicon.
Terminal Types
Terminals come in many designs, shapes and sizes. They are the familiar pins in connector housings that provide electrical or electronic conduction to secure the connections. There are terminations used to join the connector pin or socket to its associated conductor – whether it’s a wire or PCB trace, for example. Terminal types vary, too. They may be crimped connections, soldered connections, press-fit in a ribbon connector or even wire-wrap. They also come in many shapes such as ring, spade, hook, quick-disconnect, bullet, butt terminals and flagged.
Choosing the Right Wire Harness Terminals
Terminal selection will depend on your design and application as a whole. For example, they can be insulated or non-insulated. Insulation provides a protective, non-conductive layer. In harsh environmental conditions, insulated terminals protect the device and components from moisture and temperature extremes. Insulation is typically made of either a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer wrap. If no protection from environmental conditions is required, non-insulated terminals are an economical choice.
Wire harness connectors and terminals are basic components found in a wire harness. A wire harness, sometimes referred to as a wire assembly, is a set of multiple wires or cables in their own protective covers or jackets that are bundled into a single wire harness. Wire harnesses keep electronic or electrical systems organized to transmit signals, relay information, or electrical power. They also protect the bound wires from constant friction, general wear, temperature extremes and other environmental conditions or potential damage that the harness may be exposed to.
Though wire harness design may vary greatly depending on the application or system requirements, the three fundamental components of a wire harness are the same. A wiring harness consists of wires, connectors and terminals. The latter two are the backbone of the wire harness. The types of connectors and terminals used in a wire harness directly determine the overall performance, reliability and stability of the harness.
Each wire harness application is unique and designed for a particular function.
Post time: Mar-23-2022