How to Use Crimp Electrical Connectors
Electrical crimp connectors can be used in instances where solder connections are not possible or are inconvenient. Electrical crimp connectors provide a mechanical as well as an electrical connection between wires or terminals in a wide variety of applications. As with any electrical connection, a certain amount of care must be exercised to ensure that voltage and continuity is maintained over the life of the circuit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Strip the insulation off the end of the conducting wire. The bare end of the wire should be the same length as the connector's crimp collar.
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Insert the bare end of the wire into the connector's crimp collar. There should be only a small gap between the end of the connector and the wire's insulating jacket when the bare conductor is fully inserted into the connector. Do not insert the conducting wire past the end of the connector's crimp collar.
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Place the connector in the crimping tool with the open crimp tabs of the collar facing up.
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Squeeze the handles of the crimping tool together firmly.
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Grasp the connector in one hand and gently pull the conducting wire with the other hand. A good crimp will withstand several pounds of pull without coming apart.
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Tips & Warnings
When using stranded wire, twist the strands clockwise between your thumb and forefinger before inserting them into the connector. Strands of wire poking out of the crimp collar will reduce the quality of the connection.
Crimp connectors come in a wide selection of sizes for different wire gauges. Match your connector to the conductor size. Improper sizing will result in poor connections and could cause damage to the equipment on which the connection is made.
References
- Photo Credit making a connection image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
