How to Connect Quick Disconnect Wires

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Two electrical wires

  • Electrical pliers

  • Crimping tool

  • Two quick-disconnect terminals; one male, one female

Wiring an electric circuit requires making a connection from one piece of a circuit to another. Some connections are intended to be permanent. For example, when components are connected to a printed circuit board, these are typically soldered. Some electrical connections, such as an overhead lamp in a home, are made by attaching two wires together with a wire nut.

Advertisement

However, temporary electrical connections can be made with quick-disconnect electrical terminals.

Video of the Day

Step 1

Strip the first wire of 1/2 inch of insulation. Place the male quick-disconnect over the stripped end of the wire (plastic part over insulation), and ensure that the bare electrical wire is touching metal on the quick-disconnect terminal. Crimp the plastic end of the quick-disconnect terminal so that the plastic takes an oval shape (as opposed to the round shape of the uncrimped terminal).

Step 2

Strip the second wire of 1/2 inch of insulation. Place the female quick-disconnect over the stripped end of the second wire (plastic part over insulation), and ensure that the bare electrical wire is touching metal on the quick-disconnect terminal. Crimp the plastic end of the quick-disconnect terminal as in Step 1.

Step 3

Plug the male quick-disconnect terminal into the female quick disconnect terminal.

Warning

Ensure that the mated quick-disconnect terminal does not come in contact with any other part of the electrical circuit or a short-circuit may occur.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references