expressTERM PVC Insulated Wire Terminals
In this section, you can find our extensive range of expressTERM wire terminal connectors.
Pre-insulated with durable PVC, these terminals ensure safe and reliable connections. Explore our offerings to find the ideal pre-insulated terminal for your project, ensuring safety and performance in your electrical systems.
What are Pre-insulated Wire Terminals and Connectors?
Terminals and Connectors are used to connect cables and wires within an electrical system. When a terminal or connector is pre-insulated, it means that they are covered with plastic material, usually PVC, to help keep connections secure and reduce the risk of any damage or corrosion in the future.
In contrast, Uninsulated Terminals and Connectors are generally cheaper as they have no insulation around them. They are more commonly used when there is no danger of a system short circuiting as they provide less shielding from electrical current. Therefore, if you are needing a terminal or connector that provides a greater level of protection, we recommend choosing pre-insulated/insulated terminal and connectors for your electrical installations.
What are the Different Types of Pre-Insulated Wire Terminals and Connectors?
Ring Terminals
Ring terminals are used to connect wiring to screws and studs. They have a main body that contains an inner tubing of conductive metal and an outer layer that provides a protective shield (usually plastic). On one side of the wire terminal is a conductive ring that is inserted into the exposed end of an electrical cable. Ring terminals are typically connected to circuit points with a screw and commonly used in industries such as the aerospace or automotive.
Fork Terminals
Also referred to as spade terminals or spade connectors, fork terminals are a type of connector used to attach a wire to screw and studs. Although they are similar to ring terminals, they are specially designed for easy and quick disconnections due to the different method of applying the wire terminal. Ring terminals are required to be slide over the stud. In contrast, fork terminals only need to hug the stud. This means they can be installed without having to fully remove the nut from the stud, making it the ideal solution for applications that have very little room to work in.
Push-on Terminals (Male and Female Spade Connectors)
Push-on Terminals are a type of wire terminal with a spade-type of connector. They come in both a male and female format and are also commonly referred to as quick disconnects or spade terminals. To create a wired connection with these wire terminals, you simply install the wire into the male and female terminal, put them together and push on them to create a secured connection. At Express Electrical, we offer 3 types of Push-on Terminals:
Pin Terminals
Pin terminals, also called crimp pins or wire pin connectors, are small devices that can offer a quick and reliable connection in applications where set screws or clamps are used to make electrical contact with the wire. They have a very specific purpose to change the end of a stranded wire into a solid wire. This removes the risk of wire strand foldback and improves the connection whilst keeping the flexibility of the stranded wire.
Blade Terminals (Blade Connectors)
Blade Terminals are a type of single-wire electrical connections that are designed with flat conductive blades. On one side of the terminal is a “metal blade” that is inserted into the stripped wire. On the opposite side is a Y-shaped connection that is attached to a power source. These types of wire terminals can provide excellent protection against corrosion, offering mechanical advantages and versality for a wide range of applications. At Express Electrical, we offer two types of blade terminals:
Piggyback Terminals / Piggyback Connectors
Also known as piggyback spade connectors, these types of terminals are specially designed to assist when multiple connections are required to complete your electrical installation. This is achievable as they allow another disconnect terminal to be connected to its tab . They are primarily used in situations where there is a limited number of male tabs available or when a two-way connector is needed.
Bullet Connectors
Also known as Bullet Terminals, Bullet Connectors provide quick and easy termination practices. Like disconnects, they work best in applications that require frequent connections and disconnections. They are shaped with a round barrel design and come in two parts:
The round-knob end on the male bullet connector attaches to the barrel-type end of the female connector to establish a electrical connection. The main advantage of this wire terminal is the ability to make a solid, reliable connection whilst allowing you to disconnect and connect them easily. Although blade terminals have become a popular alternative for bullet connectors, it is still favoured in some applications that require work in tight spaces, such as the automotive industry.
Butt Connectors
Also known as butt splice connectors or through crimps, this type of connector is a very popular accessory to use when connecting wires and cables to other wires or cables. They are used by inserting a stripped wire or cable into the splice and crimping with the proper tool. It is commonly used as an alternative to soldering as it is easier to apply and often is a lot cheaper and quicker to do.
Closed-End Connectors
Closed end connectors can also be called crimp caps, closed end terminals, or crimp connectors. They are a quick, inexpensive and provide a permanent electrical connection of two or more wires. As the name implies, the end is closed. This prevents any form of environmental damage from the end of the terminal. With no exposed connectors, the longevity of the connection is enhanced. They are tin-plated which helps to reduce the chances of corrosion setting in. This makes them the ideal solution for applications that require a high quality, durable terminal, such as marine environments.
Push-On Flag Terminals
Flag Terminals are used for terminating and connecting multi-stranded cables and wires to male tab terminals. They are fully insulated nylon terminals with a 90° flag shape that crimps onto the wire, providing a secure electrical connection.
These terminals are commonly used in automotive wiring harnesses, appliances, and other electrical equipment. They come in various wire gauge sizes and colors for easy identification. The insulation protects against accidental shorts and electrical hazards. Push-on flag terminals offer a quick and reliable way to make electrical connections without soldering or crimping tools.
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