Electrical connectors link conductive paths to power and transmit signals between electronic devices. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit various applications. The choice of a specific type of electrical connector should take into account the surrounding environment, mechanical durability and ingress protection requirements. They should also have a reasonable design and be easy to use.
Different kinds of electrical connectors are used in a wide range of fields, from computer manufacturing to medical facilities. They are important components that make our modern electronic products functional and complete. They are used to connect, protect and power the electrical circuits that make our life easier.
An electrical connector consists of two parts: the contacts and the housing (also called the plug or jack). The contacts, sometimes referred to as pins, are made from electrically conductive materials such as brass, phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, and high copper alloy. The housing, which is typically molded plastic, isolates the terminals from other elements and the surrounding environment. It can be fitted with additional parts to improve the performance of the connector. For example, it can be fitted with a locking mechanism or a seal to prevent it from being accidentally undone.
The main function of an electrical connector is to provide a stable connection for the contact pairs and wires, but the way it achieves this depends on its design. For example, a connector designed for use in a corrosive environment should have corrosion-resistant metals or have a structure that minimizes the amount of salt spray that can enter it. On the other hand, an electrical connector that will be used in a hot area should be insulated to prevent melting or burning of the wires.
There are several ways to connect electrical wires to electrical connectors, including welding, crimping, press-in, and winding. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a crimped termination is more reliable than a soldering method, but it requires special tools to perform properly. In addition, a winding method is time-consuming and can result in uneven tension between the conductors.
Screw terminals are a common type of electrical connector that can handle high current and voltage. They can be used in many applications such as supplying power to PCBs. Screw terminals are available in 2 pin, 4 pin and 8 pin variants and are encased in plastic to prevent short circuits. Moreover, this kind of electrical connector can be installed quickly, which makes it more convenient to use than other types of connections. electrical connector types