Electrical connectors are designed to create an electrical connection between parts of an electrical circuit (or sections of a power cable). The connection is electrically insulated and maintained using terminals or other connecting elements installed at both ends of the line. One option is the use of quick splice connectors which, on the one hand, enable cables to be connected securely and, on the other hand, also offer the option of convenient and quick disconnection, which is important when access is limited and working space is tight.
Parameters to pay attention to when selecting quick splice connectors
- Type of clamp or connecting element
- Connection method
- Number of inputs
- Number of outputs
- Type of material from which cables will be made
- Operating temperature
- IP rating
Useful auxiliary accessories for connecting cables
- Markers - are used to mark the electric circuit of the connector. Made of abrasion-, temperature- and chemical-resistant materials.
- Terminal blocks - used to secure the connector to the ground and pin it in place.
- Resistance elements are used to fix connectors or connector sets to the blocks.
How to choose the right electrical connector
When designing automotive and mobile equipment, it is important to select the right electrical connector for the specific application. The right cable connectors provide a reliable way to modularize, reducing space requirements and improving the production and service capabilities of specific equipment. One of the most popular solutions are quick splice connectors.
Overview of the criteria for selecting quick splice connectors.
- Rated current Make sure that the rated current of the connector corresponds to the permissible current of the individual terminals connected. The current rating also assumes the use of a maximum wire gauge for a given connector family. For example, if the maximum current rating of a standard connector family is 12 Ampere/chain, it is assumed that a 14 AWG wire is used. If a smaller lower wire gauge is used, the current rating should be 1.0-1.5 amps per chain less than the maximum current rating.
- Connector size and circuit density Pay attention to the available space for electrical terminals and connectors. Connections in cars, trucks or mobile devices are often made in areas where space is limited.Circuit density is a measure of the number of circuits that can be accommodated in an electrical connector. High-density connectors do not require multiple connectors, maximizing space and performance. Also, note that there is a trade-off: a higher circuit density may result in a lower current rating due to the heat generated by the many terminals in the housing. For example, a connector that can handle up to 12 amps per circuit in a 2- or 3-pole enclosure can only handle 7.5 amps/circuit in a 12- or 15-pole enclosure.
- Housing and terminal materials and coatings Most electrical connectors are made of UL94V-2 or 94V-0 nylon material. The higher 94V-0 rating indicates that nylon will extinguish more quickly than the 94V-2 nylon. 94V-0 does not indicate a higher operating temperature, but high flame retardancy. The 94V-2 material is sufficient for most applications. Standard tip coatings for most connectors are tin, tin/lead, and gold. Tin and tin/lead are suitable for most applications where the circuit current exceeds 0.5 A.Gold-plated terminals are typically specified for signal applications or low-current harsh environments.The basic material of the terminals is brass or phosphor bronze. Brass, a standard material, combines strength and conductive properties. Phosphor bronze is recommended if the base material needs to be thinner to reduce switching forces, for large on/off cycles (>100 cycles) or if the terminal may be exposed to high ambient temperatures (>85°F/29°C) for long periods.
- Wire gauge Wire gauge is important when selecting a connector, especially when the required rated current is close to the maximum for the selected connector family or when the mechanical strength of the wire is required. In both cases, a wire with a larger cross-section should be selected.
- Operating voltage Most DC automotive applications operate in the range of 12V to 48V, while AC applications range from 600V to 1000V. Higher voltage applications typically require larger connectors that can withstand the voltage and heat generated during operation.
- Environmental factors When selecting connectors, consider the environment in which the vehicle or device will be used and stored. In environments exposed to extremely low temperatures or excessive humidity and pollution, such as construction machinery and ships, it is worth choosing a dust-proof connector system with IP69K protection.
Quick couplings for Wago cables
What distinguishes quick splice connectors is the fact that we often do not need any tools to connect the cables. Wago, as well as other manufacturers, offer quick splice connectors that significantly reduce the scope of work necessary to connect the cables. However, we must remember to first check the most important data, which has already been mentioned above. It is also possible that additional sleeves will be needed when installing rope-type cables that are more flexible.
Quick splice connectors are the ideal solution for connecting wires together, whether in electrical or junction boxes, lighting or plug sockets. Manufacturers have a range of connectors dedicated to all applications; you just need to choose the right ones for your project. Wago also offers adapters for DIN rail or panel mounting, on slats, as well as various types of mini connectors.
How quickly splice connectors work
WAGO connectors usually come in in transparent form that enables visual inspection of the connection (the depth of cable insertion). They also have a very precise indication of the cable thickness for which a specific connector is intended. Select a connector for the cable, strip the insulation to the depth specified on the connector housing, insert the cable into the connector, hear a click and the connection is ready. Many Wago quick splice connectors are designed so that the cable can be removed or disconnected.
12V quick splice connectors, i.e., automotive connectors.
Quick splice connectors are ideal for all types of installations in the vehicle (car audio, LED turn signals, cigarette lighter wiring, speaker cables, etc.). This is a helpful solution because there are usually a lot of wires in cars and their connections should be able to withstand all kinds of vibration and oscillation. It is therefore worth opting for quick splice connectors with locking systems, which are also easy to install, even in hard-to-reach places. Quick splice splitter connectors are also particularly useful in cars.