Types of Electrical Connectors
Technology has advanced at a tremendous rate, and it wouldn’t be possible without one small piece of hardware: connector pins. These metal parts form an essential link between components, allowing information and power to flow smoothly across an electronic circuit.
These connectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and have additional features to improve their functionality. They can be keyed so they can only be inserted in one direction, or locked to prevent removal.
Wire Pin Terminals
Although we often refer to wire connectors as a single category, the truth is that they come in many forms. Each type serves its own purpose and can be used in different applications, but all are designed to provide a solid durable end point for electrical wires.
The most common types of 1 pin connectors are terminal blocks and screw terminals. Terminal blocks are commonly used in domestic and industrial wiring projects, while screw terminals connect to PCB leads that have been soldered on a circuit board. Both can be plugged into a receptacle or junction box, and are usually made from corrosion-resistant materials.
While some people use a crimp terminal, also known as a ring terminal or spade terminal, to terminate wires, these connectors do not create a 1 pin electrical connector solid, permanent connection. Instead, a crimp terminal has an area that is swaged onto the wire to hold it in place and prevent it from pulling away.
Another type of 1 pin connector is a spring terminal. This type of connector works differently than a screw terminal in that it holds the contact sockets with a spring clamp rather than tightening screws. This makes it much easier to install and remove the connector, and it also performs better in environments that are subject to a lot of vibration or thermal cycling.
NEMA Connectors
Electrical connectors are a necessary part of everyday life in the United States, and they play a crucial role in the safety and functionality of power tools, appliances, and electronics. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has set standards for the shape, position, and arrangement of pins on plugs and receptacles. They also specify the voltage and ampere rating of each device. NEMA-marked devices have an alphanumeric code that indicates their construction features, with the letter ‘L’ indicating twist-locking connectors and the number before the dash indicating the ampere rating.
NEMA power outlets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know the differences when choosing a replacement. The most common receptacles are NEMA 1-15P or 5-15P, which accept most North American 125-volt plugs. NEMA L14-20, NEMA 6-50, and NEMA 24-15 receptacles are similar but have different pin configurations and positioning, and are used for higher-voltage circuits.
NEMA locking connectors use curved blades that latch into receptacles when inserted, and rotate to unlock when pulled. They’re a safer choice for commercial and industrial settings, where vibration or accidental impact could dislodge a non-locking connector. NEMA plugs and receptacles that don’t include a locking feature have straight blades that simply push into the outlet to connect. NEMA locks also protect end-users by diminishing the likelihood of mishandled or faulty connectors that can cause fires, electric shocks, and other hazards.
Single-Pin DC Connectors
DC power connectors provide the electrical connection that powers electronic equipment and devices. These power connectors can be in plug (male) or jack (female) form and may have one, two, three, four, or five pins for a positive or negative voltage and current connection. They are available in numerous sizes and designs, and they can be mounted as cable ends, panel mounts, or surface mount or through hole (SMT) on the printed circuit board of the device being powered.
Choosing the correct DC power connector is important because it will ensure that it is compatible with the voltage and current ratings of the device it is connecting to. It is also important to match the polarity of the heavy duty waterproof electrical connectors connector and the device in order to prevent damage from mismatched connections.
The most commonly used single-pin DC power connector is the 5.5mm x 2.5 mm Type A connector, which has a central pin that serves as the positive voltage connection and an outer ring that provides the ground connection. This connector is used in audio equipment such as amplifiers and mixers, as well as laptops and printers. Another common power connector is the USB Type-C, which can pass higher levels of voltage and current than previous versions of this connector. CUI Devices offers a wide variety of DC plug and jack connectors in many different mounting styles, with a mating guide on each product page to simplify the process of finding compatible jacks and plugs.
Three-Pin Connectors
There are many different types of plugs and sockets, but they all do the same thing: connect two or more wire leads together. Some are more complex than others, but they all serve the same purpose. The type of connector you need depends on the amount of current that will flow through it and where it will be attached to equipment.
Three-pin electrical connectors connect two or more live and neutral wires in a cable. The live pin is linked to a fuse to prevent overheating and damage to the appliance. A simple white nylon pin receptacle with three tin contacts is often used in computers and other low-power devices with fans. The pins are color-coded to make it easy to identify the live and neutral wires.