When laying or repairing the electrical network, a wire connection is inevitably required. Electrical connectors are used in devices, radio-electronic equipment, computer, machine-building, aviation and other equipment. Not only the operation of the equipment itself, but also the safety of people depends on a quality connection.
Power Grid
There are several popular ways to connect electrical circuits:
1. Twisting. This is the simplest and most common option. Two cores (about 5 cm) are stripped and twisted. Insulation is PVC tape or special caps for twisting. Under no circumstances should twisting be used when connecting strands of dissimilar metals.
2. Soldering. It is usually used in devices. The labor-intensive method is gradually being replaced by special connectors. Electrical circuits are assembled using miniature fixtures.
3. Terminal. It is an insulating plate with contacts. It allows you to connect aluminum wires with copper. Apply in caseconnections of single-core and multi-core wires of various sections. They can be detachable and non-detachable. The latter require a detailed layout of the power grid.
There are three types of terminals:
- with tightening screw, the disadvantage is the possibility of damage to the cores;
- spring (with pressure plate), the market offers a wide range of models;
- knife blades, their use does not require stripping of wires, contact is made through a conductor plate that cuts through the braid of wires.
4. "Nutlet" (branch squeeze). It is a structure of 3 metal plates, equipped with screws and built into an insulating box. Used to connect a wire to a trunk line without breaking it.
5. Bolt. A very effective way to connect the most common washers, bolts and nuts. Simple, cheap and reliable.
6. Sleeve pressing. More reliable than electrical tape, but requires special equipment and skills.
Many industries use specially designed products for specific tasks. In addition to the above options, the industry offers rectangular and cylindrical connectors for female, threaded and bayonet joints. The Russian Ural plant of electrical connectors "Iset" provides several directions with its products at once:
- rail transport;
- shipbuilding;
- autobuilding;
- all kinds of aircraft and other aircraft, up to space;
- computer technology;
- oil and gas industry.
Special tools greatly facilitate the work of electricians and significantly save installation time.
Advantages and disadvantages
Variety of options allows you to choose connectors for electrical wires for specific parameters. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- twisting is not reliable, stable and durable;
- caps (connecting insulating clips, or PPE) require careful selection depending on the diameter of the cores, mains voltage and other things;
- screw terminals can connect no more than three wires, screws tend to loosen and need to be periodically tightened;
- one-piece blade terminals cannot be converted;
- "nuts" are difficult to install, an amateur with careless work can get an electric shock.
Technique
Electrical connectors, or connectors for use in electromechanical devices, consist of a plug and a socket. It is customary to classify the product according to its purpose: the receiving side with pins is called “father”, “mother” is the power source, which looks like a hole containing contact plates.
Recently, USB connectors, the same on both sides, are becoming increasingly popular. Contact pads can have a different configuration anddifferent:
- by number of contacts;
- voltage limit;
- contact resistance and pressure;
- electric strength;
- dimensions;
- band of operating frequencies;
- possible mechanical and climatic conditions of use.
Choice
In order for electrical connectors to reliably and for a long time perform the function assigned to them, you need to carefully consider their choice. First of all, consider the following factors:
- core material (homogeneous or not);
- environmental conditions (room, street, water, land, etc.);
- number of connected wires;
- core cross section (different or the same);
- operating conditions (duration of operation and frequency of inclusion).
Basic requirements:
- ensuring reliable contact;
- mechanical strength;
- people safety.
