A connector is an electromechanical device that connects and disconnects circuit paths.
Connectors are composed of a variety of materials depending on their actual function. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, qualities, and levels of complexity. Some connectors are designed for one-time usage, while others are designed for long-term use. Electrical connectors are classified into three categories based on their terminating ends: Board-to-Board, Cable/Wire-to-Cable/Wire, and Cable/Wire-to-Board.
Assembling Connectors
Housing and terminals are the two major components of manufactured connectors. The terminals are the protruding pins that are utilized to send and receive electrical impulses between two components. It is always made of an electrically conductive material. The housing is the casing or coating that covers the terminal pins on the outside. Its primary function is to keep the terminal pins in place while also protecting them against short circuits, external conditions, as well as circuiting. It is made of a non-conducting substance, such as molded plastic. Ceramics and other insulating materials can also be used. We’ll now take a look at several connector kinds.
Wire connectors come in a wide range of sizes and forms. While the wires are usually covered in insulating plastic, they are connected by a tapered coiled metal spring or inside grooves that thread onto the wires and fasten them.
Wire connectors are divided into five categories, each with its own set of features. In most cases, the product name refers to how to use the wire connector.
- Twist-On Wire Connectors
- Winged Twist-On Wire Connectors
- Crimp-On Wire Connectors
- Underground Wire Connectors & Waterproof Wire Connectors
- Push-In Wire Connectors
Electrical Connector Box
The electrical boxes in your home are essential parts of the electrical system. However, many DIYers are perplexed by the huge range of boxes available. Plastic and metal boxes are available, as well as boxes for “new work” and “old work,” round, square, and octagonal boxes, and boxes with weight ratings for ceiling fans and large light fixtures.
- Metal and Plastic Electrical Boxes
- Standard Rectangular Boxes
- 2-Gang, 3-Gang, and 4-Gang Boxes
- Round Pan Electrical Boxes
- Octagon and Round Electrical Boxes
- Ceiling Fan-Rated Electrical Box
- 4-Inch Square Box
- Junction Box
- Electrical Box Covers
- Outdoor Electrical Box
- Box Extenders
Electrical Connector Plugs
Electrical outlets, also known as electrical sockets, plugs, and wall plugs, are devices that connect electrical equipment to the power grid. The outlet receives alternating power from the electrical grid. Each side of an electrical outlet, in other words, serves as a terminal.
- 15A, 120 Volt Outlets
- 20A, 125 Volt Outlets
- 20A, 250 Volt Outlets
- Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
- GFCI Outlets
- AFCI Outlets
- Switched Outlets
- USB Outlets
Electrical Connector Pins
A pinout is a cross-reference between the functionality of the contacts, or pins, of an electrical connector or electronic component in electronics.
Here are some Electrical Connector Pins
- Rectangular Connectors
- Circular Connectors
- Terminal Blocks
- Coaxial Connectors (RF)
- D-Sub, D-Shaped Connectors
- Barrel Audio/Power Connectors
- Pluggable Connectors
- USB, DVI, HDMI Connectors
Automotive electrical connectors:
Automotive electrical connectors are categorized into the following categories based on their form factor — wire-to-board connections are used to connect various components to the computer’s circuit board. Board-to-board connections are used to connect two circuit boards together.
- Amphenol AHD Connectors
- Amphenol AT Connectors
- Amphenol ATM Connectors
- Amphenol ATP Connectors
- Amphenol ATV Connectors
- AMP MCP Series
- AMP Superseal Connectors
- AMPSEAL 16 Connectors
There are numerous connector kinds, as we have seen. Because there are so many various kinds of connectors, each one plays a particular purpose. Connectors will now be used in some unusual ways.
Connectors are found on every computer and laptop.
Universal Serial Bus or USB, is a standard connector that we’re all familiar with.
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