Electro Terminal

Flexible conductors: Requirements and practical tips for safe connections

Proper handling of flexible conductors is essential to ensure safe and reliable electrical connections. A critical aspect of this process is protecting the conductor ends from fraying or pinching individual wires. To achieve this, you can either use suitable connection terminals or prepare the conductor ends carefully.

Connection terminals for flexible conductors

Our product range includes connection terminals specifically designed for flexible conductors, such as the SLK 7, SLK X, and SDKF. These terminals allow for secure connections without requiring special preparation of the conductor ends. They are not only easy to handle but also offer high reliability.

Why and how to use ferrules

In practice, especially in factory wiring, ferrules are frequently used even when suitable terminals are available. This is primarily because ferrules provide form stability to unprepared flexible conductors, which might otherwise splay and resemble a "broom," making handling difficult.

Key considerations when using ferrules:

1. Material:

Our connection terminals are certified for copper conductors. However, ferrules are often made of materials with conductivity different from copper, which can significantly affect contact resistance.

2. Mechanical Properties:

The hardness of ferrules varies from that of copper conductors, impacting pull-out forces, connection stability, and contact resistance.

3. Variety of designs:
Ferrules come in various forms, including:

• Claws
• B-crimps
• Rectangular crimp shapes
• Ferrules with insulating collars
   

Tip: For ferrules with insulating collars, ensure they sit correctly in the wire entry channel to avoid unintended forces on the clamping point.

4. Plugging and removal:

The geometry of ferrules is critical for smooth processing. They must remain pluggable and removable without impairing the functionality of the connection terminal.

Standard-compliant evaluation of clamping points

We strongly recommend evaluating clamping points with ferrules according to the applicable standards. For example, in lighting applications, the IEC 60598-1, Section 15 standard applies. Standard-compliant testing ensures that the connection meets the necessary safety and reliability requirements.

Conclusion

Selecting the right connection solution for flexible conductors is crucial. While suitable connection terminals like the SLK 7, SLK X, or SDKF often provide the simplest and safest option, the use of ferrules may still be appropriate in certain situations. However, special attention must be paid to factors like material, geometry, and standard compliance to ensure a secure and reliable connection.

Need expert advice?
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