Connectors

Cable connectors provide a quick, aesthetic and stable connection, which is why they are a very important element of an efficient and safe electrical installation. They are widely used, e.g. in industry and building switchgear cabinets. Screw connectors are most often used in situations requiring solid, reliable pressure.

Due to the many possible applications, fittings should be selected appropriately for their purpose and planned use, because individual types of fittings differ in structure and properties.

Models and types of connectors differ from each other primarily in purpose or current load, and thus also in design and functionality. One of the most popular are models based on a screw connection, although the manufacturers' offer also includes spring-loaded and self-locking connectors with a spring, as well as products intended specifically for aluminum or copper installations.

Basic types of connectors

A connector, also called a terminal strip, is an electrically insulating product designed to connect (using clamps) two sections of low-voltage cables in an electrical installation. The manufacturers' offer includes single-track and multi-track connectors, which are used to connect wires with a screw connector. In this case, a screwdriver is used to screw together, which can be inconvenient, especially when assembling a large number of wires.

The final quality of the connection with the screw clamp is largely influenced by the care taken to make the connection as well as the strength and precision of the clamp (too weak fastening may not withstand operational loads, and too strong often leads to the destruction of the element). Therefore, each time before starting the installation (i.e. not only after the first connection, but also, for example, after renovation), you should carefully check the condition of the connections by tightening all screw terminals. Regularly checking the condition of the connection of the elements allows you to avoid possible deformation of the cable and reduce its cross-section (this type of problem can occur in the case of over-tightened terminals and bending of copper or aluminum cables).

The simplest type of screw terminals are screw cage connectors, which do not have solutions protecting against wire deformation, which is why they are most often used for single-core cables. If necessary, it is worth looking for cage clamps with protection against deformation, i.e. with a clamping element from above or with clamping both from above and below.

The el12.pl offer includes many types of connectors. Here are their types.

Screwless connectors

In this group you can find e.g. PC 225x quick connectors that significantly shorten the assembly time. They are used e.g. in the execution of lighting installations, in the construction of security systems and other electrical installation works. Quick connectors made of a very transparent, self-extinguishing material that meets the UL 94V-2 standard ensure good visibility of contact points. In addition, colored elements corresponding to particular types of quick couplings facilitate their identification.

When choosing the right type of screwless connector, you should pay attention to, among others: pay attention to the number of connectors (the el12 offer includes 1-15 connectors). In this category, you can find accessories such as: female connector, F female connector to female antenna connector, markers, actuators, HDC male connector, comb jumper, connectors for installation boxes, mounting adapters, transverse jumper, as well as disconnect and measuring connectors with insulated test sockets.

Fuse terminals

In this category you can find products such as: slide-in bridges with insulation, 5 mm wide fuse plug with a soldered-in miniature fuse or a 2-wire fuse connector for device fuses without signaling.

Threaded fittings

These products include: protective threaded coupling, installation branch, branch with cover, terminal strip (12 holes), threaded terminal strip (thermosetting, 10 mm2, 6 tracks), ring segment spacer, hardware screw for electrical installation boxes, branch plate, universal twisted connector for wires or a terminal strip.

Connectors for LED installations

The el12.pl offer includes: connectors for LED strips, corner connectors with cables for LED strips, connectors for power supplies for LED strips, quick connectors for LED strips, RGB driver connector or LED strip.

Lighting clamps

Including e.g. single and double lighting connector, 1-wire 1-pole socket or service connector.

Track connectors

Among the products in this category you can find: spring connector, stackable connector, spacer for ZSG, end plate for ZSG holder, markers for ZSG, threaded rail connector ZSG, protective threaded rail connector, threaded short-circuit for ZSG, terminal cover, branch terminal, mini feed-through connectors, double-deck connector, KU-2/35 holder, and end plate.

How to install cable connectors?

Cable connectors are most often pressed onto the cable. Depending on the cross-section of the conduit, tools such as a hand press or a hydraulic head can be used for this. When buying a fitting, you should familiarize yourself with its technical specification, because most often the manufacturer indicates what tool a given crimped fitting should be.

A different technology is used for screw connectors, which are distinguished by the speed of assembly and the possibility of using one connector with many cross-sections and types of conductor. These elements are equipped with screws that can be dismantled (they are tightened with an Allen key or ring spanner).

Quite a popular solution, used rather in professional solutions, are clamp connections intended for fully automated assembly. Connections are made using a pneumatic gun by firing a special clamp onto the appropriate connection pin with a rectangular or square cross-section. Importantly, several connections can be made on one connection pin. A great solution is also the choice of a terminal strip for a rail – it will allow you to connect two or more wires reliably and keep your distribution box in perfect order.