Points to be kept in mind while choosing Wire Terminals and Connectors

The wires we use need to get an automotive electrical project up and operating, despite needing somewhere to terminate, or we might as well leave them on the spool. Here are some dos and don'ts for ensuring every wire has the connection it needs:

• Check the rating of each connector.

Wire terminals and connectors typically have a rating in amps. This is crucial information for picking the correct terminal, as a mismatch between amps in wire and terminal can wreck a repair, damage the vehicle it's been made in, and even put your customers and employees in severe danger from fires and electrocution. So, look at the rating closely; your customers and your team will thank you.

• Don't get tied up in Jargon.

A company can exhilarate its product, from marking a standard design with a fancy marketing-department-approved name to making claims about its efficiency that matter less to you than the price. The issue is that sometimes amid all that, Jargon is helpful information. So flip past the marketing and look at the technical specifications. 

• Look carefully at your options.

It can be relatively easy to presume that all connectors and terminals are identical, aside from brand names and housing colours. But that can be a lure for purchasing bureaus. They may do a similar job, but they might not be built to the same quality benchmarks, and it's a hard-learned lesson for many of us that flash and sizzle tend to push up the price, not the build quality. So once you know what type you need, scrutinize your distribution options; you might be pleasantly surprised by what turns up.

• Don't leave your shop out of the process.

There will be an issue if there's a disconnect between purchasing and the shop they're supplying. True, you don't need to talk about brand names or the nuances of purchasing, but nobody knows the components you use better than the guys who use them daily. Often the shop team has valuable feedback about which connectors and terminals work best and which they'd instead not use, the information you won't be able to get out of a catalog. Sometimes you'll need to compromise, primarily if you need to swap brands to find a better price or find more efficiency, but make sure they're in the loop, so you don't become the returns department. 

• Do work with an intelligent distributor.

Too often, when buying wire terminals and connectors, people leave the supply chain out of the equation. That can be a tremendous mistake, not just because a good distributor can find you deals on any connector you're considering. A good distributor will know what connectors you use and why. They will be able to direct you towards proper alternatives if a part suddenly becomes elusive or you need a rush order of something that's low on stock. If you need to quickly turn around an order of a specific part, including a good distributor in your corner is paramount.

 If you require the best automotive electrical components, contact us. We'll uncover the best parts every time at the best price.