I was wondering what type of end connectors to use for heaver gauge (18 AWG?) stranded wiring for power (not 5V logic) wiring. I would like to know if closed ring or open fork (spade) connectors are favored for bus/motor connections. It looks like I will be using a PWM controller that uses 5mm pitch PCB-mounted screw terminals. I want to know how I should handle the male connection into the female 5mm screw housings. Is there a kind of male connector that is like the male spade, but with one solid unforked thin end, like a male dupont, but for large gauge wire and connecting with a sleaved and crimped end over the wire, the same as the spade and ring terminals?
The current in the wires makes the difference, NOT the voltage!
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I understand this, I just mean that I am talking about motive power for solenoid valves or small can motors, not something that I would use 2.54mm jumpers for, but not something that would need gigantic automotive battery cables. "Chocolate bar" terminal/bus territory.
Makes no difference what you use the wire for. Look at the current capability for various AWG wires and pick accordingly. The crimp terminals are sized for the wire you are using. The crimp tools are sized for the wire/terminal you pick.
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I suppose this is the type of end that I was looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZZGAJP/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3HMB6GLG0WJ17&psc=1
since these seem like they would handle strain better than plane tinned ends (to stop the strands from fraying), and the euro bootlace crimp tube ends look too big for 5mm screw terminals.
Proper preparation and crimping stops that. The wire insulation needs to be included in the end of the crimped terminal. Perhaps 2-3mm. The wire insulation keeps the strands under control and keeps the strands from breaking because the wire cannot make a sharp corner and work harden the copper strands.
Solder the strands for insertion into terminals.
Google "Pin terminal"
Leo..
For 5mm screw boxes, I am trying to figure out whether to go with the "bootlace" crimp tube ends or these type of spade-style ends.
A spade terminal won't fit in a screw terminal block, a pin terminal does.
Did you Google it? (images).
A bit overkill for common 0.75mm wire though.
That size can easily be connected to those screw terminals without crimp connectors.
Leo..
Like I said, tin the strands and they'll work well and not break as easily as loose strands.
Tinned ends are not as reliable over time as bare copper in screw terminals.
But that might not matter for the lifespan of a hobby project.
Leo..
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These?
Yes.
Spade terminals won't fit in a round hole of the screw terminal.
These do (assuming you get the right size).
They should have them at garages and auto parts stores.
Leo..
What is the largest gauge of stranded wire with square crimped tube ferrule end that will fit in a 5mm pitch plastic screw terminal (both the square bottom and rounded insertion hole style). Will 18 AWG work?
5 mm? Not 2.54? Read the specification for the connector. Usually the data is given for the pure copper wire. If You crimp anything to the wire it al depends on the size of the crimped item.
Usually, I identify what wire (current) I need, then choose a suitable terminal…
If I’m lucky (usually), I chose a ferrule from my parts or suppliers that fits both.
The end result is a parts box with a variety of terminals, and a bunch of ferrules of different sizes and colours.
Don’t forget you need a crimp tool or jaw for the different ferrule types.
Topics merged
Yes, 5mm (well possibly 5.08mm) between through-hole solder pin centers.
Correct! My mistake.
As I said, check the specifications. The distance between the pins doesn't tell the hole story.