Automotive connectors – order and buy connectors online
Nowadays, automotive connectors are an important part of the automotive electrical system used to connect electrical wires in cars or motor vehicles. About our guide, you can learn more about the different types of automotive connectors and how to choose the right one for your project.
Automotive connectors
Specially designed for their resistance to corrosion, water and engine oil, automotive connectors Are precisely adapted for use on motor vehicles. To this end, they protect against dust and dirt and withstand high temperatures. In addition, they often have locking systems that prevent loosening in the event of vibration.
Automotive connectors for making electrical connections
Automotive connectors are used to create an electrical connection between wires and consumers in the car.
Examples of these consumers include:
- Switch
- Relays
- Power strips
- Engine
- Car battery
- Sound system
- LED lighting
Quick replacement is made possible due to the connectors being positive locking and separable.
Where can I use automotive connectors?
There are connectors for use for motor vehicles of various uses. For example, to create protected cable-to-cable connections or to provide multiple outlets from a single cigarette lighter.
Where can automotive connectors be applied?
We offer a range of automotive electronic connectors that meet industry standards, along with accessories such as insertion and extraction tools. These connectors are ideal for use in most automotive wiring harnesses, including motorcycles, cars, RVs, motocross and boats. So you can order automotive connectors online now!
Features and advantages of automotive connectors
Some of the features and benefits of automotive strengths include.
- Connectors are easy to plug and unplug
- Corrosion resistant and waterproof
- Rugged, compact and reliable
- Heat resistant
- High contact density
- Very reliable performance under extreme conditions
- Easily assembled connector sets available
Types of automotive connectors
Various types of plugs, couplings and connectors are used in the automotive sector. Here is an overview of the most common types:
Common automotive plugs and connectors at a glance
A wide variety of plugs, couplings and connectors are currently used in the automotive industry. The following is an overview of the most commonly used types.
Flat Connectors:
Flat connectors are among the most widely used connectors in the automotive sector. They are mainly used to connect cables and wires with stranded wires and are attached to the conductor by crimping. A flat plug connector consists of a flat plug and a flat plug sleeve. The sleeve serves as a protective cover for the connector and is slipped over the connector after assembly.
Cable lugs:
Cable lugs and spade terminals both have the same function. In the automotive industry, there are two main types of cable lugs: crimp and compression. In crimp cable lugs, a metal conductor receptacle is formed into a cable lug by bending the sides upward. The metal lug and conductor end are inserted into a crimping tool, which then presses the metal onto the conductor end. Crimp terminals have a thicker, sleeve-like conductor receptacle that wraps around the conductor and is held firmly in place by force when pressed with a crimping tool.
Faston Connectors:
Faston connectors, also called Faston, are commonly used in automotive electrical systems. They combine a blade terminal with a crimp terminal and provide a convenient means of disconnecting connectors. Faston is the brand name of an electronics company, and the term has become synonymous with this type of quick connector.
Branch Connectors:
Branch connectors are used to branch off electrical connections in a simple way. They are usually in the form of compression connectors that can be installed quickly and effortlessly without the need to cut, strip or reroute cables.
Butt connectors:
Butt connectors are used to make strong and permanent connections between the ends of wires, such as for extending or securing cables. Heat shrinkable versions are often used in the automotive industry. Heat shrinkable sleeves protect the cable connection from the ingress of contaminants such as dust, air, oils, greases, gasoline and similar substances.
Connection types
Here you can find, the main used connection types:
- Crimp connection
- Solder connection
- Screw connection
- SMT connection
- Push-in connector
Our collection of connectors for the automotive industry includes a diverse selection of connector sets to meet the various requirements of the automotive industry. In addition to connectors, we also offer accessories such as insertion and extraction tools. These rugged and durable automotive connectors are compatible with a wide variety of automotive wiring harnesses, including those used in motorcycles, cars, RVs and other applications such as motocross and boating.
Automotive connector buying criteria – what matters?
There are several factors to consider when buying automotive connectors. First, determine the type of connector that best fits your project, whether it is a butt connector, a flat connector, etc. For example, a connector set with different types of plugs and connectors is a good option for hobbyists or auto mechanics who need a basic set.
To ensure a secure cable connection, it is first important to match the diameter of the connector to the cable cross-section. Connectors come in different sizes for different cable cross-sections, including options for fine wires with a cross-section of 0.25 to 0.5 mm² and thicker cables up to 6 mm². The number of poles is also a factor to consider, with choices ranging from 1- to 24-pole versions. The latter are connector strips to which multiple conductors can be connected.
There are several methods of attaching the connector to the cable, including crimping, screwing, soldering and insulation displacement terminals. The latter are terminals with sharp edges that make a connection without soldering, screwing or stripping (LSA technology). Insulated wires are placed on the terminals and pressed in with a positioning tool or lid that penetrates the insulation and firmly connects the wires to the terminal.
Frequently Sought Automotive Connectors:
To ensure the safety of the connector, it is advisable not to reuse used or already detached flat receptacles. These components are inexpensive, a set of 20 flat connectors including sleeves is already available for less than 5 euros. In most cases, buying sets is a cost-effective solution.
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