Ring terminals are made from annealed copper. Electro-tin plated comes in a variety of configurations for both insulated ring terminals, and non-insulated ring terminals. Originally came from an old fork style terminal attaching at the stud/screw for termination thus giving the idea of ring terminal which has more secure attachment. Simply there are many uses for ring terminals: aviation, automotive, communication, control panels or even in a corrosive environment. The preferred terminal type is dependent upon application and user preference on the style of terminal.

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What kinds of ring terminals are there?

• Ring tongue- This is the standard type of ring terminals and is used very widely in electrical construction and maintenance.
• Multi-stud ring tongue - This is a ring terminal that can accommodate three sizes of studs: #6, #8,#10.
• Standard fork (also called "Spade") - The standard fork allows rapid connection of wires to studs.
• Block fork (also called 'Block Spade")-Block forks have the same strength as a standard fork but are specifically designed for use in a terminal block. Their size (0.25" wide) makes them a perfect fit in terminal blocks. Block forks quickly became the most widely used terminal in the electrical construction and maintenance industry.
• Locking fork (also called "Snap Spade") -The spring like tongue on the locking fork locks into place around the stud even when the screw mount is not tightened.
• Flanged block forks - Flanged forks give the benefit of the block forks and locking forks by staying secure in the event that the screw should loosen.
• Disconnects (male and female) -- Disconnects are attached to mating part by the tongue of the female part slipping over the male tab.
• Butt connector -- nickname splice connectors use chamfered barrel ends to provide fast and easy wire insertion from both ends.

How do I choose the correct ring terminal for my application?

Non-insulated ring terminals are typically the most economical. Use these when no special characteristics or protection is required. High temperature ring terminals are non-insulated, and are used in areas where the terminal will be exposed to continuous high temperatures. Vinyl insulated ring terminals are the most economical of the insulated ring terminals. Nylon ring terminals provide higher temperature and better durability than vinyl. For the maximum protection and environmental exposure, use heat shrink ring terminals.

What types of insulations are available in ring terminals?

• Bare (non-insulated) -- Bare ring terminals are least expensive of all the terminals. They are typically used in higher temperature applications.
• Vinyl -- The least expensive insulation type, vinyl insulation is opaque and provides excellent insulation properties and a visual verification of the wire range being used for example: red = 22-18 awg, blue = 16-14 awg, yellow = 12-10 awg). When crimp, vinyl insulation remains in its crimped shape to provide additional strain relief for the connection.
• Nylon -- Nylon is a step up from vinyl insulation and is translucent so it is easily distinguishable from vinyl. When crimped, nylon recovers to its original shape and therefore does not provide strain relief. In order to provide strain relief, nylon insulated ring terminals typically contain a brass insert in the barrel which requires a second crimp on the barrel. Color-coding on nylon --insulated ring terminals is the same as vinyl.
• Heat shrink -- Heat shrink is the premium insulation type of ring terminals. While heat shrink insulation rings requires additional application time, it provides an environmental seal that neither vinyl nor nylon can provide. Using a heat shrink insulated ring terminal is a two-step process: crimp and heat. The initial crimp secures the wire in the barrel of the terminal and the heating shrinks the tubing around the wire and seals out moisture. Heat shrink ring terminals are perfect for use in heavy moisture environments. Color-coding on heat shrink insulated rings terminals is the same as vinyl and nylon
  . Note: Recommended crimp tooling for ring terminals will be referenced on the packaging and data sheets of the specific ring terminals.

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