The electrical wires used in airplanes are often fitted with a terminal. Terminals are used to “terminate” an electrical wire. After installing a terminal on an electrical wire, you can connect the wire to the appropriate equipment or system. There are different types of terminals, however, such as ring and spade terminals.
What Are Ring Terminals?
Ring terminals are electrical wire connectors that feature a ring-shaped end. They are made of a conductive metal, such as aluminum. Ring terminals consist of a hollow base with an integrated ring-shaped end. You can slide the exposed end of an electrical wire into the hollow base. You can then heat shrink or crimp the ring terminal so that the hollow base collapses over the wire.
After installing a ring terminal, you can connect the electrical wire to the appropriate equipment or system. This is done by positioning the ring terminal over the equipment or system and then driving a threaded fastener through the center of the ring terminal.
What Are Spade Terminals?
Spade terminals are electrical wire connectors that feature a pronged, spade-shaped end. They are available in the same conductive materials as their ring counterparts, and they feature a similar design consisting of a hollow base. The end of a spade terminal is simply shaped like a spade.
Differences Between Ring and Spade Terminals
Ring and spade terminals are essentially connectors. The main difference between them lies in their design. Ring terminals have a circular, ring-shaped end with a hole in the middle that supports a screw or bolt. The ring-shaped end offers a connection point while also preventing the electrical wire from accidentally pulling out of the equipment or system.
Spade terminals, in comparison, have a flat, fork-like end that supports a screw or bolt. The fork-like end offers a connection point as well.
Ring terminals offer better protection against loosening and disconnection. The end of a ring terminal is completely closed. Therefore, it shouldn’t come off the equipment or system to which it’s connected — even if vibrations are present. Vibrations, on the other hand, may cause spade terminals to loosen, as the end is open.
Choosing Between Ring and Spade Terminals
Whether you choose ring or spade terminals is a personal preference. In the aerospace industry, some people prefer ring terminals, whereas others prefer spade terminals. They are two of the most common types of electrical terminals, and they share many of the same characteristics. The only real difference is that ring terminals have a ring-shaped end, and spade terminals have a fork-like, spade-shaped end.
