The Various Lugs and Connection Components Used for Terminal Blocks

Whether one is dealing with a terminal block, instrument cables, relays, or other various parts of an aircraft electrical system, it is important that solutions are in place for connecting cables to appliances and mechanisms. While crimping is a common method for establishing such connections in a wide variety of applications, it can be a more encumbering process that has its own shortcomings if not implemented correctly. As such, utilizing a lug can be a much easier solution for establishing such connections, ensuring that connections are always secure, reliable, and long-lasting. In this blog, we will discuss various types of lugs and their uses, including those such as the terminal lug, boot lace-type lug, and U-type cable lug.

In their most basic form, cable lugs are simply devices that allow for cables to be securely attached with various electrical systems and appliances to establish a connection. In other instances, they even may be used to connect individual cables to one another. Depending on the type of conduct that one is handling and other various specifications, the choice between lugs will often vary.

The terminal block of an aircraft electrical system will generally benefit from terminal lugs, those of which will ensure that the connection is secured with protection against becoming loose as a result of vibration or other forces. In order to ensure the security of the installation, terminal blocks are usually paired with studs, as well as locked in place with the assistance of a lockwasher, plain washer, and a nut. For connecting terminals, a copper terminal lug should be implemented on top of the nut, and then either a plain washer and elastic stop nut pair or a plain washer, split lockwasher, and nut will be used. Depending on the types of materials that are being used and the application in question, it is important that one utilizes compatible materials.

Boot lace-type lugs, also known as bootlace ferrules or bootlace crimps, are connecting devices that may be crimped over a wire that has been stranded for the means of establishing a secure connection with their screw or spring clamps. To use a boot lace-type lug, the wire or cable will need to be stripped down to the same length as the terminal before being pressed into an accommodating ferrule. Such lugs or ferrules often require crimping to finalize the connection, ensuring that the metal tube is crimped to the wire. 

For relays, contractors, and other similar assemblies, the U-type cable lug is often the primary choice. This form of connecting component features a conductive piece with two prongs, creating the shape of a U. Similar to the boot lace-type lug, the U-type cable lug will require crimping to establish a secure connection for the benefit of the terminal block. While the aforementioned types are all common options, there are many other options that one may take advantage of for their aircraft electrical system. If you find yourself in the market for top-quality terminal block components that you can steadily rely on with ease, look no further than ASAP Parts Online.

ASAP Parts Online is an easy-to-use platform for part procurement, presenting customers access to products related to aviation, electronics, defense, marine, IT hardware, and more. Take the time to explore our current set of offerings at your leisure, and our team is always here to assist you with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times on everything we offer. If you find items of interest, fill out and submit an RFQ form at your earliest convenience, and a team member will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less to provide a customized quote for your comparisons. Call or email us today if you have any questions or concerns, and we would be happy to speak with you!

1. mary wilson
2. Posted on June 3, 2022
3. aviation

Related Blogs