Ferrules are small metal collars used to crimp and bundle wires in electrical components and wiring projects. They can be insulated and color-coded, and are often used in automation for manufacturing. Ferrules protect wires from stress and breakage, making them useful for larger circuits and devices.
A ferrule is a small metal collar used at a termination or splice in wiring to crimp and bundle the wires. These devices are used in the construction of many electrical components, such as circuit boards, and can also be used in various wiring projects. Electrical component suppliers often stock a range of ferrules in different sizes and styles for different projects. Customers may also be able to order special custom products for particular types of products, although a manufacturer may request a larger order.
The ferrule takes the form of a short metal tube, which in some cases may have a flared base. To use it, an electrician or technician slides it over the involved wires and crimps it, securing the wires together. A crimping tool can be used for this, or the technician can use heavy-duty pliers or clamps. The technician can insert the end of the ferrule into a contact point to connect the wiring, or the ferrule can create a wire or cable termination, depending on the setup.
Some ferrules are insulated with rubber, plastic, or other materials. These can be color coded for your convenience. Operators can use color coding to correctly connect contacts or to code specific types of wires. The insulation can come in the form of a removable band so the operator can choose the color for a particular application. Non-insulated ferrules are left uncovered.
For automation purposes, ferrules can be purchased that are yoked together into bandoleers that can be plugged into manufacturing equipment. The equipment makes the connections, locking them automatically as the harness descends the assembly line. A technician can check the quality of the connections and look for signs of wear or improper crimping, but he doesn’t do the job by hand. Automation can speed up the manufacturing process of many electrical components.
Ferrules can be especially useful for wiring connections in larger circuits and devices. While it is possible to bring wires directly into contact, they can be subject to breakage and stress. The ferrule creates a protective cover that will limit stress at the wiring point, making problems with your system less likely in the future. The wire also isn’t forced to bend or twist in a way that predisposes it to cracking and sagging under pull or tension from the other end.
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