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GuideTerminals

Crimp Terminal AWG Selection Guide

Haiyongchang Engineering Team |

Selecting the correct AWG (American Wire Gauge) size for crimp terminals is critical for reliable electrical connections. An undersized terminal can overheat; an oversized one won't crimp properly.

AWG to Metric Conversion

AWGCross Section (mm²)Typical Application
280.08Signal, sensors
260.14Signal, low current
240.20Control signals
220.34Control board wiring
200.52Low power
180.82General purpose
161.31Power connections
142.08Motor wiring
123.31Heating elements
105.26High current power

Terminal Color Coding (PVC Insulated)

Industry-standard color coding for quick identification:

  • Red: AWG 22-16 (0.5-1.5 mm²)
  • Blue: AWG 16-14 (1.5-2.5 mm²)
  • Yellow: AWG 12-10 (4.0-6.0 mm²)

Current Capacity Guidelines

AWGMax Current (copper, 30°C ambient)
223A
205A
187A
1610A
1415A
1220A
1030A

Note: Actual capacity depends on ambient temperature, wire bundling, and insulation type. Always follow the appliance manufacturer's specifications.

Crimping Best Practices

  • Use the correct tool: Ratchet crimpers ensure consistent crimp force. Manual pliers are not reliable.
  • Strip the correct length: Too short = poor contact; too long = exposed conductor.
  • Verify the crimp: Pull test each connection. A proper crimp deforms the wire and terminal into a single gas-tight connection.
  • Avoid over-crimping: Excessive force can cut wire strands or crack the terminal.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong terminal size: The most common error. Always match the terminal to the wire gauge.
  • Using pliers instead of crimpers: Leads to unreliable, high-resistance connections.
  • Stripping too much insulation: Exposed conductor can short to adjacent terminals.
  • Insulation in the crimp barrel: Prevents proper electrical contact.

We manufacture ring, spade, and quick-connect terminals in the full AWG 22-10 range. PVC and Nylon insulation options. All terminals are RoHS and REACH certified with 99.9% pure copper construction.

Haiyongchang Engineering Team — 20+ years of connector manufacturing experience. Haiyongchang Electronics is a leading B2B connector manufacturer supplying Bosch, Haier, Hisense, Midea, Meiling, and LG.

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