How Do You Choose an Automotive Electrical Connector?

Selecting the right electrical connector for your vehicle is critical. Here are the criteria you need to consider when choosing a connector:

Read our blog post detailing each aspect of electrical connectors above so that you pick the right one for the job.

Current rating (current density)
Connector size (circuit density)
Engagement force
Wire size
Configuration and circuit size
Operating voltage
Agency approvals
Price per circuit

What Types of Automotive Wire Connectors Are Common?

These are the four types of electrical wire connectors:

Inline or cable connectors permanently attached to a cable, so it can be plugged into another terminal (either a stationary instrument or another cable)
Chassis or panel connectors permanently attached to a piece of equipment so users can connect a cable to a stationary device
PCB mount connectors soldered to a printed circuit board, providing a point for cable or wire attachment (e.g. pin headers, screw terminals, board-to-board connectors)
Splice or butt connectors (primarily insulation displacement connectors) that permanently join two lengths of wire or cable
Here are the most common types of automotive wire connectors:
Metri-Pack Connectors
AMP Superseal Connectors
Anderson Connectors
Weather Pack Connectors
What is a terminal connector?

A terminal connector provides a convenient way to connect individual wires, or various circuits and systems. A terminal connector can help prevent shortages, eliminate splicing and conserve panel space.

What is a wire harness connector?

A wiring harness is an organized set of wires, terminals and connectors that run throughout the entire vehicle and relay information and electric power playing a critical role in connecting a variety of components. A DC connector is an electrical connector supplying direct current (DC) power in the wire harness connectors and is the backbone of any electromechanical systems. The performance of the connector directly determines the overall performance of the wiring harness and plays a decisive role in the stability and safety of the whole vehicle.

Plug and socket connectors are usually made up of male plug contacts and female receptacle socket contacts. A socket often refers to a female connector and is more fixed, while the plug is commonly referred to the male contact and is the movable connector of the pair.

How Do You Protect Your Automotive Electrical Connectors?

As with any automotive electrical circuit it’s important to have the right multi-pin connector for the job. While electrical connectors are responsible for connecting various circuits, systems, and applications together, items such as heat shrink tubing and wire are what enable the current to flow through your circuit and protects your wire from damaging environmental factors (i.e. water, moisture, dust, chemicals, fuels and more).

Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to connect individual wires or simply protect your existing wire/cable, it’s important to have the right parts. Waytek carries the wire/cable and wire protection products/accessories that boats, automobiles and industrial equipment require. For more information, and to view Waytek’s huge selection of wire connector related products, click on the links below.
Heat Shrink Tubing
Wire Coverings
Wire Terminals

Qty	Ea. Price	Ext. Price
100	$0.0643	$6.43
200	$0.0574	$11.48
500	$0.0517	$25.85

Qty	Ea. Price	Ext. Price
100	$0.0671	$6.71
200	$0.0600	$12.00
500	$0.0539	$26.95

Qty	Ea. Price	Ext. Price
100	$0.0724	$7.24
200	$0.0652	$13.04
500	$0.0582	$29.10

Qty	Ea. Price	Ext. Price
100	$0.0812	$8.12
200	$0.0725	$14.50
500	$0.0652	$32.60

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