1.Definition of a terminal
Male Terminal= Terminals matched by male connectors
Female Terminal= Terminals matched by female connectors
2.Terminal size-Male terminal width
Width(mm):0.64,0.8.1.0,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.5,1.8,2.3,2.8,4.8,6.0,6.3,8.0,9.5mm.
3.Mechanical properties of the terminal
Vertical force：Force applied by female terminal vertically to male terminal
Insertion force：Force applied when inserting the terminal
Complete terminal length(mm)：Male and female terminals fully engaged when connected.USCAR design standard specifies a minimum length of 1mm.
4.Terminal matching wire diameter-Cross-sectional area of a conductor in a wire
Example：
The width of the male terminal is 2.8mm, and the cross-sectional area is: 2.8mm（width） x 0.8mm（height） =2.24mm².Applicable wire conductor size is 2.5mm2(approximation)，the load current of terminals is less than 20A.
It is important that the wire size matches the terminal system.
5.Sealing of terminals
Mat Seal
Advantages
Can meet small-pitch / small-density assembled terminals
Disadvantages
When the wire insulation layer is matched with the sealing plug, the unused hole must be blocked to maintain the sealing effect.Connectors need a cover to ensure the side load of the wire.
Single Wire Seal
Advantages
Unused holes are easily blocked(use plugs or sticks). Can easily replace wires of different sizes.
Disadvantages
It is difficult to crimp the sealing plug on the terminal. The size of the sealing plug must match the size of the wire, otherwise it will be more difficult to plug the terminal
6.Terminal type
Non-waterproof type terminal:terminal with or without Metal spring latch.
Metal spring latch terminal
Metal springs on the terminals for locking, 1 terminal usually has 1pc or 2pcs metal spring. European markets prefer to use this terminal.
Without Metal spring latch
Locking mechanism is in the connector，Terminals are 1-piece designs.The US and Japanese markets prefer to use this type of terminal.
Waterproof type terminal:Mat seal terminal and Single Wire seal terminal
Mat seal terminal
Mat seal terminal are used“clean body”type terminal.Clean body generally refers to the terminal without the spring itself，Terminal body has no sharp exterior or edges.The US and Japanese markets prefer to use this type of terminal.
Single Wire seal terminal
The sealing plug is crimped on the terminal.
7.Comparison of metal spring latch and plastic spring latch
The advantages of metal spring latch：
Stronger than plastic spring latch,Prevents the operator from returning the terminal with the wrong tool.
The advantages of plastic spring latch
Low terminal insertion force.
Terminals can be fitted with connectors with mat seal.
