The purpose of this guide is to provide end-product manufacturers and other users with technical information and methods recommended towards the achievement of successful application of crimped wire terminals.

For any given use, there is generally a choice of terminal types available, employing different mechanical design, materials, and installation tooling. Although terminals available to choose from may be similarly rated, typically according to wire sizes and combinations, their electrical contact performance in the end product may vary substantially. For many applications, the end-product reliability and user safety is substantially influenced by the choice of terminal and the quality of the completed termination. This guidance document contains specialized information on selection, assembly, and quality control of crimped wire terminals, covering aspects considered to be necessary to achieve reliable long-term operation in the intended application. This information is not generally found in commercial literature or textbooks. The methods discussed utilize connection resistance as the primary measure of termination quality, and change of connection resistance with time as the measure of termination deterioration. The methods are based on a foundation of modern electrical contact theory and practice.

1.1 This guide contains practices for specifying and evaluating the electrical contact performance of crimped-type terminations with solid or stranded conductors.

1.2 This guide provides information relevant to the electrical contact performance of a crimped wire termination. It does not cover other aspects of selection and use of crimped terminals.

1.3 The methods discussed in this guide apply only to the wire termination, which is the electrical contact interface between the conductor(s) and the terminal. Other aspects important to terminal evaluation, such as the properties and performance of electrical insulation, the effectiveness of strain relief features, and the quality of contact between the terminal and other electrical circuit elements, are not included.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product/material as provided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.