The ferrule is a small, thin-walled tube made of metal, typically copper or brass. It is crimped onto the end of a stranded wire using a specialized crimping tool. The connector body is made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both, and provides a means of attaching the ferrule to other components or devices.
Ferrule connectors are commonly used in the telecommunications and industrial sectors. They offer a number of advantages over other types of connectors, including a strong and reliable connection, low insertion and extraction force, compatibility with a wide range of wire sizes, resistance to vibration and shock, protection against oxidation and corrosion, high electrical conductivity, and a compact and lightweight design.
Ferrule connectors come in a variety of types and styles, including:
Standard ferrules: These are the most common type of ferrule connector. They are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different wire gauges and are typically made of copper or brass.
Insulated ferrules: These ferrules have an insulating sleeve over the metal ferrule, which helps to prevent electrical shorts and provides additional protection against corrosion.
Twin ferrules: These ferrules have two separate tubes that are crimped onto the wire. The first tube holds the wire strands together, while the second tube provides a secure connection to the other component.
Step-down ferrules: These ferrules are designed to accommodate different wire sizes within a single connector. They have a stepped design that allows them to accommodate larger and smaller wires.
Uninsulated ferrules: These ferrules do not have an insulating sleeve and are used in applications where the ferrule is not in contact with other conductive materials.
Ferrule connectors are commonly used in applications such as telecommunications, data centers, automotive and aerospace industries, and medical equipment. They are also used in electrical testing and measurement applications, where they allow for easy and secure connections between test equipment and the device under test.