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Terminals - Barrel, Bullet Connectors

Barrel and bullet connectors are used in a variety of electronic applications, from wire-to-wire or wire-to-board connections. They are particularly beneficial in control and communication systems in industrial settings, as well as in basic electronics prototyping. While barrel and bullet connectors look fairly similar, they are not interchangeable and have different uses and installation requirements.

Application Field

Barrel and bullet connectors can be used in a variety of applications. They are most commonly used to connect two wires together in a practical and secure way. The most typical application is where two sets of matched wires or cables that mate together in a male-female connection. To ensure an electrical connection of the wiring, as well as the security of the connection, crimp style connectors are used.

In addition, barrel and bullet connectors are also often used for connecting a piece of equipment to a printed circuit board, a transistor, or a connector. This application is especially beneficial when working with surface mount electronics. For instance, bullet connectors are the most popular electrical connector to connect a DC power supply to an LED print. For these applications, both the male and female parts of the connector are soldered onto the board.

Working Principle

Barrel and bullet connectors generally follow the same working principle. Each connector has two pieces: the male piece and the female piece. The male piece is inserted into the female piece and a locking mechanism holds the connection in place. The most common style of locking mechanism involves the use of a threaded sleeve which holds the ends together when tightened.

When connecting two wires or cables, wire is stripped from the end of the cable and passed into the connector. Crimp-style connections can be ideal in these situations, as they can provide secure and reliable power transmission with minimal effort. Crimp-style connectors usually come with a pre-moulded insulation seal, which insulates and encloses the wires and ensures good electrical connections. In addition, some barrel and bullet connectors are designed to support power transmission.

In applications where a printed circuit board, transistor, or connector is typically involved, hardware is used to securely hold the ends of the barrel and bullet connector together. This can be done with a pre-made fixture or threaded sleeve, or with a mechanical crimp. This ensures that the connection remains secure and will not lose its connection during the use of the device, making barrel and bullet connectors a great choice for use in most applications.