Editing Electrical connector (section)

===Ring and spade connectors===
[[Image:Ring wire end connector.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Ring style wire-end crimp connectors]]
The connectors in the top row of the image are known as '''ring terminals''' and '''spade terminals''' (sometimes called fork or split ring terminals). Electrical contact is made by the flat surface of the ring or spade, while mechanically they are attached by passing a screw or bolt through them. The spade terminal form factor facilitates connections since the screw or bolt can be left partially screwed in as the spade terminal is removed or attached. Their sizes can be determined by the [[American wire gauge|gauge]] of the conducting wire, and the interior and exterior diameters.

In the case of insulated crimp connectors, the crimped area lies under an insulating sleeve through which the pressing force acts. During crimping, the extended end of this insulating sleeve is simultaneously pressed around the insulated area of the cable, creating strain relief. The insulating sleeve of insulated connectors has a color that indicates the wire's [[IEC 60228|cross-section area]]. Colors are standardized according to DIN 46245:

* Red for cross-section areas from 0.5 to 1 mm²
* Blue for cross-section areas from 1.5 to 2.5 mm²
* Yellow for cross-section areas over 4 to 6 mm²