Selection of connection terminals for high-temperature environments

Why is high temperature the "arch enemy" of terminals? Choosing the wrong one can have serious consequences!

Don't underestimate this tiny wiring terminal. In a high-temperature environment, if it can't withstand the heat, it can cause the entire system to malfunction or even cause major disasters in no time!

Insulation layer becomes "crispy": The plastic used for the terminal's casing (like PVC) will accelerate aging and become brittle and crack under temperatures above 40℃. Imagine the insulation layer of the wire cracking, the copper wire exposed, and by chance, there is another wire with a cracked insulation layer nearby - the risk of short circuit and sparking will arise. In a factory or distribution cabinet, this is like a time bomb!

Metal contacts "develop spots": The conductive metal plates inside the terminal (copper or alloy) oxidize at an accelerated rate under high temperatures, forming an oxide layer on the surface. This layer may seem insignificant, but it causes the contact resistance to soar! With a large resistance, the heat generated when the current flows increases exponentially - a vicious cycle begins: the hotter → the greater the resistance → hotter → eventually it may melt and stick together, causing signal interruption, and the equipment may simply crash.

Smart home becomes "dumb home": The routers and sensors in the home are extremely afraid of heat. When the temperature on the balcony rises in summer, the temperature and humidity sensor may show a difference of 5℃ compared to the actual temperature. If the internal contacts of the smart switch oxidize due to high temperature and have poor contact, when you click "turn off the light" on your mobile app, the light may not budge at all, or it may repeatedly switch several times before the relay is burned out.

www.gaaye.com