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Technical guides
Technical guides
Checking Crimp Quality: How to Tell a Good Crimp from a Bad One
In a good crimp the wire reaches the end of the barrel, no insulation is trapped inside, no strands stick out, and the wire does not move when pulled by hand. A wire that turns or slips out is under-crimped; a split barrel or broken strands means it was crushed too hard. Matching the terminal size, the wire cross-section (SQ) and the tool comes first.
Technical guides
Crimp Terminal Types: How to Choose Ring, Fork, Blade or Disconnect
Choose a ring terminal when it must stay on the stud, a fork when you want to fit it without removing the screw, a blade for terminal strips, and a quick-disconnect (female REC / male TAP) for connections that are plugged and unplugged. Then pick the size from wire cross-section (SQ) and stud diameter, and use insulated terminals where the barrel should be covered.
Technical guides
Push-in or Lever Connectors: Which One Suits Which Job?
Push-in connectors suit simple wiring that is rarely reopened. Lever connectors suit equipment that is serviced or rewired often, and jobs that mix wire sizes. For lighting and building wiring in tight spaces, look at the mini push-in connector. Whichever you choose, check wire range, rating, temperature and strip length first.
Technical guides
How to Use Wire Connectors: Choosing the Size by Wire Gauge and Count
Choose a wire connector by the wire combinations in its specification table, not by colour. Count the gauge and number of wires to be joined, find that combination in the table, and check the voltage and temperature ratings and strip length. Insert the wires with their ends aligned, twist until firm, and tug each wire to confirm.
Technical guides
Keeping Adhesive Mounts in Place: Surface Preparation and Points to Watch
When an adhesive mount falls off, the cause is usually the surface. Wipe off dust, oil and moisture and let it dry completely, press the whole pad firmly onto a flat, smooth surface, and start with light wiring. Where vibration, weight or heat act continuously, switch to a screw-fixed mount.
Technical guides
How to Choose a Cable Tie Mount: Screw-Fixed or Adhesive
A cable tie mount is the base that holds a bundle against a wall, panel or frame. Choose a screw-fixed tie mount (APTM-2S, 3S) where there is vibration, the bundle is heavy or the installation is long-term, and an adhesive mount (APTM-19, 25) for light wiring on smooth surfaces where you cannot drill. Pick the size from the width of the cable tie you will use and the screw size.
Technical guides
What Makes UL Certified Cable Ties Different? From Initial Testing to Daily Quality Checks
UL certification involves more than paying a fee or passing an initial test. Learn how product evaluation, follow-up inspections and daily manufacturer sampling differ, and what to check before buying.
Technical guides
How to Read a RoHS Test Report: What Is Tested and How to Check It
A RoHS test report lists the results of analysing a sample for restricted substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, brominated flame retardants and phthalates. For each item, read the test method, the method detection limit (MDL) and the result, check whether the result is N.D. (not detected), and confirm that the sample name, issue date and laboratory match the product you are buying.
Technical guides
UL94 V-0, V-2 and HB Explained: A Resin Flame Rating Is Not a Product Certification
UL94 classifies how quickly a plastic resin specimen stops burning, with V-0 the strictest, followed by V-1, V-2 and HB. The "UL94 V-0 / V-2" on a cable tie specification is a resin rating; UL certification of the finished cable tie (for example to UL 62275) has to be checked separately by certificate number and covered models.
Technical guides
How to Read a Resin Data Sheet (TDS): Tensile Strength, Melting Point, HDT and Flame Rating
A number on a resin data sheet only means something when read together with its property, test method, condition and unit. The same resin gives very different values dry or conditioned, under different loads and at different thicknesses; melting point and HDT are not service temperatures; and a resin's UL94 rating is not a certification of the finished product.
Technical guides
How to Store Nylon Cable Ties: Humidity, Temperature and Why Ties Snap
Nylon cable ties take up and release moisture from the air, and their flexibility changes with it. Keep them sealed in their original bags indoors, away from sunlight, heat and damp floors, and test a tie first if the stock has been somewhere very dry or cold — that is how you cut down on snapping.
Technical guides
How to Fasten a Cable Tie Properly: Pulling Force, Trimming the Tail and Tools
Feed the tie into the head with the toothed side facing in, pull only until the bundle stops moving, then cut the tail flush and flat against the head. Here are the common mistakes — such as overtightening or leaving a sharp tail — and how to use a fastening tool.