Faston: everything you need to know about these elements

Isaac

5 minutes

faston

You've probably never heard of a Faston connector , but if you've worked on electronics projects, you've seen and used it more than once. They're often overlooked because they're not essential; you can complete your DIY project without them without affecting its functionality. However, using them is highly recommended for convenience and to keep your cables in good condition.

In this guide you will learn everything you need to know about this electronic component , from what they are, how to use them, how they are connected, to the tools you have at your disposal to work with them…

What is a faston

A faston, terminal, or connector —whatever you prefer to call it—is simply a connector added to the end of an electrical cable to connect it to another device or network. This termination can be just a conductor at the end of a cable or include additional components such as screws for securing it, etc.

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faston types

Several factors can be considered to categorize the types of faston connectors available on the market:

  • Clips type
  • For splices
  • Wire females
  • Test leads
  • Ring
  • Screw
  • De / fast connection
  • Hairpin or tongue
  • Cylindrical

Of course, you'll find both male and female components , depending on how you need to fit the connector.

In addition to that, the industry uses a number of designations to categorize these components, such as the series used in the American market:

  • 312 Series: they are 7.92 mm male connectors.
  • 250 Series: also male type and with dimensions of 6.35 mm.
  • 205 Series: in this case they are male type and 5.21 mm.
  • 187 Series: dimensions down to 4.75mm and male type too.
  • 125 Series: 3.18 mm male.
  • 110 Series: 2.79 mm male.

Within each of these series there are also variations under the designation AWG (American Wire Gauge) that determine the diameter dimensions according to the colors of the accompanying plastic.

How it is used

cable with faston terminal

Depending on the type of faston, or terminal, the use may vary slightly. Some include notches that you can fit into certain connectors to make the electrical connection. Others are screwed in for installation, etc.

There are also some Faston-type connectors that are temporary , meaning they can be easily disconnected when needed. These are most common in circuits that are frequently disassembled or on parts that occasionally need replacing.

Others are permanent, as they are soldered and remain permanently joined. However, it's not an irreversible solder joint , since a soldering iron can be used to remove the connection and replace the affected component. But this is much more complicated…

What should I consider?

There are many types and manufacturers of Faston connectors on the market. This can sometimes make choosing difficult, or you might end up picking the first one you find. But you should consider a few things to choose the best one for your needs. These include qualities such as:

  • Quality of materials. Some are sturdier than others. Sometimes cheap ones can be so bad that they break during manipulation with the crimper. The best thing is that you always choose those made of special manganese steel and high-density plastic. Copper and PVC are also good, especially for electronic applications.
  • Dimensions. This will depend on the use that you are going to give it and the tool with which you are going to work. Do not use very large fastons for thin cables, or vice versa, or you will end up with problems. For example, with a faston that does not hold the intensity with which you work or a too large faston that stays loose on the cable and does not make good contact.
  • Type. This is also personal and will depend on your needs. You may need an easy connection faston if you are going to use it for an application in which you must connect and disconnect periodically, or you want one that allows you to use a screw to adjust it and that does not disconnect in mobile applications, that vibrate , etc.

Where to buy faston

A Faston connector is an extremely inexpensive component that you can buy in many specialty stores. The market offers a wide variety of these connectors for your projects, such as:

Tools to work with them

To properly fit the spade connectors to your cable, it's best to avoid using other less suitable tools like pliers, wire cutters, etc., as you could end up with a broken or improperly fitted connector. Ideally, you should use crimping tools , which are readily available and allow you to professionally fit the spade connectors to your cables.

For example, you have some inexpensive tools at your disposal such as:


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