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Discover our range of wiring components online at Cromwell.co.uk. Choose from a wide range of products including plug back sockets, terminal boxes, industrial plug sockets and more. We choose from the most reliable and quality suppliers, like SMJ®, Connexion® and Weidmuller®.

What are plug sockets & terminals?

Plug sockets and terminals act as connectors to transfer electricity from one power source to another. Plug sockets are the domestic choice of connector, while terminals and plug sockets both play a part in the power flow of industry.

When are plug sockets & terminals used?

Both plug sockets and terminals close an electrical circuit and facilitate the flow of electricity to power the required components, like a lamp in the case of a plug socket or a circuit board for a terminal. Terminals are capable of making multiple connections within one terminal block and are also used in telephone junction boxes to transmit signals as well as make electrical connections.

Considerations when choosing plug sockets & terminals

• Accessibility - All plug sockets and terminals must be accessible for testing and maintenance.

• Temperature - The chosen terminal should be able to withstand the maximum temperature output during normal function.

• Location - Plug sockets used indoors have the required insulation according to BS 7671, however, external or industrial plug sockets require additional protection against wet weather.

• Wires - Terminals are supplied for varying numbers of connections and should be chosen according to the number of wires and connections to those wires you wish to make.

• Terminal type - Terminals are available in a wide range of types, including ring, closed-end and disconnect alongside many more. These types are supplied in either insulated or non-insulated variations to suit internal or external locations.

• Style - For terminals, choose between the male or female style to suit the task. Male terminals are equipped with a plug or pin, while female terminals have a socket in which to accept the connector.

Plug sockets & terminals jargon buster

To make it easy for you to find the wiring components you need, we've outlined an applicable standard to keep you in the loop with UK compliance requirements.

What does the electrical installation standard BS 7671:2018 mean?

This standard covers the requirements for the safety of electrical installations in buildings across the UK, including the installation of collection systems for renewable energy. Under this standard, electrical installations must provide protection against the increase of connector heat during operation, insulate against electrocution and voltage disturbances and advise on fault detection devices.

Let's break it down...

• BS - The British Standards Institute outline the requirements for this standard in conjunction with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, to make this a current, British Standard (BS).

• 7671 - This is the designated legislation number.

• 2018 - This was the year when this standard was last updated.

FAQs

What is a terminal socket?

Also known as a terminal block or connection terminal, this component features multiple insertion points (hence 'socket') that safely connect two wires (or more) together to allow for the flow of electricity from one to the other.

What's the difference between a plug and a connector?

A plug features the housing, wiring, metal terminal strips and fuse, while the connector is part of this whole and is the contact which connects the plug to the electricity and closes the circuit. This could be in the form of the three prongs on a UK plug, or the pins on a USB plug.