Terminal: Electrical Component Definition

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SUMMARY

The term "terminal" in electrical components refers to a connection point for wires, not merely the physical end of a component. Electrical terminals can be found in various forms, including screw terminals, solder points, and terminal blocks, which facilitate connections to devices like PCBs and motors. The definition of a terminal is broader than just the end of a wire, as it encompasses junctions and connection points throughout a circuit. This discussion highlights the importance of understanding the context in which the term is used, as it can vary significantly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical components such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors.
  • Familiarity with electrical connection types, including screw terminals and solder points.
  • Knowledge of circuit design and layout, particularly in relation to PCBs and junction boxes.
  • Basic concepts of electrical terminology and definitions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the different types of electrical terminals, including terminal blocks and spade terminals.
  • Explore the role of terminals in PCB design and how they affect circuit functionality.
  • Learn about junctions and wire splices, and how they differ from terminals in electrical systems.
  • Investigate the historical context of the term "terminal" in electrical engineering and its evolution.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, technicians, and students studying circuit design, as well as anyone involved in the assembly or maintenance of electrical components and systems.

Eltahawy
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How can the term "terminal" be defined
Is't just "the physical end of the component "
Or there is a more rigorous definition
 
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Eltahawy said:
How can the term "terminal" be defined
Is't just "the physical end of the component "
Or there is a more rigorous definition

hi there .. no so much of a component say a transistor, resistor, capacitor ( tho some do have their own nut/screw terminations)

I view a terminal as a termination point. be it a screw terminal, a solder point for multiple components and or wires

I personally wouldn't call the wire end of a component a terminal
eg
but I would deem that these stud mounted diodes as having terminals in the true sense of the word
eg
2009921235329654.jpg
these are TERMINAL blocks
egand a zillion variations like them

I think you will find it very open to interpretation

Dave
 
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Electrical Terminals are usually devices for connecting wires to electrical devices (PCBs, Motors or some components) or other wires (as in junction boxes). I've never heard them defined as the "physical end of a component" as you can have electrical terminals in the middle.

Spade Terminals on a relay..
http://static.rapidonline.com/catalogueimages/Module/M553902P01WM.jpg
Battery post Terminals
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dXMGy9iX-s8/maxresdefault.jpg
Motor Terminals
http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w448/4wdadventurers/Winch%20Gear/Winchwiring001_zpsf9e32eb2.jpg
Junction box terminals
http://www.sparksdirect.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/junction-box-tr1.jpg
Buss Bar Terminals (eg Ground)
http://www.suns-usa.com/pictures/G12806.jpg
 
Another use of the word 'Terminal' is for the high voltage beam generation section of a (ion) accelerator.
nv-8200p.JPG
 
Maybe the term terminal comes from the early power and telephone networks.
The terminal connection is at the end of the line, because that is where the line terminates.
Wire splices along the line are not terminals, they are joints or junctions.
 

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