Terminal: Electrical Component Definition

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eltahawy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electrical
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of the term "terminal" in the context of electrical components. Participants explore various interpretations and applications of the term, considering its usage in different electrical contexts, including connections to devices and the physical structure of components.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a terminal is simply the physical end of a component, while others argue for a more nuanced definition that includes various types of connection points.
  • One participant views a terminal as a termination point, including screw terminals and solder points, but does not consider the wire end of a component to be a terminal.
  • Another participant states that electrical terminals are devices for connecting wires to electrical devices or other wires, noting that terminals can exist in the middle of components, not just at the ends.
  • A different perspective is introduced, suggesting that the term "terminal" may originate from early power and telephone networks, where it referred to the end connection of a line.
  • One participant mentions a specific application of the term "terminal" in the context of high voltage beam generation in ion accelerators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of "terminal." Multiple competing views are presented, highlighting the term's varied interpretations in different contexts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals limitations in the definitions provided, as participants rely on different contexts and applications of the term "terminal," which may affect their interpretations.

Eltahawy
Messages
13
Reaction score
3
How can the term "terminal" be defined
Is't just "the physical end of the component "
Or there is a more rigorous definition
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jim hardy, anorlunda and cnh1995
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.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
8K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K