Electrical connectors are critical to the functionality of nearly all vehicles, industrial equipment, and electrical devices.
Vinyl, nylon, heat shrink, and uninsulated terminals are available but we are going to discuss Vinyl vs Nylon. Nylon terminals are more popular and perform better than vinyl but are not as protective as heat-shrink terminals for connections exposed to the elements.
Like vinyl connectors, nylon terminals do not protect the wires from corrosive elements, but nylon terminals are usually designed to be crimped twice. Therefore, nylon terminals are stronger than vinyl connectors as the double-crimp delivers additional tensile strength and strain relief against wire pull-out.
The pros and cons of vinyl and nylon terminal connector
Vinyl Insulated Terminals:
Pros:
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Easy crimp on installation
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Usually the cheapest insulated option
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Wide selection of options
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Commonly available
Cons:
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Not a sealed connection so they can be prone to corrosion
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Wires can be prone to pulling out
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Crimp area is not visible, so it can be hard to determine if you achieved a good crimp
Nylon Insulated Terminals: (double crimp)
Pros:
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Easy crimp on installation
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Nylon insulation is more flexible and less prone to cracking than Vinyl
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More chemical resistant than vinyl
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Most can be 'double-crimped' on the wire and the insulation, providing a stronger connection.
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Semi-Translucent insulation makes it easier to see if you’ve made a good connection
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Wide selection of options
Cons:
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Wires can be prone to pulling out
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More expensive than vinyl
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Not a sealed connection so they can be prone to corrosion
We offer a choice of nylon, vinyl, heat shrink, or non-insulated types of terminals at many of our warehouses with assortment boxes available.
Need help with your electrical connectors?
Contact your Royal Brass and Hose local sales representative or call 800-669-9650 to speak with a member of our Customer Service team at any of our locations (Knoxville, TN; Marietta, GA; Orlando, FL; Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Fort Worth, TX; Benton, IL; Madisonville, KY; Princeton, WV; Birmingham, AL; Calvert City, KY)
