What Is a Blade-Type Insulated Cable Terminal? Types and Selection
A blade-type insulated cable terminal has an insulated crimp barrel and a flat tongue; it connects stranded conductors to terminal block and breaker entries without fraying.
A blade-type insulated cable terminal is a cable end made of an insulated barrel crimped onto the conductor and a flat, narrow metal tongue that goes into a terminal block or device terminal. It is used in screw terminals with a box clamp or clamping plate, such as miniature circuit breaker and terminal block entries, so that the strands of a stranded conductor are clamped without fraying or being crushed. The color of the insulation shows the matching conductor cross-section.
Types
| Type | Tongue shape | Series in the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Straight blade type | Straight, flat tongue | KSN KİK-101/14 and KİK-102/18 |
| Bent-tip blade type | Flat tongue with a bent tip | KSN KLBV |
A blade terminal does not replace a male faston terminal: it is not made for a push-on connection to a female faston terminal. If a push-on connection is needed, a male terminal is used.
Color and cross-section
| Insulation color | Conductor cross-section | Codes in the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| Red | 0.5–1.5 mm² | KİK-101/14, KLBV-1.25-3, KLBV-1.25-4.6 |
| Blue | 1.5–2.5 mm² | KİK-102/18, KLBV-2-3, KLBV-2-4.6 |
| Yellow | 4–6 mm² | KLBV-5.5-4.6 |
In KLBV codes, the first number shows the cross-section group (1.25 red, 2 blue, 5.5 yellow). Where there are two KLBV codes in the same color, compare the dimensions on the technical drawing on the product page.
Selection criteria
- Cross-section: Choose the color by the cable's cross-section. The conductor must sit in the barrel without play; an oversized barrel does not grip the strands fully.
- Tongue size: The width and length of the tongue must match the terminal entry. A tongue wider than the entry does not go in; one that is too short does not seat fully under the clamping plate.
- Blade or pin: A blade terminal fits flat, wide entries better, and a pin-type insulated cable terminal fits narrow, round entries better.
- Crimping tool: Use an insulated terminal crimping tool with red, blue and yellow nests; each color is crimped in its own nest.
- Pack quantity: Some product names state the quantity per box (100 or 200 pieces). When ordering, check the sales unit on the product page.
Common mistakes
- Pushing a blade terminal into a female faston: The tongue is not faston-sized; the contact stays weak and the connection heats up.
- Stripping the insulation to the wrong length: If stripped too far, bare wire is left outside the sleeve; if too short, the cable insulation enters the barrel and the contact is weak.
- Crimping with combination pliers or cutters: The insulation tears and the wire stays loose. After crimping, pull the terminal by hand to check it.
- Crimping two conductors into one terminal: The cross-section range is for a single conductor.
Blade terminals in the catalog
The Blade Type Insulated Cable Terminals category has 7 active products, all from KSN: 2 from the straight blade KİK series and 5 from the bent-tip KLBV series. Ring, fork and pin types are listed in the insulated cable terminals group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is a blade-type cable terminal used?
In the flat entries of screw terminals such as miniature circuit breakers and terminal blocks. It gathers the strands of a stranded conductor into a single tongue and prevents the screw from crushing the wire.
What is the difference between a blade terminal and a faston?
A male faston is made to an exact size so it can be pushed onto and pulled off a female faston terminal. A blade terminal is clamped in a screw terminal; it does not fit a female faston terminal.
What do the colors of blade terminals mean?
The color shows the matching conductor cross-section: red 0.5–1.5 mm², blue 1.5–2.5 mm², yellow 4–6 mm².
Should I choose a blade or a pin terminal?
Look at the shape of the terminal entry. A blade terminal fits a flat, wide entry better, and a pin terminal a narrow, round entry.