Electrical terminals and connectors with 3M MVG24-110/32DFX-BOTTLE providing excellent strain relief

3M Scotchlok Terminals, Kits, and Tools

For over 30 years, 3M has been a leading supplier of Scotchlok terminals, disconnects, connectors, and tools for high-performance applications in the assembly and maintenance of electrical systems. Our products are known for their effective and reliable performance, UL Listed and CSA Certified where appropriate. They offer a variety of types, sizes, and materials to meet a broad application range, including demanding temperature and weather conditions. Design features ensure easy installation with positive and easy wire insertion, elimination of strand hang-ups and wire twisting, and easy insulation entry, making the installers job easier.

• Brand: 3M
• Product Lines: Scotchlok, Highland
• Certifications: UL Listed and CSA Certified (where appropriate)
• Temperature Ratings: Non-insulated terminals up to 347F (175C); Insulated terminals up to 221F (105C). High Temperature terminals withstand 900F (482C).

Key Features and Benefits:

• Insulation Grip: Provides a "second" crimp on wire insulation for additional strain relief, excellent for high vibration applications.
• Funnel Barrel Construction: Ensures positive, easy wire insertion, prevents strand hang-ups, and eliminates the need for wire twisting.
• One-piece, Burr-Free Construction: Maximizes electrical conductivity with electrical bright-tin plating for corrosion resistance. Annealing relieves stress points for maximum installed strength.
• Barrel-to-Pad Transition: Minimizes flexing and bending.
• Open-End Design: Allows visual inspection of wire location before and after crimping.
• Wire Retention: Multiple "V" grooves in #264 AWG parts provide excellent holding power.
• Injection Molded Insulations: High-quality, 221F (105C) rated, tough, resistant electrical grade materials ensure consistent wall thickness for reliability.
• Crimp Ridge: Designed for positive tool location on the terminal barrel, reducing mis-crimps.
• Non-Slip Ridge: Aids in tool positioning for proper crimping and better workmanship.
• Beveled Leading Edge: Facilitates easy wire insulation entry.
• Heat Shrink Products: Offer superior moisture protection, corrosion resistance, improved mechanical performance, and durability.

Product Categories:

• Ring Tongues
• Multi-Stud Ring Tongues
• Standard Forks
• Block Forks
• Flanged Block Forks
• Locking Forks
• Butt Connectors
• Female Disconnects
• Male Disconnects
• Flags
• Multi-Stack Disconnects
• Adapters
• High Temperature Terminals
• Closed End Connectors
• Parallel Connectors
• Pin Terminals
• Kits
• Tools

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Insulation Grip Function: Provides "second" crimp on insulation for strain relief, ideal for high vibration applications.
• Tool Compatibility: Refer to pages 143-144 for a variety of tools compatible with 3M terminals.
• Insulated vs. Fully Insulated Disconnects: Insulated disconnects have barrel insulation only; fully insulated disconnects are insulated from barrel to receptacle/tab.
• Temperature Withstand: Non-insulated terminals up to 347F (175C); Insulated terminals up to 221F (105C).

Glossary of Terms:

• Adapters: To interconnect two connectors already attached to wires.
• Block Fork: Same strength as fork, designed for terminal blocks with flat sides against the barrier.
• Bullet Style: Reliable in-line connection with holding friction when joined, often for automotive use.
• Butt Connector: Chamfered barrel ends for fast wire insertion from both ends, with a built-in wire stop. Must be crimped at both ends.
• Closed-End Connector: Used for pigtailing two or more wires.
• Flanged Fork: Combines benefits of block and locking forks; stays secure if screw loosens.
• Fork: Allows rapid wire connection, typically used on free-standing studs due to wider tongues.
• Locking Fork: Spring-like tongue locks onto stud even if screw is loose; requires extra force to remove.
• Parallel Connector: Similar to butt connector with overlapped wires and a single center crimp, used where space is limited.
• Pin Terminal: For installation in compression blocks, used in Europe for terminating stranded wire.
• Quick Connect (Disconnect): Female part's tongue slips over male tab for quick connection/disconnection.
• Ring Terminal: Standard, safest, and most reliable tongue style; cannot be removed without removing mounting screw.
• Tab Terminal: Uses mounting hole for rivet or screw.
• Tap Terminal: No wire stripping required; lay wire in connector and crimp.

Terminal Numbering System Overview:

3M Terminal Numbering System includes Identity Code/Barrel Style, Wire Size Code (AWG), Tongue Code, and Product Availability.

Example Product Number Breakdown:

MNG18-4 FB/SK: M (3M Identity) NG (Nylon w/ Grip) 18 (Wire Range 2218 AWG) - 4 (Stud Size) FB (Fork, Block) /S (Short) K (Bulk Packaging).

Color Coding for Wire Range:

• Yellow: 2624 AWG
• Red: 2218 AWG
• Blue: 1614 AWG
• Yellow: 1210 AWG
• Red: 8 AWG
• Blue: 6 AWG
• Yellow: 4 AWG

Standard Terminal Construction Attributes:

• One-piece, burr-free construction for maximum electrical conductivity.
• Electrical bright-tin plating for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Annealing relieves stress points for maximum installed strength.
• Barrel-to-pad transition design minimizes flexing and bending.
• Open-end design for visual inspection of wire location.
• Multiple "V" grooves in #264 AWG parts for excellent holding power.
• Injection molded insulations (vinyl or nylon) are high quality, rated at 221F (105C).
• Crimp ridge for positive tool location.
• Funnel barrel construction for easy wire insertion without strand hang-ups.
• Nylon-insulated terminals with grip feature a brass sleeve for optimum grip, strain relief, and vibration protection.
• Non-slip ridge for proper tool positioning.
• Beveled leading edge for easy wire insulation entry.

Barrel Styles:

• Non-Insulated Butted Seam: Economical, beveled mouth for wire insertion. Max temp: 347F (175C).
• Non-Insulated Brazed Seam: Beveled mouth, can be crimped anywhere on barrel. Silver brazed seam prevents wire escape. Max temp: 347F (175C).
• Vinyl Insulated (Brazed/Butted Seams): Insulated barrel with flared, rigid molded PVC sleeve. Funneled for easy wire entry. Non-slip ridge for tool positioning. Rated -40F to 221F (-40C to 105C). UL/CSA Certified for 600V building wire and 1000V signs/fixtures.
• Nylon Insulated with Insulation Grip (Butted Seam): Insulated barrel with flared, seamless brass sleeve and molded nylon sleeve. "Step" in nylon insulation for mistake-proof tool positioning. Rated -40F to 221F (-40C to 105C). UL/CSA Certified for 600V building wire and 1000V signs/fixtures.

Installation Procedure:

Funnel Barrel Feature: Guides wire into position for fast, positive installation without strand hang-up. Wire is ready for crimping.

Crimping: For maximum performance, the connector barrel must be properly indexed in the crimp tool station. Correct crimping ensures a strong connection (Electrical Crimp / Mechanical Crimp).

Heat Shrink Terminals, Connectors, and Disconnects:

Protect against challenging environments with excellent moisture protection. Adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing provides a seal resistant to water, salt, steam, and contaminants. Offers improved pullout strength and strain relief. Durable tubing resists abrasion, scoring, cut-through, and aging. Available for wire sizes 2210 AWG. Color-coded for wire range identification. Transparent tubing allows visual inspection.

High Temperature Terminals and Connectors:

Constructed of steel with nickel plating. Rated for continuous use at 900F (482C). Ideal for ovens, motors, and light fixtures. No applicable UL or CSA standard for high temperature steel parts.

Standard Crimp Terminal and Connector Specifications:

• Materials: Burr-free, annealed, bright-tin plated ETP copper. Barrels are 0.25" long with brazed seams where specified. Insulation grip sleeves are tin-plated brass, securely attached. Insulators are molded PVC or nylon, UL Listed and CSA Certified (600V building wire, 1000V signs/fixtures). Connector insulators are extruded PVC or nylon, rated 221F (105C).
• Construction: All insulated terminals have funnel entry and a crimp ridge. Nylon insulated terminals/connectors have butted seam barrels with insulation grip sleeves. All terminal barrels have multiple "V" grooves for maximum conductor retention.