There are several different connection types used in electrical installation work. These include screw terminal, clamp terminal, push-type, and cage clamp.
For details on preparing the cable by stripping the outer sheath, and trimming back the insulation of each conductor see our Cable Stripping guide.
Always double-check that you have made your connection to the correct terminal.
Ensure that the bare part of the conductor is fully housed and there is no exposed wire showing and that the conductor is fully secured.
Screw Terminal Connection
This type of connection is commonly found on socket outlets and light switches.
Having stripped the conductors ready, slacken the screw of the appropriate connection terminal. Where more than one conductor is being connected to the same screw terminal type fitting, insert them alongside each other. Do not twist conductors together before inserting them into the connection as this may damage them and can also cause problems when testing circuits.
Insert the conductor into the hole. Ensure that the bare part of the conductor is fully housed and there is no exposed wire showing. Tighten the screw.
Clamp Terminal Connection
This type of terminal connection is commonly found on earth clamps used in main and supplementary bonding Having stripped the conductors ready, slacken the screw of the clamp connection terminal. Insert the conductors beneath the small plate on the clamp terminal, and tighten the retaining screw.
Ensure that the conductor is fully housed and secured.
Push Type Terminal Connection
These are one of the easiest types of terminal connection to work with. They are commonly found in maintenance-free junction boxes.
Having stripped the conductors ready, simply push the wire into the terminal opening so that the conductor is fully housed and securely held.
Releasing conductors from this type of connection is usually done by rotating whilst pulling gently.
Unlike the previous types, multiple conductors are inserted separately into the connector. You, therefore, need to select connectors with a suitable number of poles to suit your requirements.
Cage Clamp Terminal Connection
These are also easy to use terminal connections. They are also commonly found in maintenance-free junction boxes.
Having stripped the conductors ready, release the clamp on the terminal. Push the wire into the terminal opening so that the conductor is fully housed. Push the clamp back down to secure the conductor. Releasing conductors from this type of connection is simply done by lifting the clamp again.
As with push type terminal connectors, multiple conductors are inserted separately into the connector. You, therefore, need to select connectors with a suitable number of poles to suit your requirements.