no end terminals...

[Anonymous User 10+ year member]

i noticed some people dont use or it looks like they dont use the end terminals. ive seen some install pics where it looks like the wires are connected directly to the amp without those connecters at the end? i was wondering is it bad to do that?

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Depends on the amp. The amps that I use have direct connect terminals that take bare wire. If you are talking about amps with a barrier terminal type power connection, then yes it is bad practice to connect the wires without using a terminal.

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Depends on the amp. The amps that I use have direct connect terminals that take bare wire. If you are talking about amps with a barrier terminal type power connection, then yes it is bad practice to connect the wires without using a terminal.

Technically, helo's right. It isn't a good practice. But if you are fastidious about the way you go about it and are very careful about how the wire is stripped and inserted into the terminal it can be done with positive results. I'm a lazy S.O.B. and have been using bare wire to connect power and ground and speaker wires to amps for years with no adverse results thus far *knock on wood* but I will happily admit that helotaxi is absolutely correct is saying it isn't a good practice.

 

[angryeric116 10+ year member]

why is this a bad thing?

what could possibly go wrong with bare wire?

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

why is this a bad thing?what could possibly go wrong with bare wire?

Because of the nature of the construction of a barrier strip a single loose strand from the end of a cable which terminates in nothing more than exposed wire could easily create a short and potentially do damage to the amp or the speakers it is powering or both (worst case scenario). If you did have a strand or three of that exposed wire decide it (they) wanted to go astray from where you intended it to be then there isn't anything to keep it from making contact with a connection you'd likely not want it to //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[Anonymous User 10+ year member]

so it would be bad if i used bare wires on my PHD2? since it has the terminals on the amp that tighten and untighten with a screw driver? im just wondering, just trying to understand some things that are on my mind.

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

so it would be bad if i used bare wires on my PHD2? since it has the terminals on the amp that tighten and untighten with a screw driver? im just wondering, just trying to understand some things that are on my mind.

Most amps have this type of connection. The only ones that are really safe to use bare wire are the ones that each connection has its own dedicated input that is physically separated from one another and tightens with allen wrenches.

 

[angryeric116 10+ year member]

so what kind of terminals do you suggest using?

spade?

 

[MustangGT25YRS 10+ year member]

*If any Amp* has the Screws to use *Quality Nylon Terminals* on.......Believe Me!use them!!.These Guys are right in telling you to use terminals on that type of Power *AND* Speaker Connection.You only need a small portion of the wire to protrude thru the terminal.Make sure the cable insulation is *All The Way into The Connector*......I've seen some real nightmares with terminals that people have done.

I like the Nylon vs. Vinyl insulation.The Nylon will not crack and be brittle like most Vinyl inslulated terminals when Crimped.

If you use a crimper that has the valley where the terminal crimp part rests,and the "NUB" (Don't know what else to call it) that makes the Indent in the terminal.....you don't want to crimp the "Seam" of the connector w/that nub.

Crimp the smooth side of the crimp barrel with the Nub.

You can see the seam in most terminals.Well I hope this helps you out //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif .

All The Best With Your System //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif .

Best Regards,

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

so what kind of terminals do you suggest using? spade?

Well, if you'll refer to my first post in this thread my suggestion would be to be careful with your wire trimming and just go the lazy route with bare wire //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

But if you're going to actually use terminal ends (yes, boys and girls, this is the preferred method) I would advise against spade terminals. They won't sit flush all the way to the back of the connection spot. I do not know the proper name for it but get the ones that have a cutout in the middle to sit around the terminal screw.

 

[MustangGT25YRS 10+ year member]

Hi Prowler,

Not being Smart Azzz....I think it would be a Ring Terminal.There is another that has an opening at the 7 or 8:00 position.....looks like a hook.

I myself like the *Ring Terminals*.More Safe..More Secure..Full Screw Contact~

Regards,

 

[Anonymous User 10+ year member]

cool thanks guys, i just wanted to know since i lost some of my terminal connectors.

is it bad to crimp a + from one sub and another sub together and the - from one sub to another together? or should i jsut crimp them on seperate terminals?