Connectorised Wiring
Plugging and unplugging cable ends with connectors that come ready from the box, instead of soldering or cutting them in the field. Installation time is shortened, the risk of connecting the wrong terminal is reduced and it becomes possible to test by separating parts during fault finding. The illuminated switch supplied with the LFT20 is connectorised in this way.
On an agricultural vehicle the connection point is where electrical faults most often start: vibration, moisture and dust come together there. A connectorised solution improves this in two ways. First, a terminal crimped in the factory is more repeatable than a soldered or twisted connection made hastily in the field. Second, a locking connector does not come apart by itself under vibration.
- Installation: push the connector until you hear a click; a half-seated connector works for the first few hours and then loses contact.
- Orientation: where possible, position the connector facing downwards so that water does not collect inside it; leave a drip loop in the cable.
- Maintenance: when cleaning, do not aim pressurised water directly at the contacts; use contact spray if necessary.
The practical benefit of a connectorised arrangement in fault finding is this: by removing the switch you can test the motor side of the kit on its own and the supply side separately. For the LFT20 the manufacturer already requires the bench test made by touching the supply cables to the battery posts before installation.
The context where this term is used: Converting a tractor hydraulic lever to electronic control