Home > How to use IDC(Insulation Displacement Connector) connectors

What is Insulation Displacement Connector?

An Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) is a type of electrical connector designed to pierce through the insulation of a wire to make contact with the conductor inside, eliminating the need for stripping the wire before termination.

How do IDC connectors work and what tools should I use?

IDC (Insulation Displacement Contact) connectors work by forcing the connector through the insulated jacket on the cable. Eliminating the need for stripping the cable.This is because the terminal contains a set of clamping hooks. When the wire is inserted, these hooks pierce through the insulation layer, eliminating the need for wire strippers or other tools, and directly establishing contact with the conductive part of the metal terminal. This connection method ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection between the wire and the terminal while also reducing potential safety risks during operation, such as short circuits or electric shocks. 

Wiring Steps:

  1. First, open the cover and place the wire into the slot.

  2. Use pliers to firmly press the cover down.

  3. Open the terminal handle to 90°.

  4. If parallel wiring is needed, insert wires of the same property into one terminal.

  5. Close the handle to complete the connection.

After wiring this Insulation Displacement Connector, it can achieve one-switch multi-control functionality.

          Factor

                                                    Why It Matters

 Contact Force

  Must be high enough to pierce insulation but not cut the conductor.

Material Hardness

  Contacts must be harder than insulation but softer than copper conductor.

Contact Geometry

  “V” shape ensures proper penetration and retention.

Wire Gauge Match

  IDC slots are sized for specific wire diameters .

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An insulation-displacement connector (IDC) typically consists of two parts: a metal contact pin and an outer housing. The pin is designed to pierce through the wire’s insulation, establishing direct contact with the conductor. The housing secures the pin in place and maintains proper spacing between adjacent pins.

This type of terminal reduces wiring difficulty and installation time while improving connection reliability and safety. It is commonly used in various electrical applications, including household appliances, automotive systems, and marine equipment.

Mainly applied in

1. Household Appliances & Lighting

  • Light fixtures: Quick connections for LED strips, ceiling lights, and switch sockets.

  • Internal wiring in appliances: Control boards and power lines in washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

  • Smart home devices: Low-current signal transmission for sensors and thermostats.

2. Automotive & Marine Electrical Systems

  • Vehicle wiring harnesses: Dashboards, headlights, and audio systems.

  • Battery connections: Corrosion-resistant splicing for low-voltage circuits.

  • Marine electrical systems: Moisture-proof connections in humid environments.

3. Industrial Control & Automation

  • PLC wiring: Sensor and actuator signal connections.

  • Control panels: Jumper distribution in circuit breakers and relays.

  • Telecom/Networking: Insulation-piercing connections for telephone lines and RJ45 Ethernet cables.

4. Low-Voltage Power & Weak-Current Systems

  • Building cabling: Security alarms and fire detection systems.

  • Solar power systems: Parallel connections between PV panels.

Key Advantages

  • Time-saving: No wire stripping required; crimp-and-go installation.

  • Safety: Reduced short-circuit risks with intact insulation.

  • Durability: Resistant to moisture, vibration, and harsh conditions.

Note: Best suited for small wire gauges (e.g., 0.5–4mm²) and low-voltage applications (typically ≤AC450V). High-current or high-voltage scenarios require careful selection.

1. Q: Are you manufacturer or trade company?

A. We are manufacturer and specialized in terminal block for 20 years.

2. Q: Can you provide samples ? Are the samples free ?

A: Yes,we can provide free samples if quantity not too much but delivery fee need pay collect.

3. Q : What about your delivery time?

A: We have a lot of products in stock.We can send the stock products in 3 work days. If without stock,or stock is not enough, we will check the delivery time with you.

4. Q : Can you make customized products and customized packing?

A: Yes.We made a lot of customized products for our customer before. And we made many moulds for our customers already.About customized packing,we can put your Logo or other info on the packing.It is no problem.

5.Q: Do youu have a guarantee of your product quality?

A: We have a guarantee of one year.

6. Q : How to ship my order ? Is it safe?

A: For small package, we will send it by Express, such as DHL,FedEx,UPS,TNT,EMS.That’s aDoor to Door service.
For big packages, we will send them by Air or By sea.We will use good packing and ensure the safety.We will be responsible to any product damage caused on delivery.

contact person: Ms Snow
Email: [email protected]
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