Switches: spade vs screw terminals

[Bryan Cotton]

All,
The switches I got from Spruce are all spade terminals. I have used that style for auto and hobby use. At Sikorsky and Schweizer we always had screw terminals on our aircraft. What are you using? Anybody have trouble free time with spade switches?

[saddler]

All of my switches are spade type from Bandc.aero and have been flawless for 105 hrs.

[SonexN76ET]

I specified screw terminals for my Sonex. The Magnitrons have spade terminals. With the screw terminals you still run the risk of a screw vibrating loose. On my boat I have spade terminals and have never had one come loose. I think it depends on individual preference.

Jake

[wlarson861]

All terminals are "Fast on" type spade terminals. Over 370 hours without a hitch.

[peter anson]

Spade terminals everywhere except the central earth block. I bought a bag of good quality soldered spade terminals and matching insulating boots. No problems in 295 hours.

Peter

[builderflyer]

Bryan,

All spade terminals on switches and the fuse block in my Sonex for 12 years and over 500 hours of flying with no issues. Recently, I attempted to remove a couple of connectors from the spade terminals and accidentally pulled the wires from the connectors instead......if properly installed, those connectors aren't going anywhere on their own.

Art

[NWade]

A quick note: The spade terminals available at some auto-parts stores (or the auto-parts section of your local big box store or home improvement warehouse) do not have as tight of a fit as the ones being sold at places like B&C Specialty, SteinAir, etc. The auto-parts-store/home-improvement terminals also usually have a harder plastic insulation that cracks when you crimp it and will fall off later.

Choose high-quality connectors with transparent/translucent insulation (which is softer and won't crack or fall off when you crimp it). Here's an example of the good terminals, over at B&C.

Here's an example of the bad terminals (DO NOT USE). Note the cheap solid plastic insulation on the terminals.

Take care,

--Noel
Sonex #1339

[Bryan Cotton]

All,
Thanks for the replies. Noel, you read my next question before I could type it!

[sonex892.]

Hi Bryan
I am happy to use either screw or spade. With either lug the most important thing is the method of crimping. Use only a good quality ratchet crimper. If you are a novice electrician use wire strippers. Resist the temptation to twist the strands prior to crimping. No lug, no matter what the wire size requires, the wire to be twisted. Do not nick or scratch the copper.
I do agree with Noel regarding using good quality lugs. I'm not sold on the fact that translucent are any better than the harder red / blue / yellow lugs. If you use good quality crimpers and lugs you will not crack the plastic.
Steve
Sonex 892

[wlarson861]

The other thing about the good quality Fast-on's from aircraft suppliers is they have a small flared piece that is designed to capture the wire insulation. The cheapies don't have that and loose holding strength.