Content Menu
- Guides
- Articles
- FAQ
- Infographics

The Spade Debate: Clearing Up Connector Confusion

Read time: 2 minutes

In the electrical industry, clarity in communication is essential, particularly when discussing components as fundamental as terminal connectors. Let's take a moment to address a common point of confusion: the use of the term "spade" for different types of terminals.

What is a spade connector?

The term "spade connector" or "spade terminal" can be confusing, as it's used for at least two different types of terminals, like fork connectors and push-on connectors. This can lead to misunderstandings, particularly in complex electrical projects.

Push-On Terminals

Male push-on terminals are sometimes called spade terminals and offer a straightforward approach to connections. These terminals have a flat blade that easily fits into a corresponding female connector. They're ideal for situations where wires need to be frequently connected and disconnected, providing both ease of use and a secure fit.

Push-On Tab terminals, also known as spade connectors, also known as quick disconnect, also known as faston terminals, also known as...

Fork Terminals

Fork terminals are also occasionally known as spade terminals and are shaped like a 'U' or fork. These type of connector allow wires to be attached to terminal blocks without fully removing screws, saving time while keeping a reliable connection.

Alternative Names

You can find both types of electrical "spade" connectors by many different names. Below are just a few of the aliases these terminals can go by:


Push-On Terminal, aka: spade connector quick connect quick disconnect disconnect terminal faston terminal lucar connector blade terminal (also easily confused with other terminal types called blade and hooked blade.)	Fork Terminal, aka: spade connector fork tongue terminal screw terminal horseshoe connector U connector

The Spade Debate: Clearing Up Connector Confusion

Push-On Terminal, aka:

spade connector
quick connect
quick disconnect
disconnect terminal
faston terminal
lucar connector
blade terminal
(also easily confused with other terminal types called blade and hooked blade.)

Fork Terminal, aka:

spade connector
fork tongue terminal
screw terminal
horseshoe connector
U connector

Spade Connector Types

Our focus on clear communication is part of our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. By ensuring that our language is precise, we aim to build strong, trust-based relationships with our customers. To help you find the right product, here's a list of the "spade connectors" we supply by brand:

Different "spade connector" terminologies between brands
expressTERM PVC Insulated Wire Terminals	Push-on Tab Pre-Insulated Terminals (Male) Push-on Pre-Insulated Terminals (Female) Push-on Fully Insulated Terminals (Female)	Fork Pre-Insulated Terminals
Klauke Insulated Wire Terminals	Push-on Tab Pre-Insulated Terminals (Male) Push-on Pre-Insulated Terminals (Female) Push-on Fully Insulated Terminals (Female)	Fork Pre-Insulated Terminals
Cembre PVC Insulated Terminals	N/A	Fork F-Range Insulated Terminals
Cembre Halogen Free Insulated Terminals	Male Disconnect Insulated Terminals Female Disconnect Insulated Terminals	Fork P-Range Insulated Terminals
Cembre Reinforced Vibration Resistant Terminals	Male Reinforced Insulated Terminals Female Reinforced Insulated Terminals	Fork Reinforced Insulated Terminals
Cembre Insulated Chain Terminals	Male Disconnect Chain Terminals Female Disconnect Chain Terminals Female Disconnect Terminals Fully Insulated	Fork/Spade CP-Range Chain Terminals