Sta-Kon is a brand of crimp wire terminals and electrical connectors in ABB's Thomas and Betts product portfolio. Thomas and Betts developed the first tool-applied solderless terminals more than 70 years ago. ABB acquired Thomas and Betts in 2012. Sta-Kon terminals are used in HVAC control wiring, electrical panel assembly, building controls, and industrial wiring applications.
Product Lines
- Ring Terminals (R series): Vinyl-insulated and non-insulated copper; stud sizes 8, 10, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8"; 24 AWG to 0 AWG range
- Fork/Spade Terminals (RA series): Push-on connection; releasable without removing screw; vinyl-insulated
- Butt Splices (C series): Straight-through wire joins; vinyl-insulated and heat-shrinkable versions
- Disconnect terminals for quick-connect/disconnect control and field wiring
- Heat-shrinkable terminals, splices, and disconnects for moisture-exposed applications
- Sta-Kon STAKIT crimp kit: assorted butt splices, ring, fork, disconnect terminals with crimp tool
- Spec-Kon (higher performance) and Shield-Kon (shielded cable) specialty series
- Construction: High-conductivity copper; corrosion-resistant plating; brazed/overlapped seam (2.5x tensile strength vs. butted seam); deep internal serrations; chamfered funneled barrel
Why Electricians and HVAC Technicians Specify Sta-Kon
- 70-plus year history as the dominant solderless terminal brand; universally recognized color coding
- Brazed/overlapped seam: 2.5x tensile strength vs. butted seam reduces vibration failure risk
- Deep internal serrations lower connection resistance and prevent wire pullout under vibration
- Chamfered funneled barrel prevents wire strand hang-up during insertion
How to Choose Sta-Kon Terminals
Match terminal color to wire gauge: red (22-18 AWG), blue (16-14 AWG), yellow (12-10 AWG). Select type: ring terminal for screw terminations; fork for push-on stud connections; butt splice for straight-through joins; disconnect for field-service connections. Match ring hole to stud size. For moisture exposure: specify heat-shrinkable version; activate with heat gun after crimp.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who makes Sta-Kon? ABB Thomas and Betts; T&B developed the first tool-applied solderless terminals 70+ years ago; ABB acquired T&B in 2012.
- Color coding? Red: 22-18 AWG. Blue: 16-14 AWG. Yellow: 12-10 AWG.
- Brazed seam advantage? 2.5x tensile strength vs. butted seam; resists barrel splitting during crimp and opening under vibration.
- Wire gauge range? 24 AWG to 0 AWG across the product line.
- HVAC control panel use? Yes. Ring and fork terminals used in HVAC control panels, thermostat wiring, and equipment control board connections.