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A terminal is a the point at which a conductor from an electrical component, device or network comes to an end and provides a point of connection to external circuits. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener. In network analysis, terminal means a point at which connections can be made to a network in theory and does not necessarily refer to any real physical object. In this context, especially in older documents, it is sometimes called a "pole".

The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, or may require a tool for assembly and removal, or may be a permanent electrical joint between two wires or devices.

[edit] Types of terminals

• Splices
• Solder Lugs
• Tongue Crimp terminals (ring terminals)
• Turrets
• Test probes (pogo terminals)
• Clips
• Screw terminals
• Tab terminals (quick-connect, quick-disconnect)
• Wire nuts