HomeGlossary › Lug / ferrule / crimp

What is a lug / ferrule / crimp?

The metal end fittings crimped onto a cable so it bolts to a stud (lug) or seats in a terminal (ferrule). A proper crimp + heat-shrink makes a gas-tight, low-resistance joint.

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Why it matters

The end fitting is where most bad connections hide. A proper crimped lug or ferrule with heat-shrink makes a gas-tight, low-resistance joint that lasts; a poor one runs hot.

Where it fits in your system

Lugs bolt heavy cable to studs and busbars; ferrules seat fine strands into terminals. Both are crimped — not just twisted — onto the conductor.

How Wattonomy handles it

Design your van, boat, cabin or RV system in Wattonomy and it specifies the cable terminations alongside the gauge so each end is built for a solid, low-resistance joint — from the appliances you actually run, sized to the recognized standard for your region. You see it on the wiring diagram, in the sized parts list, and in a plain-English build pack that explains the reasoning behind every choice. No account, no email — about a minute to a complete, validated design.

Questions

What is the difference between a lug and a ferrule?

A lug is a ring/eyelet crimped on to bolt cable to a stud or busbar; a ferrule is a sleeve crimped onto fine strands so they seat cleanly in a screw terminal.

Do I need to crimp, or can I just twist?

Crimp. A proper crimp (ideally with adhesive heat-shrink) makes a gas-tight, low-resistance, vibration-proof joint — a twist does not and will eventually run hot.

Design your system — free

It takes about a minute. No account, no email.