These 6.3mm female spade connectors with heat shrink insulation offer reliability and convenience for all kinds of electrical installations, especially in environments exposed to moisture, vibration, and corrosion. Each terminal is made of high-conductivity copper, tin-plated to resist rust. The plastic heat-shrink sleeve encases the entire metal connector: after crimping the wire and heating the sleeve, it shrinks snugly around the spade and wire, sealing the junction. This creates a waterproof barrier that protects the connection from saltwater, humidity, and oxidation – a critical benefit in marine conditions.
Female Faston connectors are a standard in boat and automotive electronics, allowing quick hookup to male tabs on switches, buttons, relays, fuse boxes, etc. With these insulated terminals, you gain extra peace of mind: even if the connection is under strain from a vibrating engine or rough seas, it will not loosen or fail. The heat-shrink also acts as a strain relief – preventing the wire from bending or breaking right behind the connector.
Usage and Variants:
- Red connectors (R) – Suited for small wires 0.5–1.5 mm². Recommended for low-current circuits and smaller vessels: for example, instrument lighting, sensor leads, LED indicators, small pumps. On a ~3–5 m speedboat, the red terminals can connect wiring for lights or navigation instruments, where currents are minimal.
- Blue connectors (BL) – For medium wires 1.5–2.5 mm². These are the most commonly used size in most electrical systems of boats around 5–8 m. Perfect for connections to light switches, blowers, medium bilge pumps, marine stereos and other accessories with moderate current draw (typically up to ~20A). The blue spades provide a balance of flexibility and load capacity for the mid-range boat class.
- Yellow connectors (Y) – For larger wires 4–6 mm². These terminals are intended for higher currents and larger boats (8+ m) where more powerful equipment is used. Examples: powering high-power spotlights, electric windlasses, inverters, or branching off the main power feed (e.g., a 12V supply to an auxiliary fuse block). Yellow spades ensure a secure connection for currents in the 30–50A range often seen in yacht and cruiser systems.
- During installation, make sure to use a quality crimping tool with the correct die for insulated terminals. After crimping, heat the shrink sleeve with a heat gun or a flame (at a distance) until it tightly contracts and a slight bead of adhesive appears at the ends (these connectors have internal adhesive lining for better sealing). Avoid overheating to prevent damage to the insulation.
- Fields of application: In addition to marine vessels, these heat shrink female spades are excellent for cars, RVs, ATVs, solar installations, and other outdoor setups where durability is key. They conform to standard sizing, making them compatible with OEM equipment and aftermarket accessories alike.



