All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you've ever wrestled with a loose wire, a flickering light, or a corrosion-prone outdoor joint, you know connectors are more than little metal bits — they're the lifeline of any safe electrical system. Pick the wrong terminal and you risk poor contact, heat build-up, or premature failure. Pick the right one and your job feels like a tidy piece of craftsmanship that lasts. Whether you’re wiring Downlights, running LED strip lighting, or repairing a garden light, the right connector makes the job quicker and safer.
When shopping for connectors in the UK, you can either stick with specialist electrical suppliers or choose broad DIY chains. Specialist stores often stock brand-name items like Wago, Wiska, Unicrimp, and Collingwood, and provide better technical support. DIY chains and online retailers offer convenience and competitive pricing. Below I’ll walk you through prominent options so you can match product, price, and availability to your project.
Expert Electrical is a go-to for electricians and enthusiastic DIYers who want professional-grade connectors. You'll find products like Wago Winsta T-distribution connectors and insulated jumpers here, plus crimp lugs and push-on terminals in professional packs. They tend to stock both common everyday connectors and niche parts such as quick-release waterproof joints used for outdoor fixtures.
Stores that specialise in Downlights often carry compatible connectors and finishing parts that regular hardware shops miss. Look here for strip-to-driver leads, profile end caps with or without cable entries, and IP-rated cable connectors suited to recessed lighting. For downlight installs you’ll often need low-voltage leads, specific clip-on connectors, and compact inline drivers — these shops typically bundle compatible items to save you the guesswork.
If speed matters, chain retailers like Screwfix and Toolstation often have many connector types in stock across the UK. You'll typically find push-fit terminals, insulated ring terminals, and some branded products. They’re ideal when you need a part now rather than waiting for a specialist order, and they often sell by the box if your project needs many pieces.
For the casual DIYer, B&Q and Wickes offer the basics: terminal blocks, spade connectors, and heat-shrink sleeves. Their selection is geared toward value and ease of use, and they often pair these items with other supplies like back boxes, cable clips, and light fittings, which makes planning a simple rewire or light upgrade easier.
When you need a greater variety of technical specifications, RS Components and CPC are top choices. They stock specialist items like high-current crimp lugs, gel-filled weather-resistant connectors for outdoor use, and multi-pole distribution blocks. These suppliers also provide technical datasheets, which help you verify ratings such as ampacity and insulation class before buying.
Connectors come in many shapes and sizes. Below I break down the most useful types you'll encounter and the projects they suit best, so you can pick the tool for the job rather than guessing.
Crimp lugs are robust and excellent for permanent connections on battery terminals, distribution blocks, and heavy gauge conductors. For instance, cable lugs similar to Unicrimp QCT70-14 are built for larger cables — these are about 2.76 in by 0.55 in in size — and are used where a bolted connection to a stud is required. Use a proper crimping tool to compress the barrel for a reliable, low-resistance joint.
Push-on or push-fit terminals speed up installations. Items like 3-pin push-fit connectors and 3-pole quick-fit cable connectors are perfect for lighting and basic household circuits. They create instant mechanical and electrical contact without soldering or crimping, which is handy for temporary setups or quick repairs.
Screw terminal blocks are flexible and reusable; they're a staple in junction boxes and distribution panels. They allow you to join multiple conductors and are tolerant of varying conductor sizes. For projects that may be altered later—say, future lighting changes—they’re a wise choice.
Spade or blade terminals are compact and commonly used for connecting to switch terminals, relays, or compact drivers. They allow fast disconnection and reconnection and are often insulated to prevent accidental shorts.
Wago connectors revolutionised quick wiring. Products like Wago 4-way insulated jumpers and Wago Winsta distribution connectors let you connect conductors without tools in many cases. They’re tidy, re-usable, and excellent for lighting circuits or modular installs. T-distribution Winsta connectors let you branch one input to two outputs cleanly.
Outdoor and garden wiring needs protection. Gel-filled connectors, such as weather-resistant Wiska types, protect against moisture and corrosion. For exposed joints near the house exterior or in irrigation circuits, choose IP68-rated connectors and gel-filled junctions to keep water at bay.
Lighting installations often demand specific connectors: strip-to-driver leads, profile end caps with cable entries, and small clip-on connectors for LED strips. Integral-style profile end caps are used to finish extrusion-mounted LED strips, while clip-to-snap leads make connecting pre-made drivers quick. If you’re installing RGB strip lighting, look for dedicated RGB strip connectors that support multi-core cable configurations.
For LED strips, connectors that match the strip’s pinout and voltage are critical. A driver with an about 6.6 ft lead is typical for placing the power supply some distance from the strip. RGB strip connectors allow you to join sections or attach to controllers without soldering — perfect for mood lighting and cove installations.
Recessed Downlights often use small, insulated push-fit connectors or compact inline drivers that clip directly to the light housing. Look for profiles and end caps with or without cable entries depending on whether you’re routing cables through the profile or exiting externally. Many downlight stores supply matched kits to avoid compatibility headaches.
Always check electrical ratings: voltage, amperage, and temperature ratings determine whether a connector is fit for purpose. Many connectors display amp ratings (like 5 amp), and larger lugs have much higher current capacity. For outdoor use, look for IP ratings — IP68 is the gold standard for immersion protection. Also confirm manufacturer approval for mains use to meet UK wiring regulations.
Wire gauge determines the connector you need. Using a connector too small for the conductor leads to overheating, while oversized connectors can make poor contact. If a product lists conductor range in metric (millimetres), convert that to wire gauge or inches to be sure it matches your wire. When in doubt, consult a supplier or use a connector that lists specific conductor sizes in inches or gauge.
A good connection is part technique and part right tool. Always strip insulation cleanly, avoid nicking conductors, and use the proper crimp tool for crimp terminals. For known brands like Unicrimp, Wago, and Wiska, use manufacturer-recommended tools and follow installation guides. When using heat-shrink tubing, slide the tubing over the joint and shrink it evenly with a heat gun, creating both insulation and strain relief.
After making connections, test with a multimeter to verify continuity and correct polarity. For lighting circuits, test under load to ensure there’s no voltage drop or heat. If a connector feels warm to the touch during testing, stop and reassess — warm connectors indicate high resistance and a potential hazard.
Buying connectors in bulk often lowers per-unit cost, but don’t bulk-buy unsuitable types because it will cost you later. Consider buying a small variety pack first to trial in your specific set-up. Specialist suppliers may offer branded packs — for instance, boxes of 25 Wago Winsta connectors — which are useful for multi-point lighting projects.
Cheap connectors can tempt you, but remember that a failing connector can mean rework or worse. For critical joints and outdoor wiring, invest in IP-rated, gel-filled, or branded components. For temporary or low-stress applications, value-line push-fit terminals may be acceptable.
Products mentioned by name often point to their ideal use. For example, a quick-release waterproof joint like the Collingwood WC 5-9 is perfect for garden lighting where frequent disconnection might be needed. Wago insulated jumpers are great for tidy lighting circuits. Heat-shrink sleeves in small sizes protect small LED strip joints, and gel connectors are a must for exterior junctions in wet climates.
Replacing a kitchen downlight: grab insulated push-fit connectors, a compact driver with a 6.6 ft lead, and the correct profile end caps for any extrusion finishes. Installing garden path lights: use gel-filled weather connectors and quick-release joints for seasonal removal. Wiring a garage: use crimp lugs for distribution blocks and screw terminal blocks for flexible connections.
Your choice of store should match the project complexity. For pro-grade parts and technical backup pick a specialist like Expert Electrical or RS Components. For lighting-specific needs, visit dedicated downlight suppliers who will stock matching end caps and LED connectors. For fast, local purchases choose Screwfix or Toolstation. And remember — spend a bit more on connectors and tools now to avoid headaches later.
Conclusion: Good connectors are small, but their role is huge. Whether you’re upgrading lighting, wiring outdoor fixtures, or doing routine electrical maintenance, choosing the right connector and supplier in the UK will save time, improve safety, and make your work look professional. Keep a few trusted types in your kit — push-fit connectors for quick jobs, crimp lugs for heavy work, and gel-filled or IP-rated connectors for outdoors — and you’ll be ready for most jobs that come your way.
| Wire Terminals & Connectors | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Wago 2004-1292 End And Intermediate Plate 1mm | £ 0,40 | |
| Click Flow 250v 20a 3 Pin Flow Connector | £ 3,05 | |
| Unicrimp Yellow Butt Splice Terminals Pack Of 100 | £ 9,37 | |
| Jb7 5 Core Rgbw Waterproof Connector Collingwood | £ 20,94 |
