It’s funny how some of the smallest parts on a circuit board end up doing the most important work. The 0.020″ Faston tab is one of those parts. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. It’s the quiet little bridge that keeps current moving smoothly between components.
If you’ve ever opened up an appliance or industrial control unit, you’ve seen one. Probably hundreds. These little metal tabs are all over the place, in power supplies, dashboards, HVAC panels, and even small electronics.
What Makes the 0.020″ Faston Tab Stand Out
It’s a quick-disconnect terminal that’s 0.020″ thick. That’s thin enough to fit into the tightest builds but thick enough that the cable holds firm against it when under tension. The matching female connector slides over the tab, creating a clean, conductive path without solder.
That might sound simple, but the design solves a big problem: it makes connections repeatable. In production, repeatability saves time, reduces labor, and minimizes mistakes. Once you start using Faston-style connectors, you understand why they’ve become such a standard across electronics manufacturing.
Zierick’s Press-Fit Series 894 version of the 0.020″ Faston tab takes that same principle and adapts it for modern, high-density boards. The press-fit design creates a stable mechanical hold that lasts through years of thermal cycles and assembly stress.
Where 0.020” Faston Tabs AreThey’re Used
There’s no single “best” application — they show up anywhere a small, secure, low-resistance connection is needed.
- In appliances, for internal wiring and power distribution.
- In automotive applications with vibrating or temperature variance that require permanent contact.
- In industrial equipment, where maintenance teams rely on quick disconnects during repairs.
- Even in consumer electronics, where saving space matters most of all.
The 0.020″ Faston tab is ideal for designs that do not have space for a large connector or require quick assembly. It’s efficient by nature.
How to Install Them Right
A reliable tab connection depends on three things: fit, alignment, and cleanliness. Miss one, and your electrical path suffers.
- Make sure the female receptacle fits tightly but not excessively. You want firm contact, not metal deformation.
- Avoid twisting or bending the tab while connecting. That can stress the joint and cause micro-fractures.
- Before assembly, wipe away oxidation or residue. Clean metal always conducts better.
If you’re working with press-fit tabs, check the board hole diameter. A mismatch there can throw off both alignment and conductivity.
Little things make a big difference in how long these connections last.
What They’re Made of (and why that matters)
Not every tab on the market is equal. The material and plating directly affect how long the tab stays conductive and corrosion-free.
High-end versions — like Zierick’s — use phosphor bronze or brass with a protective tin or nickel finish. A combination that delivers excellent conductivity and is resistant to oxidation, even after years of heating and cooling.
In other words: less replacing, fewer calls to the maintenance man, more peace of mind.
Safety and Reliability Go Hand in Hand
Even a small component can become a weak link if it’s underrated or poorly applied. Always verify the current and temperature ratings before integrating any 0.020″ Faston tab into your design.
Overheating or arcing happens when a tab carries more current than it was designed for — or when oxidation sneaks in over time. Good design prevents both.
That’s also why it pays to buy from manufacturers who provide verified specs, testing data, and material traceability. Zierick builds that transparency into every product line, so you know exactly what you’re installing.
Why Engineers Keep Coming Back to the 0.020″ Faston Tab
There’s no mystery to it. It just works. The 0.020″ Faston tab is easy to connect, holds firm, and will last for years of hard use. It’s compact enough for modern PCBs but strong enough to carry its load without loosening or overheating.
If your design requires small, secure connections designed for speed and reliability, a look at the Press-Fit Series 894 may be in order. Get the inside scoop right here, and find out why something so small can make a world of difference in keeping your system running smoothly.
Because in electronics, it’s never the big parts that fail first — it’s the ones you didn’t think of.
