stickkontakter

Stickkontakter are a family of electrical connectors that use protruding metal pins, or sticks, to mate with corresponding sockets or housings. They are commonly found in prototyping, instrumentation, automation, and automotive applications where a simple, removable connection is needed. A stickkontakt can be a single-pin connection or a multi-pin arrangement with pins arranged in a fixed pitch. The pins are typically made of copper or a copper alloy and are often plated with tin or nickel to resist corrosion and ensure reliable contact. The mating half is usually a plastic or ceramic housing containing spring-loaded or fixed sockets that accept the pins.

Construction and variants vary, but most stickkontakter share the idea of a rigid, easy-to-handle pin that slides into a matching receptacle. Some designs use straight, cylindrical pins; others use square or rectangular pins for keyed alignment. In PCB work, stickkontakter often appear as through-hole pin headers or as loose test pins that can be inserted into sockets or header strips. They may be used with cable assemblies, harnesses, or panel-mounted connectors, sometimes incorporating polarization features to prevent misinsertion.

Applications include temporary test connections, laboratory instrumentation, educational kits, and hobby electronics. Advantages include simplicity, low cost, and ease of manual insertion and removal. Limitations include limited current capacity, potential wear with repeated mating, and sensitivity to vibration or misalignment. Safety considerations involve using components rated for the intended voltage and current and ensuring proper insulation and secure mounting. See also pin headers, socket connections, and test probes.