The difference between IDC and IPC contacts

IDC and IPC contacts terminate the wires of a cable in a socket, module or plug. Read on to find out the difference between these two types of contact. 

The plugs in particular are available with IDC or IPC contacts. Both work, but in quite different ways.

IDC stands for Insulation Displacement Contact. With IDC contacts, the wire is pressed into a V-shaped contact that passes through the wire insulation and penetrates slightly into the copper wire, resulting in a very good electrical contact. IDC contacts are preferred for solid wires, but high quality IDC contacts can also be used for stranded wires.

IPC stands for Insulation Piercing Contact. With IPC contacts, three nail-shaped contacts are pressed through the wire insulation and firmly touch the bare wire surface. IPC contacts are preferred for stranded wire, but high quality IPC contacts can also be used for solid wire.