3M 7010398197 Locking Fork Terminal Vinyl Insulated

Product Description

The 3M 7010398197 is a vinyl-insulated locking fork terminal sold in a bottle of 100. Also referenced as MV18-8FLX, this connector is designed to create a secure, vibration-resistant electrical termination on stranded or solid copper wire. The locking fork design prevents accidental pull-out from screw terminals, making it suitable for panel wiring, control circuits, and equipment terminations where connection integrity is critical. Licensed electricians and control-panel assemblers are the primary installers. The vinyl insulation sleeve provides basic electrical isolation at the termination point.

Locking fork terminals are used in residential and light commercial electrical panels, HVAC control boards, motor starters, and industrial enclosures where screw-terminal connections must remain secure under vibration or thermal cycling. They are installed on wire ends before landing on a terminal block or equipment lug. The MV18-8FLX designation indicates the part is suitable for the corresponding wire gauge and screw size range as specified by 3M for this product family.

Key Features

• Locking fork design resists pull-out and accidental disconnection at screw terminals
• Vinyl insulation provides electrical isolation at the termination point
• Sold in a bottle of 100 units for bench stock and production use
• Also identified by product reference MV18-8FLX
• Compact, low-profile construction suits tight enclosure wiring layouts

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style locking fork terminal for use with standard screw-terminal blocks and equipment lugs in electrical panel and control circuit applications.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by licensed electricians or qualified control-panel technicians. De-energize the circuit and verify zero voltage with a meter before terminating or removing any wire. Use a calibrated ratcheting crimping tool sized for the wire gauge and terminal to achieve a secure crimp. Follow NEC guidelines for wire gauge, terminal rating, and panel wiring practices.