The Packard 56, 58, and 59 series connectors and terminals were first introduced in the year 1956 and to this day still remain an industry standard in many areas of transportation, Agricultural, Marine, and appliance applications. Some principle difference between the series are listed below.
56 Series - 6.35mm / 0.25" blade width
58 Series - 6.33mm / 0.2492" blade width
59 Series - 7.92mm / 0.3118" blade width
56 Series typical electrical specifications.
0-16 volts DC
Current capability : Continuous current that will affect a temperature rise of 50 degrees from an ambient temperature of 77 degrees using PVC wire.
10 Gauge - 48 Amps
12 Gauge - 37 Amps
14 Gauge - 28 Amps
16 Gauge - 22 Amps
18 Gauge - 18 Amps
20 Gauge - 14 Amps
Typical usages for terminal Series
56 Series - Wire harness connections throughout Early GM vehicles and Agricultural equipment.
58 Series - Ignition switch connections, Appliances, and early Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth vehicles.
59 Series - Older Headlamp connectors, and firewall bulkhead connections
Typical markings as seen on connectors will not tell you the style connector you have - they will only tell you Material composition and possibly the manufacturer - We have listed below a few examples you may see.
P.E.D. – Packard Electric Division
PA66 - Polyamide Nylon 66
GF10/GB20 - Material composition of 10% Glass fiber and 20% Glass bead