What is the purpose of strain relief in electrical connections?

• A. To increase voltage
• B. To prevent mechanical stress from being transmitted to terminals
• C. To change color
• D. To adjust current

Answer: (B)

Strain relief is about protecting the electrical connection from physical stress. When a cord is pulled, bent, or pushed, those forces should be absorbed by a strain-relief device or clamp rather than by the terminal or solder joints. By taking the load off the termination, it prevents wires from loosening, insulation from cracking, or conductors from breaking, which helps keep the connection safe, reliable, and long-lasting. It doesn’t change electrical properties like voltage or current, and it isn’t about color; those aspects are separate from mechanical protection.