Copper State Bolt & Nut Co. :: Important Considerations to Make When Selecting Electrical Connectors

Mar 26, 2015

The right electrical connectors are crucial to installing a reliable electrical system in your site. It can make your work at the site easier and the system lighter for your clients to handle. Research for the right cables and connectors should be done when the system is being designed. Here are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. The Electrical Needs of the Client

 You should define the voltage and the current that each contact will carry. This requires you to have the right number of contacts with the capability to fulfill power demands of the system. The capability is determined by the size of the contact and the size of the wire. Voltage is also determined by the insulation, spacing and criteria for isolating the contacts. Ensure you read the manufacturer’s operating voltages, current ratings and testing criteria.

 2. Determine the Termination Types

 The way you are going to terminate a connector affects your assembly and sealing process. If the connector has sold contacts, it can be sealed easily against moisture ingress. Crimp contacts, on the other hand, have better field reparability. Discuss with your team on which connector to use and where, how the decision influences assembly equipment and whether there is a need for field reparability.

3. Adding Extra Functions

Check if there are other functions that will be added to the electrical connectors. You can have a custom-designed connector, should you feel it is a requirement. For large projects, you can work with the manufacturer or their distributors to have a custom-made connector. If you go this route, see if you can get a solution that holds more than one coax, fiber or power (depending on the project you are working on).

4. Reliability issues

Forecast on the likely usage of power by your client. If the client will be drawing a lot of power, consider using high number of mating cycles. A connector with 5,000 to 10,000 mating cycles will just work fine. This is very critical, especially in such environments as medical institutions. Check if the connector can withstand the harsh environment if it is going to be used on the outside.