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Choosing the right cable connector is imperative for the smooth functioning of any project. The tendency is to club the cable connectors as a part of the sundry accessories and take the decision purely based on its cost. On the contrary, what is required is to deliberate on several criteria and choose cable connectors that are conducive to your project. Here is a handy list of criteria to consider:
1. What are your exact requirements?
This will mean answering a number of questions including but not limited to:
- How many signals are there?
- Are they analog or digital?
- What is the voltage being carried?
These questions will aid in the choice of cable connectors as they will determine the following:
- Connector type
- Connection & wiring. High frequency signals, for example, need a coaxial connection while low level ones could need shielding.
- If you are dealing with high voltage, clearance distances may be needed to be considered
- High current paths require multiple pins and bigger wires
2. What kind of space availability do you have?
The choice of electrical connectors is also impacted by any space constraints that you may have. The increasing trend towards miniaturization has led to a reduction in size and weight of connectors as also the space available for them.
Depending on your project and its bespoke design needs, therefore, the choice of electric connectors will need to be made.
3. Electric Cable Connectors Operating Temperature
This is an extremely important criterion since a lot of electric connectors are subject to extremes of temperature, vibration and shocks. The operating temperature, proximity to a source of heat are some of the factors to watch out for in making the choice of connector. Is your connector located outdoors or indoors will also determine the operating temperature that it is subject to. In such cases, it is prudent to go with connectors that have been designed to withstand these temperature levels. Special materials and insulators can ensure reliability.
4. Mean time to failure
Especially where you are dealing with mission critical projects, it is extremely important to check the mean time to failure or in other words the reliability of the connector. This will ensure that you choose the right electrical cable connector that suits your needs.
5. Environmental Sealing
Often times the connector may be used in an environment where there are combustible gases or liquids. In such cases you have to ensure that you go with connectors that have an environmental sealing option. The IP rating can come in handy to determine the level of protection being offered. This will go a long way to ensure a safe working environment. In industries such as aerospace or food applications, this can make or break your project and hence needs to be given due importance.
Similarly, if there is a risk of flammable or combustible gases, you have to be sure that there is no possibility of an explosion. What you need to check, therefore, is whether the products have a Class 1, Division 2 intrinsically safe rating.
6. Electric Cable Connectors Materials and Plating
Material and plating again are aspects that do not get the due importance, however ignoring these aspects can turn out to be fatal. Brass cable connectors work well as they have high current carrying capacities and also can withstand exposure to high temperatures. It is, therefore, important to use the right material that is suitable to the ambient temperatures and has the necessary inflammability ratings.
7. Electric Cable Connectors Cost
Last, but definitely not the least, it is important to look at the pricing. Typically the cost of an electric connector is calculated including the cost of the following:
- Receptacle
- Plug
- Cost of terminal connectors
What is also often missed is the labor cost, which also needs to be factored in.
The cost will also depend on aspects such as the wire size, operating voltage, size of circuit and more.
A thorough evaluation of each of these factors will go a long way in ensure the best connector type for your application.
We are manufacturers and distributors of cable gland, cable connector, cable lugs and other fitting are now making quality and price rates as their main focus to survive in the competitive market. With this, the compliance of international standards in the process and product has become mandatory to stay a smart player and provide one stop solution to the customers making efforts to give them an added value to the services offered, for more information, please contact us or drop us mail on info@bicccomponents.uk.com
