Power Connectors
When it comes to electronics, power is essential. Power connectors act as the vital link between a device and its source of power. In consumer electronics, power connectors are what you plug into the wall receptacle. For the purposes of this discussion, these are not the type of power connectors that interests us. Our focus and attention will be given to power connectors for use in non-consumer equipment.
Power Connectors Defined
Power connectors are devices that allows an electrical current to pass through it for the exclusive purpose of providing power to a device (not a data stream, for example, or anything more complex). Although it can be used with many different types of electronics, customers must find the specific type of connector that best matches their electronics’ geometry and electrical needs.
Power connectors can carry either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). AC plugs and sockets allow devices to be connected to the primary power supply of a building. These types of plugs and sockets differ in voltage, current rating, size, and design, depending on the national standards of the country you are in. DC connectors have more standard types that are not interchangeable, which prevents users from accidentally attempting to connect an incompatible plug and socket. They can be found on electronic devices, automotive accessories, and battery packs, among a myriad of other products. Although not an objective measurement, a “high power” connector is a connector typically capable of carrying over 30 amperes of current.
USES
Although it comes in all shapes and sizes and with various abilities, options, and accessories, the purpose of a power connector always comes back to one all-important thing: power. These connectors are used primarily for energy transfer and it’s a task they perform admirably.
PRODUCTS
Positronic offers a variety of connector series so you can find the power connectors you need. All Positronic power connectors boast low contact resistance, an environmentally conscious feature that saves energy by reducing the amount of energy converted to heat during operation.
If you’re looking for a perfectly tailored connector to your application, design one yourself with our Scorpion series. Adjust each detail to make it exactly the connector you need. The Scorpion connector can be configured as a power connector, a signal connector, or both, and it offers nearly limitless combinations. Perfect to achieve that ideal blend of size, weight, and power (SWaP), these connectors are so versatile, you’ll be able to create the perfect power connector for your needs.
If you want a power connector for use in applications that require excellent blind mating (learn more about the blind mate connector), check out the Goldfish, Infinity, Great Golden and Scorpion series. These connectors are perfect for the task and include options for AC/DC input, signal and DC output connections in a single package. Some power connectors have recessed female contacts making them “touch safe.”
Or if you’re in the electronics industry and need a ultra-high power interface, consider the Infinity, Great Golden or Sumo power connector families. Developed to reflect the system design challenges created by increasing power consumption, these series offer the user multiple variations, features and sizes.
Finally, let’s look at the AutoShunt connector system (PLZ Series), an innovative alternative to current transformer (CT) shorting blocks. Although designed for a clear purpose, this power connector can also be used in any application that requires circuits to be shorted together. It features machined contacts available in a wide range of wire sizes and has current ratings at 15 amperes per contact. It’s quick, easy and reduces operating costs.
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