Things to consider while selecting an Electrical Connector

by Carla ·

With the enormous range of electrical connectors available in the market, it is crucial to consider many criteria. Choosing the right one can be downright difficult as the assessment is very complex. Choosing the right connector is the most efficient and reliable way to modularize, improve or downsize a system so that it runs smoothly without needing frequent repairs.

What is a Connector

Electrical connectors are electro-mechanical devices that is used to join various components of an electrical circuit like wires and cables. The connectors create a continuous path for the electrical current to flow through the circuit.Connectors can come with male-end plugs or female-end jacks. You can join them together to form a temporary or permanent connection based on your need.

Electrical connectors facilitate manufacture, assembly and installation of electrical devices by cutting down labor, time and effort. Electrical connectors are widely used in electronic devices, domestic appliances, telecommunication, industrial machinery, computers, and automobiles.

Judgement of wiring connectors should be based on its durability, flexibility and robustness. Yet, you should consider the following factors as well while selecting wiring connectors:

Pen Down Your Requirements: How many signal requirements are there? The currents, frequencies, and voltages requirements, are the signals analog, digital, or a combination?The combination of signals has an impact on the connector type, pinout, and wiring. If there are high current paths, you’ll need multiple pins and bigger wires.

Consider Current Rating and Operating Voltage: Current rating is a vital criterion for selecting electrical connectors. The flow of current should be adjusted on the basis of number of circuits in a given housing.

Check for Space Constraints: The size and weight of electrical cable connectors and terminal connectors have reduced. On the contrary, their ability to withstand an increase in plugging and unplugging frequency has increased. So, depending on your situation, you may need to look for greater options in wiring connectors.

Verify the Recommended Operating Temperature Range: Most connectors are subject to extreme conditions like vibration and shock. Electric connectors and terminal connectors incorporate features that resist vibration and shocks and withstand extreme temperatures.You can choose wiring connector depending on your requirement.

Environmental Sealing: Certain conditions demand protection & insulation against combustible/inflammable gases, vapors, dust or liquids. Connectors come with environmental sealing options that are effective against unexpected splashes. Considering this is very important for safety, especially in stringent environments like aerospace, space, underwater and medical and food applications.

Factor in Materials and Plating: Terminal materials and plating are often the factors least considered. But since most connectors are made using nylon plastic, they have inflammability ratings for high resistance to flame continuance. The standard options available include tin, lead and select gold which are suitable for most applications.

Pricing: The price of wiring connectorsis what you must calculate based on the total budget. This should include the receptacle and the plug, cost of terminal connectors, and the labor cost for installing the electrical wire to the terminal and inserting it into the housing circuits.

Other factors that you should be considered are:

Operating voltage
Size of the wire
Configuration
Engagement force
Size of the circuit.

Wago’s installation terminal blocks and Wiring Connectors offer you the right product for every installation job. Push-in termination of solid conductors, such as that offered by our junction box connectors, saves you plenty of time and money.Wago stocks an extensive inventory of electric connectors, terminal connectors, circuit breakers, safety switches and all types of wire connectors to meet the most sophisticated demands.

Wago serves to wide range of industries which include: