Electrical Connectors: Choosing the Right One
Like most aviation parts, electrical connectors vary greatly depending on their intended applications. Choosing the right one will ensure that your electrical systems will function efficiently and reliably, without needing frequent repairs. Here are eight factors to consider when purchasing electrical connectors.
Power Requirements
Knowing how much power your connector will need to respond is imperative when choosing the right equipment. Consider how many signals will be traveling through the connector, the voltages of those signals, and whether they are analog, digital, or a combination of the two.
Current Rating & Operating Voltage
Current rating is a critical factor to consider when choosing electrical connectors. Current rating is a number denoting the amount of current that a connector can handle identified by amps per circuit. Current should be adjusted based on the number of circuits in the housing relative to the expected temperatures of the adjacent terminal.
Spatial Constraints
Electrical connectors have, by necessity, reduced in size and weight significantly over time. Despite this, it is still important to note the dimensions of a connector and the space that will be available for it. Depending on the system in which it will be implemented, you may need to weigh a lot of options.
Recommended Operating Temperature
Most electronic connectors, not just those in aircraft, are subject to harsh conditions like temperature, vibration, and shock. Certain connectors are designed specifically for extreme conditions such as these, so it’s important to obtain the proper connector if it will be exposed to these circumstances.
Reliability
Reliability is just as important as it is difficult to verify. It’s impossible to know with 100% certainty when a connector will fail, but many connectors come with an average ‘time to failure.’ You should be aware of this figure and use it as a guide when purchasing electrical connectors.
Environmental Sealing
Depending on their location in an aircraft, connectors could be exposed to outside forces such as gases, vapors, dust, or liquids. Electrical connectors designed with these in mind will provide better functionality as well as peace of mind. Sealing is also important for creating a safer workplace, particularly in aerospace and defense applications.
Materials & Plating
Connector terminal materials and their plating are easy to forget while worrying about the connectors themselves. Most electric connectors are made from nylon plastics, giving them high resistance to fire. The standard materials used for terminals are tin, lead, and certain types of gold, but are also available in phosphor bronze or brass.
Price
The criteria that will affect the price of an electrical connector the most is the size and type. Other factors such as operating voltage, wire size, configurations, and circuit capacity can also affect the cost.
All of these factors are important to consider before purchasing electrical connectors. Your aviation parts have to be in top shape and function reliably. For your part procurement solutions, look no further than RFQ Experts. At RFQ Experts, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the connector parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@rfqexperts.com or call us at 1-780-851-3631.
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