As residential, commercial, and industrial applications continue to evolve rich technical features, more and more is expected of the power connectors that keep them up and running and connected. TE Connectivity’s (TE) broad portfolio of power connectors addresses these evolving challenges head on with versatile and optimized solutions that offer the best of what engineers have come to expect when it comes to power connectors: performance, reliability, convenience, and versatility.
3.3mm and 6.0mm GRACE INERTIA Connectors
TE’s GRACE INERTIA connectors are designed with a locking system that simultaneously completes the circuit and locks the connector, thereby preventing unintended disconnection. They come in two sizes for personalized power delivery; the 3.3mm version has a 250V AC/DC voltage rating with a 4A max and the 6.0mm version with 300V AC/DC voltage rating and a 10A max. Both are relatively compact for their respective power handling capabilities.
These connectors are designed for long life reliability. Lanceless contacts help to prevent snagging, and the overall contact design is created to assure proper insertion and prevent header deformation so your components remain in top shape over long use. The inertia locking system employs a dual beam design that double checks to ensure good contact and further durability, and the 3.3mm models have optional lock plates that help to assure contacts are fully seated in the housings.
The locking system is carefully designed to help eliminate human error and prevent mismatch so engineers can build with confidence. They come in four keying methods with four colors available to help with blind mating, and are ergonomic for easy assembly and reduced need for inspection. These solutions are ideal for broad use in washing machines, vending machines, industrial controls and more.
Power Double Lock Connectors
TE’s Power Double Lock connectors also have a unique design; a semi-inner locking system that helps prevent unmating by external force. These solutions can be used alone with confidence, but excel when used in conjunction with an optional double lock plate for added assurance. They bring performance to your application with a 300V AC/DC wire-to-wire rating and a 50V AC/DC wire-to-board rating. Rated up to 14A per line, they accept 26-16 AWG wire with insulation diameters up to 3.1mm.
In addition to the available double lock plate, these connectors have a kink in the solder tail and a kink in the mounting boss that secures header to board so engineers can solder with confidence. Lanceless contacts minimize entanglements, and they even have an optional high pressure contact for extra reliability in applications like washers and driers in which vibration is prominent.
Power Double Lock headers are compatible with resin or conformal coatings and have multiple colors for convenient use when engineers require multiple connectors within a single application. With 1-12 positions in wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, free hanging, and panel mount configurations, and a smooth, compact form factor that comes in various pitches, these connectors have the versatility modern designs require.
5mm Power Key Connectors
5mm Power Key connectors are designed with one driving goal in mind: delivering power to the board no matter what. They are rated for 300VAC at up to 10A and built with polarization pegs to optimize contact seating and proper mating to the PCB header. The connector was created to be potted, and built to release bubbles created by potting that can hamper performance. They can take the heat with an operating range from -30°C to 105°C and have available material to meet glow wire requirements and stringent UL 94 V-O standards for plastic flammability.
Housing lances in these connectors help prevent tangling of wired contacts, and the locking lever is surrounded by protective walls which keep the lock secure and also help against snagging. Engineers have a choice of various housing colors to identify connections and prevent confusion, and an audible click at contact insertion helps identify secure connection.
These connectors come in a compact 20.7mm mating height that is ergonomically friendly and has a sleek 5mm centerline pitch. They accept wire sizes of 16-26 AWG and have wire-to-board configurations available in 2, 3, 4, and 6 pin positions in a single row, and 4 and 6 pin positions in a dual row. Reliable performance under rugged conditions and a versatile range of configuration options make this solution ideal for home appliance power circuits, especially gas appliances.
Economy Power Connectors
Economy Power connectors are among the most widely used in TE’s portfolio, and for good reason. They’re designed for always-on connectivity. The extended line now features the Economy Power (EP) II solution, which is based on the proven EP design. They’re rated up to 600VAC with an 11A max and operate from 25°C to 105°C.
Each contact features a wire barrel, an insulation barrel, and a locking window. Serrations on the wire barrel are an added safeguard to aid in wire retention. The contacts are lanceless to help prevent tangling and are available with or without an internal tongue, which provides a higher mating force should the design call for it. Polarization tabs prevent post misalignment and asymmetrical terminals prevent mis-mating.
One of the strongest arguments for TE’s EP line is their versatility and wide use. They have contacts for 22-18 and 20-16 AWG wire sizes and offer 3.96mm, 5.08mm, and 7.92mm centerline options. Their consistent performance, retrofit ability and end-to-end stackability with similar designs are all reasons why these connectors are so prolific.
POWER TRIPLE LOCK Connectors
For designs that demand connection assurance with a higher power range, TE’s POWER TRIPLE LOCK connectors offer a 20A maximum rating and a 3-in-1 locking design that provides ultra-reliable position assurance. The cap (or header) and plug latch together, the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device locks the cap (or header) and plug together, and the Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) device helps ensure that the terminals are and remain fully seated.
Efficient 6mm centerline spacing with up to 15 positions in either panel mount or free hanging configurations and up to five positions for wire-to-board application gives engineers the versatility they need. The option of three material types to support standard 105°C, high temp 150°C, and glow wire applications make the POWER TRIPLE LOCK connectors great choices for a variety of mid-range power connections like power cords and power supplies for residential and commercial equipment. Its triple lock assurance and broad performance capabilities make it a game changer for home appliances and a host of other applications.
TE’s broad power connector portfolio offers feature rich solutions designed for long lasting high performance in the rapidly evolving household, commercial and industrial fields. No matter what your application demands, it is likely TE has the power connector solution to fit your design. They offer the industry-leading performance, reliability, convenience and versatility that engineers need to efficiently and effectively drive power to their solutions and ensure that they stay connected.
GRACE INERTIA, POWER TRIPLE LOCK, TE Connectivity and TE connectivity (logo) are trademarks.