What are the current and voltage ratings for connectors?
When reading datasheets, I see that the connectors have both a maximum current and a maximum voltage. For example, Voltage Rating: 600 VAC / Current Rating: 9 Amps Max. in 2-position applications. I am having a hard time interpreting this.
What is the breakdown voltage of a connector?
Three voltage ratings are called-out in the test reports: Breakdown Voltage: The failure of the connector. DWV (75% of breakdown): The non-destructive voltage that the connector or cable assembly should be tested at. Working Voltage (1/3 of DWV): The maximum continuous voltage that the product should be used at.
Is it safe to use a Conector with less than 600 V?
My intuition is that this means that it would be safe to use the conector for any application that draws less than (9 A) (600 V) = 5.4 kW of power as long as the voltage does not exceed 600 VAC. Is this true? If so, why isn’t there a single “maximum power” rating?
Which is the best connector for low voltage?
As voltage levels drop, connector contact performance must be more like a signal connector, despite the power function. Gold offers both a high melting point (minimizing wear with use) and low resistance (minimizing voltage drops). This makes gold the best choice for these applications.
What’s the current limit for a multi conductor connector?
The 5.4kW isn’t the only limitation. Otherwise you could connect 5.4kV @ 1A or 540A @ 10V; both are also 5.4kW. The 9A limit is for the dissipation in the contacts. Higher currents may melt the connector or weld the contacts.
What are the resistances of a copper conductor?
The resistances and skin depth noted are for copper conductors. A detailed description of each conductor property is described below Table 1. AWG Notes: American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized wire gauge system used predominantly in the United States to note the diameter of electrically conducting wire.
How big is the carrying capacity of a conductor?
Conductor Size: The larger the circular mil area, the greater the current capacity. The amount of heat generated should never exceed the maximum temperature rating of the insulation.