Electrical Connectors

Connectors that carry electricity are essential components that are used is almost every piece of electrical or electronic equipment we use or come into contact with. Choosing the right electrical connectors for your project depends entirely on what you’re doing, the application and environment.

At RS we have a range of electrical connectors available from leading brands such as Hubbell, Schurter, Pass & Seymour, Neutrik, and our own brand RS PRO. Check out the variety of products in stock and ready to ship today to help you complete your project.

What are electrical connectors?

Electrical connectors are an electromechanical device that is used to join conductors and create an electrical circuit. Most electrical connectors on the market have a gender, either male or female, which form either a permanent or temporary connection.

There are also different types of electrical connectors available. Application specific connectors, such as automotive connectors, industrial connectors, and lighting connectors, are designed for the very specific electric circuits of each application.

Because electrical power sources can range in size from small batteries to large power grids, the electrical connectors that allow transmission of electricity vary in form greatly. Depending on the electrical current carried and the purpose of the application, there may be several electrical connector types that may be appropriate.

Some of the different types of large and small electrical connectors available are:

• Keyed connectors – designed to connect only when they are in the proper orientation
• Locked connectors – their locking mechanism ensures they’re held in place, preventing connections from breaking
• Hermetically sealed connectors – designed to be fully functioning when submerged under water and can withstand pressure up to certain depths
• Water resistant connectors – can’t withstand being submerged but offer electrical connections protection against water damage
• Moisture or oil resistant connectors – designed to protect electrical connections from damage caused by moisture or oil
• NEMA connectors – power plugs and receptacles used for AC mains electricity in North America
• ESD shielded connectors – these shield electrical connectors from electrostatic discharge

How do electrical connectors work?

An electrical connector is used to join electrical circuits together using a mechanical assembly. The male component, the plug, connects into the female component, the socket, to create either a permanent or temporary connection that can be assembled and removed.

Electrical connectors have two main parts that create the connection – housing and terminals.

Housing

The housing of electrical connectors is the structure or casing that is used to contain the terminal. This ensures the stability of the connections and protects the contacts from short-circuiting, as well as any other environmental hazards such as moisture. Housings are often made of plastic, but can also be found made from ceramics and other materials.

Terminals

The terminals are the pins in an electrical connector that provide electrical conduction to make sure the connection is secure. They are almost always made from metal, but some use other conductive materials like carbon or silicone.

What is the difference between female electrical connectors and male electrical connectors?

The difference between female electrical connectors and male electrical connectors is simple. A male connector is commonly referred to as a plug and has a solid pin for a center conductor. The female connector is often referred to as a jack, and has a center conductor with a recessed hole in it to accept the male pin. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector snugly, an electrical circuit is complete.

How to select the right electrical connectors for your job?

To minimize risks, you’ll need to make sure the electrical connectors you choose are right for the job. There are a number of factors that need to be considered such as the application, type of connector and the strength of the current the circuit will be carrying. These can be broken into two classification:

Performance parameters – these need to be selected based on the conditions where the electrical connector will be operating. You’ll need to look at the current or electricity flow and choose a connector that will be able to accommodate.

You’ll then need to choose the correct voltage. Typically, the ratings can be 50v, 125v, 250x and 600v. And finally, the operating temperature. This is the range, recommended temperature and the minimum/maximum safe operating temperature for the electrical connectors.

Physical parameters – the physical parameters need to be selected very carefully, as they describe how the connector is designed, the connections it can be used for and more. You’ll need to know the size of the contact pitch, which is the distance the centers of adjacent pins or the terminals in a connector. It’s usually measured in millimeters.

Apart from the contact pitch, you’ll need to know the number of contacts or individual contact elements present in the electrical connectors. And finally, the material. While the casings (or housings) are usually made of plastic, the materials use for electrical connectors are often a combination of metal and plastic for insulation. The properties of the materials affects the conductivity, strength, resilience and formability.

Why choose RS for your electrical connectors?

As one of North America’s leading industrial suppliers, we stock top manufacturers, including TE Connectivity, Hubbell, Pass & Seymour and more. Our range of electrical connectors and other and industrial equipment meets the highest industry standards of performance and safety to help you create a secure and efficient environment.

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