Power Connectors

Power connectors transfer alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) through a variety of electronic devices. They are used in many residential, general-purpose, commercial, industrial, laboratory, and hospital applications. Several types of power connectors are available. Receptacles, outlets, and jacks are female power connectors into which plugs or male connectors are inserted to make circuit connections. Power entry modules, another type of connector, typically mount on the case or panel of a machine and attach to a power cord. Some power entry modules serve as switches, fuses, or filters. Others serve as circuit breakers or indicator lights. 

Important specifications for power connectors include number of poles and grounding method. Typically, power connectors have between one and five poles. The grounding method determines the path that electricity follows when moving from a defective connector back into the earth. Some electrical circuits provide an embedded ground terminal. Others establish a connection to an existing grounding path such as ducting or structural steel. Power connectors with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) include a built-in circuit that detects leakage current to ground and interrupts power to prevent electrical hazards. Isolated ground circuits provide a clear grounding path to the service panel.

Power connectors provide maximum voltage and maximum current ratings. Typically, devices are designed for either single-phase or three-phase power. Maximum voltage ratings include 125, 250, 277, 347, 480, and 600 V. There are two maximum voltage ratings for 4-pole, 4-wire and 4-pole, 5-wire devices: 120/208 V and 277/480V. Voltage ratings for 3-pole, 4-wire electrical devices include 125/250 V. Voltage ratings for 4-pole, 5-wire devices include 347/600 V. Power connectors provide a variety of maximum current ratings, including 15, 20, 30, 50, 60, and 100 A. International current ratings include 16, 32, and 125 A. 

There are several mounting styles for power connectors. Some devices mount on a standard DIN rail or fit the ends of electrical cables. Others fit a depression within a panel so that they are flush or nearly flush with the surface. Flange mounted devices attach by bolting the flange or riveting it in place through holes in the flange surface. Wall or box mounted electrical receptacles include an accessory such as a backshell for permanent mountings. Through hole technology (THT) mounts electrical receptacles on a printed circuit board (PCB) by inserting component leads through holes in the board and then soldering the leads in place on the opposite side of the board. Surface mount technology (SMT) adds components to a printed circuit board (PCB) by soldering component leads or terminals to the top surface of the board.

Power connectors are available with a variety of features. Some devices include surge protection against mild to moderate spikes or peaks in the electrical supply. Others include an integral circuit breaker that “trips”, severing the connection to the electrical supply in the event of an excessive power transfer. Devices with locking mechanisms, illumination, and power lights are also available. Tamper resistant power connectors limit access to their energized contacts. Corrosion resistant devices are made of special materials and/or plated metal parts that are designed to withstand corrosive environments. These electrical receptacles must pass ASTM B117-13, a 500-hundred hour salt spray test. Dustproof devices include an IP suitability rating that describes the degree of protection against foreign objects. Similarly, watertight devices include an IP rating that describes the degree of protection against moisture or water.

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Part Numbers for Power Connectors