Page 7 - ConnectorSupplier.com - How-to-Specify Handbook

threads or mechanical latches, radial O-rings, mounting anges, set screws, and spring technology.
Every application requires a reliable connection, and signal integrity can be compromised by any break point along the line. Aside from the wire termination to the contact, the quality of the contact material is the factor that most signi cantly affects performance. When evaluating contact designs, the use of gold plating should be speci ed. Gold is a noble metal with good electrical properties and is not subject to corrosion issues. The prevention of fretting corrosion and the presence of high mating contact forces are two key reasons to use gold plating in industrial applications.
Fast connections are also necessary for device installation, especially when a job requires numerous connections. The shortest installation time supports a lower total cost for the complete job. Connections are often located in hard-to-reach areas or in poor lighting, which makes them dif cult to see, and nger fatigue and cross threading can plague the success of fast installations as well. Some of these issues can be prevented on the drawing board by designing devices with fast connection technology for PCB terminal blocks, such as spring cage or insulation displacement contacts (IDCs). In the eld, these devices provide installers with options for quick plug connections with half-turn technology or push-pull connections. When a device connection requires eld wiring, using eld- installable connectors with push-in, IDC, or spring contacts will offer the most savings, as these technologies enable more connections in shorter spans of time. Studies have proven that some IDC connectors can save 60% of the installation time required for traditional screw terminations and that spring-contact connectors can save 80%.
Eliminating the potential for connection errors is a major concern for end users and eld technicians, but device manufacturers and engineers can prevent potentially mismated connections in the design stage. When using multiple connectors with the same footprint in a single device, connector keying can eliminate confusion and effectively prevent users from plugging the wrong connector into the wrong socket. In a typical signal connectivity scheme, for example, engineers can select circular connectors with keying variations including: A, B, C, D, S, T, X, or Y. Terminal block connectors can also be keyed in several different patterns to ensure that only the correct plug can be mated with the appropriate socket.
Labeling and color-coding can also reduce mismating potential. The
most common errors that technicians make in the eld are miswired
connections, and improper wire termination and incorrect terminal
assignments can delay system commissioning and device start-up.
Using color-coded terminal blocks or other indicative markers on all
wire connection points can eliminate confusion and reduce the amount of time spent on — or even the need for — troubleshooting errors in the eld.
When selecting signal connections for industrial environments, it’s essential to evaluate the many variables that affect performance, including: cost, environment, vibration, connector density, signal integrity, installation methods, and safety requirements. High-quality industrial connectors will help ensure that the end device meets international standards and provides safe, long-lasting functionality.
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Figure 2: Plug-and-play connections save time during device installation.
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