Page 14 - Power & Data Connectivity Expand Electronic Capabilities eBook

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Other characteristics and features
The final step for selecting a high-power connector for a data center is to identify any remaining key characteristics and features that will influence or affect the application design. These include cost savings, flexibility in assembly, and ease of maintenance. For example, the basic standards of UL1977/EN61984/EIA-364 include requirements for temperature, contact resistance, and current de-rating, and these standards detail the testing procedures and criteria for specific applications. OME potential questions are:
• Is this connector compatible with a hot-swappable system, meaning that the connector can be removed and replaced without shutting down or rebooting the data center?
• Is the connector type suitable for a wide range of applications?
• Depending on the operating environment, does the connector need a waterproof rating?
• Is a connector locking feature required?
• How will both the highest and lowest ambient temperature affect the connector’s performance?
These are all important questions to consider when deciding which high-power connector is the best fit for your data center applications.
Connector suppliers should also provide detailed test reports to assure that their connectors meet or exceed the requirements established for the safety standards, as well as the application requirements, including group testing and third-party agency test results.
The electrical and mechanical requirements, quality assurance, and other relevant characteristics and features of high-power connectors for data centers vary widely, giving designers a range of options that can meet the needs of many different types of applications and facilities. It is important that each of these factors are considered to ensure optimal, high-reliability performance.
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