Difference between revisions of "Connectors"
(Added some specs for various connectors, and added the SELV connector as well) |
(Added PowerPole to suggestions) |
||
Line 125: | Line 125: | ||
* hard to get | * hard to get | ||
* only 2 pins | * only 2 pins | ||
+ | |||
+ | === [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Powerpole Anderson Powerpole] === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Technical Specifications: | ||
+ | * 15/30/45/180 Amp variants available (different sizes) | ||
+ | * 600V rating, dielectric withstanding voltage of 2200V | ||
+ | |||
+ | Pros: | ||
+ | * Easy to get | ||
+ | * Cheap | ||
+ | * Extremely modular (you can build your connectors to spec using single pole assemblies in different colors and there are even pcb-mount variants, housings with locking, ...) | ||
+ | * Pretty much touch-proof (you'll have to try really hard with something like a screwdriver to touch a contact) | ||
+ | * Unisex (optionally, one can add a blind pin to make it non-unisex) | ||
+ | |||
+ | Cons: | ||
+ | * without one of the modular housings, it's not waterproof |
Revision as of 11:36, 1 September 2019
One current problem we need to address is to choose a capable standard connector so that everyone can participate and prepare equipment before the next camp so that time is not wasted trying to connect everything together.
The discussion tab can be used to debate the various types of connectors.
It would be worth listing the connectors that have been tried but are not suitable with reasons too, for example, car cigarette connectors. Although rated for 10A, this happened at 30V@5A.
Contents
Connector requirements
We have some requirements on our connectors which need to be met with varying importance. Key Words according to rfc2119. Please expand this list. :
High Voltage Connectors
- Must have at least 3 Pins (PE, GND, V+)
- Must be lockable to prevent unplugging when loaded or alternatively this must be prevented by a different measure.
- Must be able to handle the load and voltages
- Should not be commonly used for different applications in a Camp context. If this cant be prevented damage to the different application and ours must not occur when connected with each other.
- Should be Waterproof
- May have added pins for communication. <- This may change to a "must have" depending on our implementation of load sharing.
- Must prevent touchable live connections. This may be implemented by a different measures.
Low Voltage (< 50VDC) Connectors
- Should have at least 3 Pins (PE, GND, V+)
- Must be lockable to prevent unplugging when loaded or alternatively this must be prevented by a different measure.
- Must be able to handle the load and voltages
- Should not be commonly used for different applications in a Camp context. If this cant be prevented damage to the different application and ours must not occur when connected with each other.
- May have added pins for communication. <- This may change to a "must have" depending on our implementation of load sharing.
- Should prevent touchable live connections. This may be implemented by different measures
Suggested Connectors
Multi-Contact 4
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 20A
- Max Volts: 600V
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fairly cheap
- Difficult to disconnect by accident
- While not recommended, designed to stop potential arcing on disconnect (an advantage over the MC3 connectors)
Cons:
- + and - connectors are separate cables.
- Can be difficult to disconnect without tools
- Low (~200) mating cycles
XT60
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 60A
- Max Volts:
Suggested by Munich Maker Lab during camp Page creator has no experience with this type of connector.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Small
- one connector does both + and - wires
Cons:
- No waterproof variant has been found
Speakon / PowerCon
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 20A
- Max Volts: 250V
Pros:
Cons:
- Used for all sorts of stuff. Mistakes are more likely.
XLR-4
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 10A per contact
- Max Volts: 50V
Pros:
- Extra wires could be used for signalling
Cons:
- Could be confused with stage equipment already in use at festivals
RST16i2
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 16A
- Max Volts: 250V
Pros:
- Seems uncommon enough so mistakes are less likely
Cons:
Hirschmann CA Series
Technical Specifications:
Protection: IP65, IP67
4 pole
- Max Amps: 16 A AC/10 A DC
- Max Volts: 400 V AC/230 V DC
7 pole
- Max Amps: 230 V AC/DC
- Max Volts: 10 A AC/DC
Pros:
- Extra wires could be used for signalling
Cons:
- Costly? (7€ plug, 3€ socket for 4 pole, 10€ plug, 7€ socket)
SELV Connectors
Technical Specifications:
- Max Amps: 16A
- Max Volts: 48V
Pros:
- Made specifically for low voltage AC/DC power connections
- Keying for different voltage levels
Cons:
- hard to get
- only 2 pins
Anderson Powerpole
Technical Specifications:
- 15/30/45/180 Amp variants available (different sizes)
- 600V rating, dielectric withstanding voltage of 2200V
Pros:
- Easy to get
- Cheap
- Extremely modular (you can build your connectors to spec using single pole assemblies in different colors and there are even pcb-mount variants, housings with locking, ...)
- Pretty much touch-proof (you'll have to try really hard with something like a screwdriver to touch a contact)
- Unisex (optionally, one can add a blind pin to make it non-unisex)
Cons:
- without one of the modular housings, it's not waterproof