The circular power connector that can handle high currents as well as protect power flow in harsh environments is in big demand in both commercial and industrial settings. HVAC systems, welding equipment, and industrial pumps, motors, and fans are ideal applications for the circular power connector, as are emergency and portable lighting. More broadly, when rated IP68 and IP69K, they are well suited for marine/wastewater, transportation, agriculture, and food processing.
Following are the chief reasons why ruggedly built circular high-power connectors are such a good match for commercial and industrial uses.
Versatile Power Ratings
A critical benefit of some circular high-power connectors is their capability to handle high power. For example, L-com’s Bulgin 900 Series connectors support currents of 10 or 32 amps and voltages of 250, 430, or 600 volts AC/DC. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications like industrial pumps, motors, and welding equipment. The Bulgin high-current connectors are constructed from polyamide, which further enhances their durability and electrical insulation under high voltages.
Easy to Use and Secure
Some circular power connectors are designed to be easy to assemble and connect securely, even in demanding situations. They require no specialized tools for assembly, and smart features like fast-acting locking rings that enable quick and secure connections. With the Bulgin 900 Series, this ring can be easily turned even with a gloved hand, which is beneficial in industrial and outdoor settings where workers may need to act quickly or in cold temperatures. Moreover, threaded connectors are highly resistant to vibration, making them ideal for applications involving significant movement, such as in transportation and machinery. Strain-relief clamps and strain-relief glands are integrated into some of these connectors, ensuring cable integrity and helping prevent disconnection or wire damage.
Circular Power Connector Built for Harsh Environments
Some circular high-power connectors are designed for durability under challenging conditions such as industrial settings and outdoors. For instance, the Bulgin 900 Series Buccaneer connectors feature ingress protection ratings of IP68 and IP69K, making them dust-tight and watertight, even under high-pressure washdowns such as are common in food processing or pharmaceutical industries.
The 900 Series comes in several configurations, including inline cable connectors, front panel mount connectors, and flange panel mount connectors. The flange models have a more protected mount, with sealing grommets for panel fixing screws and a high-grade sealing gasket. Such a sturdy mount also makes them extremely vibration-resistant connectors.
Flexibility in Pin Count and Design Configurations
A useful line of circular high-current connectors has options for pin counts to cover varied needs. The Bulgin 900 Series connectors, for example, are offered in six different pin counts from 2 to 10 contacts, allowing users to choose the ideal configuration for their specific requirements. Some versions even include leading earth contacts and trailing neutral contacts for added safety, making them suitable for more sensitive applications that require additional grounding or neutral connections.
Speaking of pin counts, other helpful features include scoop-proof contacts to avoid accidental bending or damage, and positive locating keyways to prevent mismating. This versatility makes them adaptable across a wide range of applications, from large-scale industrial machinery to intricate power distribution setups.
Final Thoughts
The circular power connector, such as the many models in L-com’s 900 Series Bulgin Buccaneer line, is a good match for high-current and harsh-environment applications due to their robust build, IP68 and IP69K ratings, and versatile configurations. With options like inline cable connectors, front panel mount connectors, and flange panel mount connectors, the circular power connector caters to a wide array of industrial, commercial, and outdoor needs.
