Since I've been looking at goodness knows how many connectors over the
last week, I have started to notice different ratings for AC and DC.
With capacitors one actual factory - in this instance LCR - informed me
that the ratio is about 1.4 to I so 250v becomes about 350vDC.
Presumably they've tested their products. But connectors seem to be a
different story - less than 1.4. I've seen things like 200vAC, 250DC.

It occurs to me that many of the connectors seem to quote 250vAC
because that's mains voltage. Must be some standardised coding. I
suspect many are capable of much more - e.g. Speakons - but just don't
bother to quote a higher voltage which they don't expect their product
to be used at.

Amphenol does seem to quote a voltage which is more in keeping with the
product, and I guess that "power" rather than mains connectors need to
be more specific, since all kinds of industrial and military voltages
may be required.

I did also come across some cheap and very useful connectors in the D
range - quoted for 750vDC. these have bugger pins than usual, and can
be bought either big pins only (three, eight) or mixtures of big and
regular pins. Made by Harting and can be found in the Farnell
catalogue. This looks particularly useful - cheap too.
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSear...sp?SKU=1207587

In article .com,
Andy Evans wrote:
Since I've been looking at goodness knows how many connectors over the
last week, I have started to notice different ratings for AC and DC.
With capacitors one actual factory - in this instance LCR - informed me
that the ratio is about 1.4 to I so 250v becomes about 350vDC.
Presumably they've tested their products. But connectors seem to be a
different story - less than 1.4. I've seen things like 200vAC, 250DC.

And many connectors have the same ratings for both. I'd guess it purely
depends on the actual testing and intended application.

If you look again at those BS 4343 Commando connectors, they're 'rated' at
110, 240 and 415v AC, but are similar in design and made from the same
materials. Indeed, the 415v three phase type has the pins rather closer
together than the 110v ones.

So most connectors tend to be specified to meet the safety requirements of
a particular application (other than extra low voltage) rather than their
physical peak voltage and current handling capabilities.

A good example is the Jones plug as used for pretty well your app on a
Quad II valve amp. It was obviously a satisfactory connector from the
electrical point of view since they don't fail - but the spec these days
wouldn't 'allow' them.

--
*Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now *

Dave Plowman London SW
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