[GreenKeys] 120vdc connectors - opinions?

[acti at provide.net]

Hey Nick...
What are the max # of connections/shell, and max current/pin specs?

Voltage ratings are rarely a problem in full sized connectors.
It's all about the current...

You'll need to choose a connector set with:
A) Enough pins that are each heavy enough for the current(s),
B) Sufficient pin-pin and shell voltage isolation for the job,
C) Reasonable cost & availability,
D) Whether or not you desire secure locking connections
(ie round mil connectors with a locking ring or something
like a Molex connector with a lock tab)
vs one that slips in and out easily, like wall plugs.
and
E) won't be confused with another connector tech in the same project
(ie using an audio connector for power in an audio device is foolish).

FYI... Searching "connector" on Digikey yields over 2.5M hits.
... https://www.digikey.com

Bear in mind that if you are only doing this for yourself,
and nothing will be exposed outside the chassis, you can easily
repurpose old generic connectors of the right specs,
that will never be seen in that context.

For example, years ago I USED to use DIN audio connectors
for other purposes, as well as left over D-Sub solder
style DB-9 & DB-25 RS-232 serial connectors as non-computer
project internal power connections. The DBs were darn
cheap, available locally back then at Radio Shack,
had decent voltage isolation between pins, and easily handled
several amps per pin.  Nothing else around here could do that.

I hope this helps!
- Keith Mc.
---
Geeky Full Deck-isms: "He was a few pins short of a DB-9 connector..."


On 2018-06-24 15:12, Nick England wrote:
> I have a number of devices to run off 120vdc - relays, motors, etc.
> thanks to Jerry I now have a nifty supply but I am trying to decide how 
> I
> want to hook things up.
> I could just use a terminal strip but I was thinking about plugs and
> sockets instead.
> Is it still possible to find the connectors that Teletype used for 
> 120vdc
> in early equipment.
> 
> I thought about using an odd AC connector like the 120vac 20a with one
> blade sideways, but I can’t find a duplex receptacle with only the 
> sideways
> slot. They all have a T slot to take either 15a or 20a plugs.
> 
> Or should I just say the heck with it and use Cinch-Jones 3-pin plugs 
> with
> chassis mounted receptacles.
> Or just live with terminal strips?
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