Wire-to-board power connectors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2011, 10:41:16 pm
content: I've been using headers for most things but now I need a nice connect that can carry a bit more current. We're talking 4 - 5 amps or something like that. Any recommendations for connectors that are polarized and easy to attach? They should preferrably be common and easy to get. Small size and footprint is a big plus.I'm also interested if anyone has tips about connecter that carry even more current, let's say up to 10A.

author: tycz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2011, 03:56:04 am
content: Perhaps a JST part will suit your somewhat vague requirements (www.jst-mfg.com).

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2011, 04:50:19 am
content: I've used these kind of plug/socket for high current pcb connections before.The screw terminals make them good for some applications and not so good for others.But they can handle up to 15Ahttp://ca.digikey.com/1/1/36859-terminal-block-plug-5mm-2pos-ed950-2.htmlhttp://es.digikey.com/1/1/81560-conn-header-vert-3pos-5mm-1755529.html

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2011, 12:13:57 pm
content: I looked at both Molex Micro-Fit and TE Mate-N-Lok and from the looks of the drawings... they seem to fit each other? Anyway, I went with Farnell's copy (Multicomp) of those connectors. On the other hand, I might go with screw terminals after all...

author: tecman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2011, 03:28:18 pm
content: Depends on your application, quantity, etc. We use a lot of .1" headers for power distribution. As current goes up, the trick is to parallel conductors, 3, 5 or even 10. Since they are relatively low cost, they are a good solution for quantities. You can get ribbon cable in 26 and 28 AWG, but 24 is also available. 0.1" headers are generally rated at 1 amp per contact, so the wire R is the limiting factor. So amps are not a problem. Higher current we generally go with a Moxex style Mate-N-Loc type connector. 10 amps is no problem with these.Using the molded plug in style (combi-con), as shown by one poster, is a nice connector, but in relative terms very expensive.paul

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2011, 06:12:23 pm
content: There are numerous connectors that can handle 10 A.The problem is temperature.All connector manufactures specify wire AWG for the specified current.Partly for heat conduction. Keep this in mind for PCB design and Wire AWG.If the connector and/or environment temperature is higher than 70 degrees Celsius the current capacity decreases rapidly.Gold plated pins and sockets might go a bit higher in temperature.Gold plating restricts the number of times the pins can be inserted to <50. (Yes fifty)

author: Joshua
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2011, 03:55:27 am
content: I just got some of these and like them alright. They are on 0.2" centers so they breadboard nicely.PAGE 9: RIGHT COLUMNhttp://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=MBES-153virtualkey56110000virtualkey845-MBES-153http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=MBES-153virtualkey56110000virtualkey845-MBES-153

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2011, 09:32:47 am
content: Quote from: shadewind on July 07, 2011, 10:41:16 pmSmall size and high current dont matchI always use Phoenix Contact they are not cheap but they just work !2,5mm / 4A / 80Vhttp://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/3579515/3.81mm / 8A /160Vhttp://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/3149849/7.62mm / 12A / 400Vhttp://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/terminal-blocks/1896284/