Small miniature connector for inline wire connection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2014, 09:03:27 pm
content: I am looking for a small connector to connect / disconnect a 3 lead wire. The connector will be inline and ideally it will not be bulky or fat. There are 3 wires in one lead. One of the three carries more current, about 0.5A, the other two carry negligible current. The connectors will be used once a day.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 09:56:45 am
content: No ideas at all?

author: Asad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 03:29:43 pm
content: What are your size constraints and budget? Sealing requirements and environmental constraints?Push-pull? Bayonet? Threaded?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 03:31:30 pm
content: Define small, bulky, fat.

author: Asad
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 03:43:41 pm
content: Offhand, consider the711(IP40) and712(IP67) M9 series from Binder.Alternatively, look through circular connector options on distributors like Digikey.

author: SteigsdB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 04:15:01 pm
content: Quote from: akis on September 12, 2014, 09:56:45 am

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 04:47:31 pm
content: Ideally I am looking for a connector with 3 pins, or 3 separate connectors, that would be as small as the wires they are connecting.Imagine for example a combination ofhttp://uk.farnell.com/molex/22-29-2031/header-tht-vertical-2-54mm-3way/dp/1360131andhttp://uk.farnell.com/molex/10-11-2033/connector-rcpt-3pos-1row-2-54mm/dp/2396204But these are made for connecting wires to boards.However they are small enough. I was imagining something like a pin that would attach to each wire and on the other side a receptacle with "sockets" for these pins, so the whole assembly would not be much larger than the wires themselves.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2014, 08:37:52 pm
content: Quote from: akis on September 12, 2014, 04:47:31 pmSomeone makes wire mount KK-compatible male connectors. No idea who makes them, but I've seen them onadapter wires for PC fans.If you really need the connector to be the same dimensions as the cable, then what size is the cable? Also it will be hard to provide adequate strain relief without a part of the connector (or even a layer of heatshrink) extending out over the outer jacket. I don't think it's reasonable to expect there to not be any additional width, unless you want to consider some sort of custom molded-into-the-jacket kind of thing.

author: SteigsdB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 02:10:08 am
content: A TA3F/M connector might be closer to what you're looking for. Smaller, locking and has built in strain relief.Often used with 22-26 gauge mic cable.LEMO is another option, though they can be a bit of a bear to assemble if you've never worked with them.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2014, 04:25:36 pm
content: I think I have found almost what I want.1) this is the socket (female terminals) :http://uk.farnell.com/molex/50-57-9003/connector-housing-receptacle-3pos/dp/17188812) this is the usual pins it attaches to:http://uk.farnell.com/molex/22-28-4032/board-board-connector-header-3way/dp/1813139?MER=en-me-pd-r2-acce-conNow I can make a plug-socket out of this, the problem will be the "header" with exposed wires - but I can solder the wires on and use heatshrink to insulate and make more sturdy. Not perfect. Of course if MOLEX sold a "male socket" that would be the ideal solution.But here we have something quite similar with also solves the problem :This picture shows male and female socketshttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RC-30cm-300mm-Servo-Extension-Lead-Wire-Hitec-Connector-Plug-male-female-gold-/201116691491?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item2ed37d2c23And here is what it looks like without the leads soldered on:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-or-10-Pairs-Sets-Servo-Connectors-Terminals-JR-Spektrum-Etc-Gold-Plated-/291227116842?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&var=&hash=item43ce7d252aSo I am quite close. I can use the ebay stuff, or I can search Farnell for the equivalent "male socket 2.54 mm"

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2014, 07:58:25 pm
content: You can get male pins for Molex SL connectors. I've used them before. They're just made of folded metal, so not terribly sturdy though.edit: Sorry, I meant to include the part numbers but forgot.Molex SL male crimp terminals, part no. 16-02-0114Molex SL female crimp terminals, part no. 16-02-0102Molex SL crimp housings, 4 circuit, single row, non-polarized, part no. 50-57-9004I believe these are the correct numbers for the items in the attached photo.

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2014, 10:47:15 pm
content: Thanks it took ages browsing the Molex website, but I think I have got what I need.