Suggest a connector?

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prv

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Not a boaty application on this occasion, but I know there are people here who know things...

I'm looking for a connector to carry 240v mains, that's as compact as possible. I'd prefer not to mention the exact application because then the forum will inevitably turn to discussing that instead of addressing the question ;). It's nothing especially exciting, I promise.

Needs:
  • To carry 240v, but only about one amp.
  • To be cable-mount, on both sides, or available with moulded tails which I'm happy to splice.
  • To be a plug and socket, not permanent or needing tools to connect and disconnect.
  • Will be for my own use only, in a private place, so I'm not especially fussed about strict regulatory compliance. But it does need to be reasonably safe in a practical sense - properly enclosed, no exposed live pins when unmated, etc.
  • Will be powering class-2 double-insulated equipment so an earth isn't strictly required, though the existing cable is three-core so I sort of feel like I ought to keep it connected.
  • To be as compact as possible, especially in diameter. Current candidate is IEC C13 / C14, and it's substantially too big.
"Suggestions" like using google or browsing RS / Farnell / CPC are not helpful, but if anyone who's worked in the field can name a suitable product range I'm unaware of, I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Pete
 
Poignard said:
This is the smallest connector I can think off but perhaps too bulky for your mysterious purpose:

10A 2Pin Flex Connector
Click to expand...

I thought of the same item. Smaller types tend to be just connectors like these:

DIALSLV Waterproof and Weatherproof Inline IP68 Field Assembly Cable Connector (Black, 3 Pole, IP68): Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Bulgin do a mini Bucaneer series male/female design. I have used their larger 900 series and considered the mini-series for something a few years ago. They were about 25mm diameter but something like 50-60mm long per end. Quite expensive by the time you order all the parts for each end.
 
Last edited:
Masterplug in line connectors

10 A, I think so perhaps heavier than you meed but available in 2 and 3 pin variants also there is a type which latch together so will not pull apart accidentally
 
I would suggest OP consider the so called "kettle "plugs as seen on desk top computers TVs etc. Available in mail and female plugs and with an earth connection. Very common I will bet OP has at least the plug with female pin holes floating around. ol'will
 
William_H said:
I would suggest OP consider the so called "kettle "plugs as seen on desk top computers TVs etc. Available in mail and female plugs and with an earth connection. Very common I will bet OP has at least the plug with female pin holes floating around. ol'will
Click to expand...

Aren't these the IEC C13 / C14 type the OP said were substantially too big?
 
Twist the wires together and an inch of pvc tape? Used to work before all those pesky EU safety standards, but now we are free of them...

;)
 
If the job it does is truly low wattage .... then if Regs are not an issue as OP says ... and you want truly small but reliable connectors ... and only two pin needed :

There's always connections like XT series .... the two halves have covered contacts, and are secure when plugged together with good seal over the gold plated connectors.

XT30U Male/Female Pair (5 Pairs)

Nylon XT60 Connectors Male/Female (5 pairs) GENUINE

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/nylon-x...021&indexName=hbk_live_magento_en_us_products

spec'd to 30A (very small), 60A and 90A.

XT series (2).JPG

Before people jump on me - I only show these based on OP's info and request for small connector able to handle basically ~250W ..... I do not advocate using these for high wattage installations - despite the fact that the XT90 is often used in over 1KW model power systems ... even the 60 often gets pushed into 600W or more. With no problems at all ...
No pins are exposed to touch ... and they close up well enough to even stay outdoors.
 
Refueler said:
Interesting you link to those ... just bought a couple of pairs for 22mm socket mounting to replace the hand held remote connectors for my TP's ...

They proved to be good ... little bit long for my installation - but good.
Click to expand...

I recently bought some 6 pin plugs and panel mount sockets for a home project, you're right, they do seem good quality.
 
Buccaneers maybe the best known?
About a billion variations of the ITT Cannon aviation types, so if you need more than one pair, buy them together.

Bear in mind a lot of connectors don't like making or breaking when live let alone with power being drawn.
 
PaulRainbow said:
I recently bought some 6 pin plugs and panel mount sockets for a home project, you're right, they do seem good quality.
Click to expand...

The only reservation is that I might have to increase the height of my stand-off for the tiller-pilot to have that extra length. Its the old Autohelm hand wired remote to AH1000 and the spare AH800 I have ... the old plug just corroded away over the years. So I decided to replace both socket and plug.
Shame to waste them ...
 
Several of those suggestions are *bigger* than something I already rejected, and one of them is the exact same thing!

Comrade - nice try :). But it doesn't fill the need for a convenient connect / disconnect.

Refueler - thanks, that's more in the spirit I was asking for. Not an inline cable mount, though. I could turn it into one with adhesive heatshrink, I suppose. Can't see a voltage rating for them, but then I'm a little hazy as to what exactly that would mean anyway. I'm not going to be breaking the connection under load, so I guess it's just a statement of how effective the insulation is...

Pete
 
prv said:
Several of those suggestions are *bigger* than something I already rejected, and one of them is the exact same thing!

Comrade - nice try :). But it doesn't fill the need for a convenient connect / disconnect.

Refueler - thanks, that's more in the spirit I was asking for. Not an inline cable mount, though. I could turn it into one with adhesive heatshrink, I suppose. Can't see a voltage rating for them, but then I'm a little hazy as to what exactly that would mean anyway. I'm not going to be breaking the connection under load, so I guess it's just a statement of how effective the insulation is...

Pete
Click to expand...

The XT series are really designed for voltages up to about 60V ... but voltage is not the deciding factor other than maybe 'dielecric' rating - but what you said - I don't think you'll be troubled there. They can handle the amps - not a problem.

We have guys with models 12S and more .... with wel over the 90A going through the XT90's .... or they use Anderson Poles ... but they are not so convenient ..

I fully realise they are being suggested for a job that normally not intended for ... I accept that. They are designed as cable joiners though .. you can get mountable ones - but you need to search because not many people used fixed mount ones.

What I would suggest though - is if you do go for XT90 - then try get the ones with the rear covers that snap into place . you will also need heatshrink to cover the soldered wire connections at rear before sliding the covers on.
 
prv said:
Not a boaty application on this occasion, but I know there are people here who know things...

I'm looking for a connector to carry 240v mains, that's as compact as possible. I'd prefer not to mention the exact application because then the forum will inevitably turn to discussing that instead of addressing the question ;). It's nothing especially exciting, I promise.

Needs:
  • To carry 240v, but only about one amp.
  • To be cable-mount, on both sides, or available with moulded tails which I'm happy to splice.
  • To be a plug and socket, not permanent or needing tools to connect and disconnect.
  • Will be for my own use only, in a private place, so I'm not especially fussed about strict regulatory compliance. But it does need to be reasonably safe in a practical sense - properly enclosed, no exposed live pins when unmated, etc.
  • Will be powering class-2 double-insulated equipment so an earth isn't strictly required, though the existing cable is three-core so I sort of feel like I ought to keep it connected.
  • To be as compact as possible, especially in diameter. Current candidate is IEC C13 / C14, and it's substantially too big.
"Suggestions" like using google or browsing RS / Farnell / CPC are not helpful, but if anyone who's worked in the field can name a suitable product range I'm unaware of, I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Pete
Click to expand...
I use these professionally for low current connections up to say 6amps. There is a fourth channel without a grub screw so I would use them for 3 phase with earth also for low current devices like fans or small pumps. They are IP68 so suitable to use outside a submarine.

3Pin Waterproof Junction Box Connector Electric Cable Inline Wire Slim Plug IP68 | eBay
 
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