Which electrical connectors to use?

[zeeway]

Help, please.

I like the idea of keeping the electrical connections that go to the control box easy to disconnect. So the motor cables and the DB25 cable fit that bill. But I have the e-stop hooked in through a regular 110v male/female plug - kinda crude but effective. Now I am about to add a probe wire for use in zeroing the axis. And I would like advice about the best kind of electrical connector to use. I have considered banana plugs, and RCA plugs, and even a bolt and a nut through a piece of delrin.

What does everyone else use?

[barbque]

If you can afford the cost go with circular plastic connectors. Also know as canon plugs or military style connectors. They are keyed and are made for repeatable positive contact. They are made for industrial use and keep dirt and grime out. What’s an extra 3 bucks for the connector compared to the lost revenue of bad part?


Kris

[stef_d]

How about speakon connectors ? rated to 30A, and they come in 8 pins flavour, ideal for a 4 phase motor ?

for low current stuff, like switches, i am going for 3.5mm stereo jacks. cheap, robust, and easy to find.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by barbque If you can afford the cost go with circular plastic connectors. Also know as canon plugs or military style connectors.

The plastic versions made by AMP are fairly cheap, they are called CPC connectors,
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/629/1037.pdf

The MS, Cannon or Military style are metal and are quite a bit more, cost wise.
Al.

[Phife]

XLR Microphone connectors

[multiplex]

i used these on my build - pretty much what is used on hydraulic / air valve connections





You can get them with 3 or 4 pins.

I've also used 'weatherpack' connectors for my servo motors, and they are available in a number of pin configurations

i hate how connectors & cabling adds so much cost, but it makes it nice!

[LaserImage]

For what you are doing a db9 connector would work just fine - $0.49 each...

[stk2008]

Hi to connect my steppers i used these

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=2976555

5 pin plugs so i had 4 for the stepper signals and then 1 for the earth from the motor to my common ground back at the box.

[zeeway]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I am going to try the XLR connectors (low volts and very few amps).