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Geared for rugged applications from industry to mining and the high seas, power and data connectivity takes many forms.

By Rick DeMeis, Senior Technical Editor -- Design News, February 3, 2003

Hybrid Contacts Accommodate Installers

Wieland Electric taris Hybrid Terminal Block. Wieland Electric first came out with its taris IDC (insulation displacement contact) terminal block featuring these rapid wiring terminations on both sides. In a single motion, the insulation is pierced and wire contacted by the IDC clamping body, saving installation time. But for field installers who are more familiar with screw terminations, this hybrid version has IDC terminations on one side for rapid factory pre-wiring and screw clamps on the other. Product Manager Marc Immordino says the hybrid "allows quick installation of the blocks in pre-manufactured systems, while offering the familiarity of screw clamp terminations for field technicians." (www.wielandinc.com). Enter 624

Connector Seals Tight

Greene, Tweed Technologies FC-DRYTM. Coming out of research on a Navy application for sealed cabling, this fiber optic connector has a hermetically sealed jacket interface. According to R&D Director Mike Pollack, key enabler was the patented Hermacrimp™ swage-crimp method for sealing between the cable and connecter housing and the jacket that surrounds both at their joint. The connector also uses the company's low-creep, PEEK-like polymer Arlon™ for fiber optic sheathing to provide sealing with swaging step (forming circumferential sealing grooves in the cable) before crimping stakes the seal in position. (www.gtweed.com). Enter 625

Relay Connectivity

Phoenix Contact Varioface PLC-V8L Adapter. The Varioface PLC-V8L adapter accommodates eight 14-mm relays with 6A DPDT contacts, 80A for 20 msec inrush currents, and 10A SPDT load currents. With ready-made Controller System Cabling, wiring individual conductors to the relays is eliminated, for a quick connection (for at least a 60% installation time savings) to the controller. "The eight relays just snap in—wiring on the coil side is already done," says Arnold Offner product manager. He adds that to meet international standards for a 3.3-lb pullout force limit, the adapter was designed for eight relays, and dual ejection latches are used. (www.phoenixcon.com). Enter 626

Toughened RJ-45 Targets Ethernet

Molex Inc. RJ-45 Field Wireable Ethernet Connectors. These robust RJ-45 connectors meet the Ethernet/IP specs of the Open DeviceNet and the ControlNet Vendors Associations in applications ranging from manufacturing and water treatment to transportation hubs. The bayonet-style lock is molded into the plug for single-piece ruggedness. Bayonet action results in quick latching and proper contact depth. A compression nut on the back of the plug provides strain relief and sealing. The plugs accommodate cables from 2.9 to 6.4 mm and allow easy field termination. (www.molex.com). Enter 627

Connector Sleeve Holds No Tricks

Tyco Electronics AMP Fully Insulated PIDG FASTON Receptacles. These PIDG FASTON receptacles feature nylon insulation and a copper support sleeve. By giving circumferential support to the insulation after crimping, the sleeve allows the wire to be bent in any direction without damaging the insulation or fraying the conductor. The sleeve also supports the wire under high vibration loads. The receptacles accommodate 22-18, 16-14, and 12-10 AWG wire. To keep cost low and quality acceptable, the connectors were adapted from similar fieldproven products, according to Jim Dunbar, product manager for Insulated Terminals and Splices. (www.tycoelectronics.com). Enter 628

Time Saving Terminator

ASI (Automation Systems Interconnect) KRONE Terminator System. This terminal-block system has a 3-point IDC connection, which provides a gas tight, vibration resistant connection for handling 22-14 AWG wire. Disconnect versions allow addition of fuse holders for industry-standard 5 x 20 and 5 x 25 mm fuses. "In industrial control, voltage levels are dropping, current levels are lower, and wire sizes are being reduced," notes ASI President Howard Minnick. These trends foster IDC [insulation displacement contact] connections. Minnick adds that the quick connection technology can reduce connection cost by up to 80% and there are "no screws to turn, no parts that can loosen, no wires to strip, and no human error." (www.asi-ez.com). Enter 629

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