Industrial connectors are electrical connection devices designed for harsh industrial environments where they must withstand conditions such as vibration, shock, high temperature, humidity and chemical corrosion. Globally recognised connector brands such as TE Connectivity, Molex, Hirose, JST and Amphenol offer a wide range of industrial connector solutions.

Environmental sealing" is an important term in industrial connector design, referring to the ability of a connector to prevent the ingress of dust, moisture and other contaminants, and TE Connectivity's M-Series connectors are known for their excellent environmental sealing performance, and they typically have a high degree of protection, such as IP67 or better.

TE Connectivity AMP Connectors  Applied Industrial Grade

"Contact resistance is a key measure of a connector's electrical performance, directly affecting the efficiency of current transfer, and Molex's KK series of industrial connectors are popular in industrial automation for their low contact resistance and high conductivity.

"Plugging force" is another important term that describes the amount of force required to insert or remove a connector, and Hirose's DF11 series connectors are favoured for their moderate plugging force and long life, which is particularly important in industrial applications where frequent plugging and unplugging is required.

Hirose   D11 Series

2.0mm Pitch, Double-Row Connector (UL/CSA Compliant)

1. Space-saving on Board

2. Wide Varieties

3. Wide Applicable Wire Range

"Mechanical life, or "plug life," is another key metric for evaluating the durability of connectors, and JST's XH series connectors are designed to withstand millions of plugs and unplugs, which is critical in the long-term use of industrial equipment.

Amphenol's industrial connectors are known for their stability in extreme temperatures, and their ability to maintain performance over a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, which is particularly important in outdoor industrial applications.

"Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is another important consideration in the design of industrial connectors, ensuring that the connector will function properly in an EMI environment, and TE Connectivity's industrial connectors utilise special shielding techniques to improve EMC performance.

"Vibration testing and shock testing are common test methods used to assess the mechanical stability of industrial connectors. These tests ensure that the connector maintains the integrity of the connection in the face of the severe vibrations and shocks that industrial equipment may encounter.

"Corrosion resistance is a key consideration when selecting materials for industrial connectors, especially in chemical plants or marine environments, and Molex's industrial connectors are made from corrosion-resistant materials to resist chemical attack.

KK Connectors

The KK Connector System includes wire-to-board and board-to-board solutions that deliver design flexibility and reliable electrical connectivity. KK connectors are engineered for low-to-mid-power applications, while KK Plus connectors provide quality solutions for high-power needs. Manufacturers can save time and money with KK products, as they offer diverse configurations for streamlined designs and efficient assembly.

Through these examples of well-known brands, we can see the high standards of industrial connectors in terms of design, material selection, performance testing and environmental adaptability. The use of terminology, such as "environmental sealing", "contact resistance", "insertion and extraction force", "mechanical life", "electromagnetic compatibility", "vibration test", "shock test" and "corrosion resistance", not only reflects the connector industry's professionalism, but also helps manufacturers and users of industrial equipment to more accurately assess the connector's performance and technical requirements.