New Space-saving ePower Connectors from Amphenol Ideal for High Amperage, Multi-phase Motor Applications

Wednesday, Jun 30, 2010

Amphenol Industrial, a global leader in interconnect systems, now offers a connector series designed to eliminate bulky and space-consuming cable glands on motors, AC/DC inverters and converters and other high amperage equipment. The new IP67-rated ePower 400A connectors are rated to 1,000-volts DC and feature integrated EMI shielding.

The new ePower family of connectors is specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of modern electrification programs in high voltage and high amperage applications, such as power converters, hybrid electric vehicles, heavy equipment electrification, two- and three-phase motors and starter generators in the military, aerospace and industrial markets.

The connector series incorporates Amphenol's patented RADSOK contact system to achieve higher current ratings, as well as to lower temperature rise and contact resistance, as compared to other contact methods, in a compact, lightweight package. RADSOK technology, an electrical terminal based on a hyperbolic grid configuration, enables lower insertion forces than standard contacts for easier mating.

Because it delivers more power in less space, the RADSOK contact system eliminates having to run wires through bulky cable glands in traditional three-phase motor assemblies and similar equipment to deliver power. The result is a more reliable, user-friendly connection with a 40% smaller footprint to reduce the overall enclosure size, while simplifying maintenance issues. One ePower connector can replace three conventional connectors, saving both space and cost.

Amphenol's ePower connectors come in two- and three-pin power configurations ranging from 100 amps through 500 amps per contact and have the capacity for two small gauge signal contacts for HVIL (high voltage interlock loop) purposes. The IP2X style sockets are available in crimp, lug or bus bar termination. Cable plugs have IP2X style crimp pins and can accommodate shielded wires.

Multiple wire sizes from 50 mm(2) to 95 mm(2) can be used with the new connectors, which feature an all-aluminum shell, strain relief for the jacketed cable incorporated into the shell and excellent vibration resistance.

With millions of parts in the field, the patented RADSOK electrical connection has proven to be extremely reliable, with almost no reported connection failures in Amphenol RADSOK-designed applications.  RADSOK utilizes the tensile strength properties of the flat, high conductivity alloy grid for the high normal forces required for conductivity, while providing a large conductive surface area.  This results in a correspondingly low voltage drop and low temperature rise while maintaining low insertion forces.

Pricing for the 400 amp, 3 pin cable plug and receptacle pair starts at $243.84 per pair in quantities of 100 sets.  Delivery is 14 weeks ARO.

 

Source: PR Newswire