Multipole industrial connectors, how to choose the right connector for your application?

CC Netherlands offers ILME's full range of industrial connectors. These are high-quality multipole connectors that last for a long time. However, it remains a sensitive point in the installation. That is why it is important to choose the right connector. In this article you can read all about the many possibilities there are for composing and choosing the right multipole connector for your specific situation.

How is an industrial connector constructed?

An industrial connector is a connection on a machine or plant that needs to be able to go in and out of each other. The connector consists of two internals and associated housings that can vary in size. There is room in the inner workings for several contacts. This is why we also call an industrial connector a multipole connector. The housing protects the interior against specific conditions from the environment in which the industrial connector is placed.

An industrial connector is used to connect machine parts with each other, but also, for example, for the connection between machine and power supply. In a static application, a multipole connector is not necessary. Here it is better to use a regular cable entry by means of frames, glands and grommets, among other things.

When is an industrial connector essential?

If you need to connect part of a machine to a production line, you do so with an industrial connector. When production is complete, you simply disconnect the machine again. In addition, you often build a machine for a test in-house before it is transported to the customer. So the machine needs to be able to come apart again to go on transport. An industrial connector makes it easy to take the whole thing apart and rebuild it. This saves an enormous amount of assembly and installation time.

On vehicles, in body building, for example, industrial connectors are widely used. Think of garbage trucks, where the truck is connected to the rear loader. A solid and robust connection is then essential. Construction elevators also often use multipole connectors. After all, after each construction project, the elevator must be taken apart again. The same goes for construction equipment that is rented out. So there are numerous applications to list.

3. Here's how to choose the right industrial connector

Choosing the right industrial connector depends greatly on the application. In addition, any external factors to which the industrial connector will be exposed are important. Think of the environment, temperatures and cleaning agents. CC Netherlands has therefore chosen ILME's multipole connectors in its product range. Unlike alternative brands such as HARTING, Phoenix Contact, Weidmuller and Lapp in fact, ILME offers a wide range of multipole connectors. Thus, a suitable industrial connector can be used for any specific application. Putting together the right industrial connector starts with choosing the interior.

Making a choice Step 1: Choose the interior of the multipole plug

Which type of insert is most suitable for your application depends on the desired ease of connection and the required contact tightness. The desired reliability of the connection also plays a role. Furthermore, the current (number of amps) and cable diameters are, of course, decisive in determining the correct size.

The interior of an industrial connector contains two sides: the male side and the female side. Here there are different types of connections possible, such as a screw connection or a spring clamp. In addition, multipole connectors with a SQUICH® connection or AXYR® push-in are available. These are new quick connection techniques that do not require tools. When a strong gas-tight connection is required, choose a connector with a crimp connection. The advantage of this connection is that you can fit many contacts in a small area. In a crimp contact, you make a gas-tight connection with special crimping pliers.

MIXO: the modular interiors from ILME

Standard inserts consist of a single block on which all contacts are mounted. With our modular inserts, ILME's MIXO series, it is possible to put together the ideal multipole plug yourself. The great advantage of this is that you can use one multipole plug for which in other cases you would have had to purchase several plugs. MIXO is the user-friendly counterpart to Han-Modular® from HARTING. In addition, MIXO is compatible with Han-Modular®. Only the frame is different here. The great advantage of MIXO is that this frame is many times more user-friendly than that of Han-Modular®. Composing a modular multipole plug can be done in cooperation with CC Netherlands experts or by reading the CC Netherlands Blog on this topic.

Making choices Step 2: Choose the housing based on the application

The first step in choosing the right housing is to determine where on the machine the industrial connector will be attached. For example, the industrial connector can be mounted to the machine with an add-on housing, also called a chassis part. The connector can also be built on the machine with a surface-mount housing, for example, if it is not possible to make a hole in the machine. The gland outlet is then on the side. A so-called floating connection is also possible, using a connector housing and a coupling housing. Suitable covers are available for all housings if you want to cover them when not in use.

The second step is to choose the plug itself. This is available in two variants: with an angled or straight outlet.

Last but not least, the environment and the application of the multipole plug are strong determinants in choosing the right enclosure. CC Netherlands has seen many common applications in practice and selected the enclosures that fit them.

All-round C-Type: the classic among enclosures

We begin the list with a series of enclosures that can be used all-around. When a reliable connection is needed that can be easily taken apart, ILME's C-Type series is recommended. This aluminum series is the classic among enclosures for a reason. C-Type enclosures are similar to HARTING's Han® series, but are generally considered better and more user-friendly.

Corrosion-resistant structures

It is common for standard aluminum industrial connectors to suffer from corrosion. T-Type is a unique series of housings is made entirely of plastic. The great advantage of this is that it is corrosion resistant, unlike the mix of aluminum and nickel usually used for enclosures. For the food industry, there are special T-Type Hygienic enclosures that meet the requirements of the food sector.

Extreme conditions (seawater and brine resistant)

For the most extreme environments, we recommend the E-Xtreme® enclosures. These enclosures have a titanium plasma coating, which makes it the most robust series for. Thus, this enclosure is resistant to influences of salt, making it applicable, for example, in marine and port construction, gritters and other vehicles that come into contact with brine.

Chemical influences

For enclosures that are resistant to chemical influences, the W-Type series is available. Because a high content of aluminum is used for these enclosures, the chance of corrosion is significantly reduced. The Viton® seals are also resistant to common chemicals.

Waterproof structures

In waterproof structures, use either the V-Type series or the IP68 waterproof series. The V-Type housings have a higher IP rating, the degree of waterproofness, namely IP67. So this enclosure is more resistant to moisture and even suitable for applications where the connector may be completely submerged temporarily. This is because the brackets, made entirely of stainless steel, pull the seal tighter than in other series. Whereas the V-Type series features a high degree of waterproofing, the IP68 series goes one step further. Indeed, with its IP rating of IP68, it is suitable for applications continuously under water (up to a maximum of one meter).

Food industry

Especially for the food industry, there is a hygiene variant of the T-Type-Hygienic series. The seals used in these housings are resistant to aggressive cleaning agents. Read more about this specific product line of connectors in this comprehensive article: Renewed ILME T-Type Hygienic connectors another relevant article is CKH Hygienic: Connector for food industry

Multipole connectors in control cabinets

For a plug connection in a control cabinet, the COB (Connector On Board) series is recommended. Because these multipole connectors are used in a protected environment, a protective rugged enclosure is not required.

Multipole connectors at high temperatures

There is a special series for applications where the industrial connector is exposed to high temperatures (up to 180°C). These housings have a special coating and Viton® seals. For example, they are often used for industrial connectors in the metal industry. 

Theater Technology

The LS-Type series consists of black-colored enclosures especially for theater technology. After all, in this application, plugs should not be visible. Moreover, systems used in the theater often go in and out of each other, for which the LS-Type series is also suitable.

Electromagnetic compatibility

The EMC series is used when EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) is required. These enclosures have a special coating and the seals contain conductive graphite for maximum attenuation. This series is often used for servo and motor cables, for example in robots.

Large and small

The name of the BIG series says it all: these are large housings. These are logically used when a lot of space is needed in the connector, for example, when many cables or cables with a large diameter are running through it. Enclosures with a larger central bracket are also a possibility. Inserts with crimp contacts can have a particularly large number of poles. The more poles the interior of the multi-pole plug contains, the more difficult it is to get the plug in and out. A large bracket makes this easier. Just need smaller housings? Then the CK series is for you. These are compact housings for small connections in the field.

Customized advice Because of the endless possibilities and combinations in the field of industrial connectors, it is always advisable to contact CC Netherlands experts for personal advice. The specialists at CC Nederland are always ready to help you!

www.ccned.nl/nl/nieuws/industriele-connector