I've seen a few builds lately where people have used umbilicals to connect the power supply to the business end. The existing threads on this mostly seem to complain about the high cost of the parts. I found some Switchcraft stuff on Mouser, but it was more than $25 per piece! But I think I have now found a good source for these, namely, ElecBee.
Their GX series of 'aviation connectors' look like just the thing. E.g., the GX 16 comes with 2-10 pins, is rated for 250V and 4-8 amps, and a set---cable mount plug and chassis mount socket---is about $3 for any number of pins.
There are beefier models, like the GX30, which is rated to 400V and 20A (for the 4 pin model) and is still less than $15 for two sets (i.e., enough for a complete connection).
There are several other series, as well, which get a bit more pricey (but still not too bad) and have even higher ratings. E.g., the P-series P32 4-pin is 50V/40A and about $18 a male-female pair.
They sell connector cables, too.
Sorry to sound like an advert, but I've been looking for these for a while!
Their GX series of 'aviation connectors' look like just the thing. E.g., the GX 16 comes with 2-10 pins, is rated for 250V and 4-8 amps, and a set---cable mount plug and chassis mount socket---is about $3 for any number of pins.
There are beefier models, like the GX30, which is rated to 400V and 20A (for the 4 pin model) and is still less than $15 for two sets (i.e., enough for a complete connection).
There are several other series, as well, which get a bit more pricey (but still not too bad) and have even higher ratings. E.g., the P-series P32 4-pin is 50V/40A and about $18 a male-female pair.
They sell connector cables, too.
Sorry to sound like an advert, but I've been looking for these for a while!
Thanks so much for your timely post!! I spent a good chunk of yesterday looking through those Switchcraft offerings on Mouser.....
Are You planning to use them with mains Voltage ?
I see a security issue here. They are metallic. If one of the conductors gets loose...
I have bad experience with aviation connectors.
The cable clamp doesn't hold very well, but depends also on the cable diameter.
A round 3*0.75 sqmm cable is difficult to fit. Forget anything larger.
You have 1-1.5cm clearance between the solder cups and the cable clamp.
You solder, push, twist and You find out insulated cable is outside the clamp.
You push inwards and ... WTF ...make new smaller ends and solder again.
Cables begin to break insulation at the clamp. Remember Laptop or wall-wart PSU's problems?
The screw threads are easily stripped if too tightened. They like to unscrew themselves.
The few I own use bolts and locking nuts on the other side. Forget Loctite on the shell threads, stripping guaranteed.
Usually mains connectors are made of non conductive outer material like plastic or rubber.
If You are using those for the umbilicals, consider using clothed lamp cord cables. These have a plastic or rubber insulation and then a clothed braid on top. Put some heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape around the connectors.
Use IEC or Powercon connectors to be safe. ~10$ for the male & female.
I see a security issue here. They are metallic. If one of the conductors gets loose...
I have bad experience with aviation connectors.
The cable clamp doesn't hold very well, but depends also on the cable diameter.
A round 3*0.75 sqmm cable is difficult to fit. Forget anything larger.
You have 1-1.5cm clearance between the solder cups and the cable clamp.
You solder, push, twist and You find out insulated cable is outside the clamp.
You push inwards and ... WTF ...make new smaller ends and solder again.
Cables begin to break insulation at the clamp. Remember Laptop or wall-wart PSU's problems?
The screw threads are easily stripped if too tightened. They like to unscrew themselves.
The few I own use bolts and locking nuts on the other side. Forget Loctite on the shell threads, stripping guaranteed.
Usually mains connectors are made of non conductive outer material like plastic or rubber.
If You are using those for the umbilicals, consider using clothed lamp cord cables. These have a plastic or rubber insulation and then a clothed braid on top. Put some heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape around the connectors.
Use IEC or Powercon connectors to be safe. ~10$ for the male & female.
I like the old Cinch Jones connectors which come in a range of conductors and male/female options. Unfortunately, they're only available via eBay and some ask far too much for them.
The Aviation connectors are solidly built. Any power connection of this type that is soldered should be protected with heat-shrink, to prevent any accidental touching against the body. There are also military surplus stores that sell Mil-spec connectors that are perfect for power connections. I personally use the Neutrik NAC3FX-W-TOP plug and NAC3MPX-TOP socket. Good solid connectors, though not cheap.
Kevin
Kevin
Folks:
I'm a fan of the Y2M series aviation connectors available on AliExpress (see, for example, Y2M series 21mm Y21M fast buckle Aviation cable connector plug male & female 2/3/4/5/7/10/14/16 pin 2p/3p/4p/5p/7p Army green|Connectors| - AliExpress). I've made several umbilicals using them, and they are relatively inexpensive, sturdy and have performed well.
Of course, YMMV.
Regards.
I'm a fan of the Y2M series aviation connectors available on AliExpress (see, for example, Y2M series 21mm Y21M fast buckle Aviation cable connector plug male & female 2/3/4/5/7/10/14/16 pin 2p/3p/4p/5p/7p Army green|Connectors| - AliExpress). I've made several umbilicals using them, and they are relatively inexpensive, sturdy and have performed well.
Of course, YMMV.
Regards.