Power Connectors

Power connectors form a crucial interface between devices and their power sources, ensuring electricity is safely and efficiently transmitted. These connectors come in two primary forms: residential and industrial. They are designed to handle either AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current).

AC connectors facilitate a direct connection to power grids, allowing devices to operate off the mains electricity without the need for a transformer. In contrast, DC connectors are generally standardised and non-interchangeable. This specificity safeguards against the risks associated with devices being connected to inappropriate power sources, thus enhancing operational safety and integrity.

Types of Power Connectors

Automotive Connectors

Designed for vehicular applications, automotive wire connectors can manage multiple connections for low current devices. They are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and exposure to weather elements.

Compact Power Connectors

These are notably small and incorporate safety features to shield users from direct contact with conductive parts. Available in various styles, these power connectors cater to different terminal designs, enhancing their versatility in applications.

DC Power Plugs

DC power plugs are predominantly cylindrical and metal, designed to fit specific types of pins. Commonly used with a transformer plug, they are also known as coaxial power connectors, barrel connectors, concentric barrel connectors, or tip connectors.

DC Power Connectors

These are the receptacles for DC power plugs, easily identifiable by the central single prong within the cylindrical socket. They vary extensively to match the diversity in power plug designs.

Hazardous Area Power Connectors

Utilised where electrical devices interact with hazardous materials, these power connectors feature enhanced safety properties to resist water ingress and other contaminant exposures.

Heavy Duty Power Connectors

Capable of handling voltages surpassing standard household currents, these power connectors are robustly built, often with threaded fittings to prevent accidental disconnections.

Industrial Interlocks

These are safety mechanisms designed to prevent unintended activation of machines, circuits, or other industrial equipment, enhancing workplace safety.

Industrial Power Connectors

These connectors are designed for high-power circuits and are engineered to prevent accidental disconnections, crucial for maintaining continuity in industrial operations.

Industrial Power Connectors Adapters

They allow modifications of high-power outlets in industrial environments to distribute electricity across various machines or for alternate applications.

Modular Battery Contacts

These contacts provide a streamlined method to connect one or more batteries to an electrically powered device without the need for individual connections.

DIN 43650 Solenoid Connectors

DIN 43650 solenoid connectors are designed for connecting solenoid valves. These power connectors are standardised under the DIN 43650 specification, which ensures compatibility and reliability in hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromagnetic systems.

Solar Connectors

Solar connectors are used to connect solar panels and other components in photovoltaic systems. These connectors are designed to withstand environmental factors such as UV exposure and extreme temperatures, ensuring durable and reliable connections in solar power installations.

Lighting Connectors

Lighting connectors are designed for connecting light fixtures and LEDs, offering secure, reliable, and easy installation. Suitable for both residential and commercial uses, they ensure safety and durability in various lighting applications.

Power Connector Standards & Regulations

The Australian standards for power connectors are set by Standards Australia, which aligns closely with international guidelines to ensure global compatibility and safety. Key standards include AS/NZS 3112 for AC plugs and socket-outlets which is widely used in residential and commercial settings across Australia and New Zealand. This standard specifies the configurations, voltage ratings, and safety requirements for general use connectors.

Australia also adheres to several International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, such as IEC 60320, used for appliance couplers for household and similar general purposes. These standards help Australian products maintain international compatibility, crucial for both imports and exports in the global market.

Compliance with these standards is monitored by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and certified by accredited bodies such as the Australian Electrotechnical and Communications Regulatory Authority (ACMA). Products that meet these standards are often marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), indicating that they comply with the necessary safety and performance requirements.

Industrial Applications of Power Connectors

Power connectors play a vital role in various industrial sectors by ensuring reliable and efficient power distribution critical to operations. Here are key examples of how these connectors are used across different industries:

Discrete Manufacturing: In discrete manufacturing, where items like automobiles, electronics, and appliances are assembled, power connectors are crucial for the operation of production line machinery and automated systems. They ensure seamless power delivery to high-performance equipment, facilitating rapid assembly processes and minimising downtime.
Process Manufacturing: In process manufacturing industries, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, power connectors are used in systems that require continuous operation under stringent conditions. These connectors must withstand harsh environments and ensure safety and efficiency in processes where precise temperature and speed control are necessary.
Energy & Utilities: Power connectors in the energy sector are integral to both conventional and renewable energy generation and distribution. They are used in power plants, substations, and in the deployment of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines, where robust and weather-resistant connectors are essential for long-term reliability and efficiency.
Facilities & Intralogistics: In facilities management and intralogistics, power connectors facilitate the operation of HVAC systems, lighting, and automated warehousing equipment. They are designed to support the extensive use of electrically powered transport systems and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), enhancing operational efficiency and safety in logistics hubs.

Your Trusted Power Connector Supplier & Manufacturer

RS Australia is committed to delivering not just power connectors, but a comprehensive array of industrial cables and cable management products from brands like Hirschmann, HARTING, and RS PRO. For detailed information on our delivery services and associated fees, please visit our Delivery Information page.