Types of connectors

Connector, types, kinds, classification

The connector, (this part is also called an electrical connector) is a device that helps to connect two or more conductors to each other electromechanically. A variant that everyone knows is a plug and socket (socket-plug). The number of such connections – from one to infinity, it all depends on the type of connector and its purpose. But, at the moment, it is quite difficult to separate the connectors into plugs and sockets, as there are so many kinds of this REC, there are already parts where the plugs and sockets are not much different. The connectors have the simplest design, and consist of a housing, contacts, and cable entries. The case can be dismountable, cast, made of ceramics, metal, plastic, rubber. Insulators can be made of plastic, ceramics, porcelain, rubber, and even glass. Cable glands are required to get the cable inside the connectors. Often, the connectors are equipped with special shock absorbers, clamps, which do not allow the cables to bend and break. To avoid wrong connection, many connectors have a “key” (ledge, notch), which does not allow inserting the plug into the socket in the wrong way. But there are connectors without a “key”.

All types of connectors have metal contacts: from aluminum, copper, composites, that is, from substances with excellent electrical conductivity and inexpensive in cost. Some connectors for the best conductivity of electric current are covered with precious metals, which affects the positive side of the operation of the devices.

History of creation

In the early era of electricity, at home, it was used mainly to illuminate the premises. Existing at that time, rare appliances, powered by electricity, were included in the so-called cartridge of a conventional incandescent lamp. Naturally, it was not enough that it was inconvenient to connect an electrical appliance in this way, but you will agree that it is extremely dangerous. Thus, humanity came close to the need to develop special connectors. Breakthrough in this area occurred in 1904, the detail was patented by Harvey Hubbell, and already at the beginning of 1915 it became widespread, but since people were often conservative, the connection directly to the cartridge using Edison adapters was used up to the 30s of the past Century. 1926 was marked by the creation of connectors that have grounding. This convenient device was invented by Albert Buttner.

Classification.

Application (signal, power, computer, audio and video connector);
Voltage (low-voltage, high-voltage);
Current strength (low-current, high-current);
Frequency range (direct current, low-frequency, high-frequency);
Installation (panel connector, wire, chassis);
Method of connecting wires to the contacts (using the screw terminal, crimping method, soldering).