Interconnection


Adding protection to power interconnects

30 August 2023 Interconnection

Today our world relies on data centres, servers, networking equipment and cloud computing to store and disseminate data and applications.Because they house some of an organisation’s most critical assets, these systems must function reliably and economically. Within these systems even the smallest components, like connectors, can make a big impact by reducing long-term costs, while providing efficient, economical, and sustainable performance.

APP Saf-D-Grid plugs and receptacles provide for the direct connection of AC and DC electronic devices to a grid powered by either mains power, high-efficiency DC sources, or by renewable energy. These connectors meet international safety requirements for hazardous, low-voltage applications including IEC 950 and IEC60950.

One challenge facing the data centre architect is to maximise usage of rack space. The Saf-D-Grid is size-compatible with the IEC 60320 C13 and C14 connection system that is typically limited to 10 A and 250 V AC. However, Saf-D-Grid enables greater power density by allowing up to 30 A and 600 V DC or AC within the same space.

To minimise the risk of personal contact with a hazardous voltage, safety standards require protection against finger access to live parts 50 V and above. Saf-D-Grid plug & receptacle connectors both feature a Touch Safe shell with shock protection, and both pass UL & IEC finger probe (plug & receptacle) and 3 mm probe tests (receptacle). Saf-D-Grid connectors are also rated to safely carry up to 2x more current and 1,6x more voltage than the standard IEC 60320 C20.

Saf-D-Grid utilises contacts that are designed to minimise arcing, along with housing geometries that contain the arc if connectors are mated or unmated while under load. The contacts have twice the spacing needed to extinguish the 400 V DC arc before the housings separate. The rugged polycarbonate housings are UL94 V-0 rated and over-moulded to provide strain relief during both mating and un-mating.

Additional safety features include a first mate, last break contact to provide the safety of an earthing path before engagement of the power contacts. The connectors contain an integral latch to prevent accidental un-mating, preventing accidental power loss to critical equipment. The connectors also offer tactile and audible confirmation of a connection.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Digital link 40x faster than broadband Internet
Hiconnex Interconnection
Axon’s AxoMach high-speed links were recently qualified by the European Space Agency to the ESCC 3409/001 standard, and are designed to transmit data at speeds of up to 40 Gbps for space applications.

Read more...
Modular CAT7 inter-car-connection
Hiconnex Interconnection
These modular connectors are particularly suitable for harsh environments, and have a high resistance to industrial vibration and an IP67 protection rating.

Read more...
Multi-channel cable assembly
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
Withwave’s Multi-Channel SMPM Cable Assemblies (WMCM Series) provide a wide range of multiple coax connectors and flexible cable assemblies, with a choice of 26,5, 40 and 50 GHz configurations.

Read more...
Compact power relays
Future Electronics Interconnection
The new HE-R Series power relays by Panasonic Industry are PCB-mounted relays for easy board assembly, with both two- and four-pole contact arrangement options.

Read more...
High-speed AWG generates up to 20 sine waves
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
Spectrum Instrumentation has released a new firmware option for its range of versatile 16-bit Arbitrary Waveform Generators, with sampling rates up to 1,25 GS/s and bandwidths up to 400 MHz.

Read more...
High-density multicoax cable assembly
RFiber Solutions Interconnection
Withwave’s high speed and high-density Multicoax Cable Assemblies (WMX Series) provide a wide range of multiple coax connectors and flexible cable assemblies with a choice of 20, 40, 50, 67 or 110 GHz configurations.

Read more...
Centralised distribution for M8 and M12 connectors
Communica Interconnection
Amphenol LTW’s distribution boxes facilitate efficient cable management, easy installation with pre-wired configuration, and provide a centralised distribution point for M8 and M12 connectors.

Read more...
What is an RF connector?
Spectrum Concepts Editor's Choice Interconnection
If you look across the broader electromagnetic spectrum, the selection of the 3 kHz to 300 GHz frequency range for RF signals is a result of a balance between propagation characteristics, data transmission requirements, regulatory allocations, and the compatibility of electronic components and devices.

Read more...
Multi-head battery contacting solutions
Electronic Industry Supplies Interconnection
INGUN has developed contacting solutions which boast low contact resistances, maximum reduced power losses, and stable, durable electrical connections in either single- or multi-head contacting configurations.

Read more...
Digitisers upgraded with pulse generator option
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
Spectrum Instrumentation has added the Digital Pulse Generator option to its ultrafast digitisers (with up to 10 GS/s speed) and arbitrary waveform generators.

Read more...