Rated Current Parameters Of Heavy-duty Connectors

Rated Current

Rated current, also called operating current, is similar to rated voltage. Generally, the heavy duty multi pin connectors can operate normally even at currents below its rated current. In the design of the heavy connector, the rated current requirement is met through the design of the heavy duty cable connectors because when current flows through the contact pair, the contact pair heats up due to conductor and contact resistance. If this heating exceeds a certain limit, it will damage the insulation of the heavy power connector, soften the surface coating of the contact, and lead to failure. Therefore, limiting the rated current of the heavy duty wire connectors is essentially limiting the internal temperature rise of the wire connector heavy duty to within the designed limit. A key point to note when selecting a heavy duty electric cable connectors is that the rated current must be dated for multi-core contact pairs. This is especially important under high current conditions. For example, a φ3.5mm contact pair typically has a rated current of 50A, but with 5 cores, it must be dated by 33%, meaning each core's rated current is only 38A. The more cores, the greater the derating range.