MIL-Grade connectors are shell-type military connectors that are specially designed to meet military equipment specifications. Military applications work under extreme environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures (hot and cold), too much dust, underwater pressure, vacuum, moisture, and many others. Failure or damage to the applications can cause serious issues for the people working around them. Mil-grade connectors are being introduced into the market to ensure a safe workplace for employees.
MIL-grade connectors are also known as MIL-Spec connectors. They are manufactured especially for military and aerospace applications. Each connector is designed with a mating pair called a plug and receptacle, and each pair is prepared with male contacts (pin) and female contacts (socket).
Each military connector is tailored to the needs of the application. All military appliances work under different environmental conditions, so they have their unique requirements. The mil-grade connectors can be customized following the requirements of the application. As these electrical connectors play a very vital role in the current and data flow in every electronic device, they must be selected carefully.
In this article, we have added some key points that may help you select the right mil-grade connector for your military equipment.
- Number and type of contacts required for your device
Connector contacts are a pair of pins and sockets that are used to transfer electricity among the devices. They are part of the conductive portion of the device and perform within the required voltage and current range. They are available in different sizes, shapes, types, and numbers depending on the device’s requirements. They are differently designed for applications that are used under harsh environmental conditions. For a successful electrical path, the contact of the military connectors must match the other elements of the device. Therefore, it is important to determine the right contact type and the number of contacts required for your device. It may also depend on the amount of heat produced in the device, its capacity for carrying a certain amount of current, and various other electrical requirements. Identifying the right contact is very important as it helps in determining the layout of the connector.
- Check whether the receptacle is box-mounted or wall-mounted
Another important factor to consider when choosing a military connector is the type of mounting. That means you must ensure how and where the receptacle will be mounted in the connector. This is significant because it provides assurance about the connector and whether or not it is secured to a wall, panel, or box. The mounting type used in the connector determines its security. So, you need to make sure that the receptacle is box-mounted or wall-mounted.
- What type of installation is required
The third important thing to consider is the type of installation required for the particular military connector type. This is so because many of the applications require permanent installations, such as medical imaging technology or high-voltage switches. Before finalizing one with the manufacturers, you can ask if they provide any installation service or not. Many of them prefer to use bulkhead connectors for their greater flexibility and mechanical integrity.
