------Question for HR10A-7P-4P(74) Please Put your question below------
I see this connector is rated for 2A and 200VDC. Does that mean it can handle higher amperage at lower voltage, or is 2A the maximum draw no matter the voltage? I have used this connector on 12V/5A DC power supplies for years without issue. Should I not be using this with a device that may be drawing up to 4 or 5 amps?
Hello @drew1,
Welcome to the DigiKey forum.
The voltage and current specification are generally considered independently.
The voltage specification is concerned with insulation strength and spacing of the elements. The hazard is arcing or in some cases the finger touch-safe clearances. For example, the common residential extension cord is generally considered safe provided you keep it away from children, don’t stick things into the open sockets, and keep it out of wet environments.
The current specification involves the resistance of the device. The hazard is self-heating due to I^2R losses.
Please keep in mind that specification, especially the current, should analyzed over the lifetime of the component. With normal use, over time, a constrained connector becomes a fire hazard.
As for your specific application, I would not recommend a 2 A connector for a power supply capable of 5 A. As a rule, downstream devices should NOT be the weakest link in the chain. Instead, upstream devices such as fuses and circuit breakers should provide the protection. As an example, consider residential wiring. We always select wire and connectors so that a short circuit will cause the circuit breaker to trip. To do otherwise is to risk smoldering wires in the wall with the potential to burn down the house.
Best wishes,
APDahlen
P.S. Please let us know if you would like to explore other connector options.
