This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Plugs and Receptacles category on DigiKey.com
Power entry connectors include inlets, outlets, and modules designed to handle power. These are often thought of as “heavy duty” power connectors as some can handle extremely high amperage or voltage. Connector styles include various IEC and NEMA along with some specialized for different countries. Some feature a circuit breaker and/or switch and different ingress protection (IP) levels.
SelectionCharacteristics
Connector Style: An indication of the type of connection being used. Typically meets a standard.
Connector Type: Indicates the style/format of the connectors used to connect this product.
Current Rating (Amps): Typically this represents the maximum current to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Voltage Rating: Typically this represents the maximum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Number of Positions: The total number of electrical conductors the device has.
Mounting Type: Indicates how a device is attached.
Termination: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as quick connect, screws, or wire leads.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as board lock, chemical resistant, or strain relief.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel.
Panel Thickness: The thickness or range of thicknesses the device would need to be able to mount properly in a panel hole.
Material Flammability Rating: Ensures compliance with the relevant UL Flammability Rating.
UL94 Small Scale Flammability - Relative Comparison
Image from UL FLAMMABILITY – WHAT IT MEANS IN THE UL PRODUCT RECOGNITION PROCESS (faa.gov) Please see their website for more information.
Ingress Protection: IP (Ingress Protection) ratings such as (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) define how likely water and dirt will get into the system. The first number represents dirt and solid contaminants while the second represents water and liquids.
IP Ratings
| Solids | Liquids | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashed from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect operation of equipment 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Approval Agency: An indication that the product meets the minimum safety standards of an approving agency. These agencies are either government entities or private third-party labs that protect consumer safety.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | 738W-X2/01 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | Q337-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Qualtek |
| DESCRIPTION | Power Connector Receptacle, Female Sockets NEMA 5-15R Panel Mount, Snap-In |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 741W-C/01 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 189-741W-C/01-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Qualtek |
| DESCRIPTION | Power Connector Receptacle, Female Sockets BS 1363-2 Panel Mount, Snap-In |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 741W-E/01 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 189-741W-E/01-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Qualtek |
| DESCRIPTION | Power Connector Receptacle, Female Sockets AS/NZ 3112 Panel Mount, Snap-In |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
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