High-voltage DC connectors.

[G6Tanuki]

What's the modern go-to for 2-pole connectors that can handle 2Kv at an Amp or so?

In the past when doing this sort of stuff professionally I'd head straight to the LEMO catalog, knowing I could specify-the-best and the taxpayer would cover the cost.

Now, when I'm paying for it out of my after-tax income, I want 'good-enough and cheap'!

[Backstory: I'm building a power-supply for the 811A grounded-grid HF amplifier discussed here: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?t=152720 - as implemented the entire power-supply/control/switching is done via a single 'small' multiway Jones-plug. I'm deeply not happy with using such a connector to handle above-Kilovolt stuff].

[beamcurrent]

You might investigate the DC connectors used on solar panel systems. I know my panels provide some 500+ volts to the inverter. I don't know what the voltage rating actually is but it may stretch to your needs and I expect they are a fraction of the price of a Lemo.

regards

[GrimJosef]

MHV connectors perhaps ? They used to be known as 'high voltage BNC'. I can't find the actual manufacturer's voltage withstand specs for these

https://uk.farnell.com/amphenol-rf/2...ohm/dp/1608570
https://uk.farnell.com/amphenol-rf/2...ack/dp/2579715

but Wikipedia reckons they're good for 5kV and 3A https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHV_connector. Maybe they are . They break the outer conductor before the inner one though, which might be quite unfunny if you should inadvertently unplug before switching off and ensuring everything's discharged.

Better, allegedly, would be SHV https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHV_connector. Of course they're more expensive.

Cheers,

GJ

[ex seismic]

I grabbed a couple of connectors off our solar installer as they looked useful. They have the backwards UR marking which I think is some sort of approval but are noticeably devoid of much else. MC is embossed next to the UR and the only other marking hidden away is:ESS11 EIDA. Photos on request.

gmb

[wave solder]

MC4 is the suffix for the type of connector commonly used with solar installations.

[Jon_G4MDC]

You have this marking?

Yes I would also like to know what this one is please...

[AC/HL]

Approval mark for internal components of a finished item, if that makes sense!
https://www.ul.com/wp-content/upload...onentMarks.pdf

[G6Tanuki]

Yes, "Underwriters Laboratories" are probably the largest certification/test-house in the US; as their name implies they were set up by the insurance-underwriting industry. From memory the first thing they ever 'approved' was the winch-cable used on lifts (elevators) in skyscrapers.

[G6Tanuki]

I'll have a look at the solar-panel connectors - they may well be an option.

As mentioned, coax-type connectors are sometimes used for EHT, but with caveats! In the past I remember there was a "reverse-gender" version of one of the larger coax-conenctors which I encounted on a high-power RF amp; the idea was to prevent the EHT and antenna connectors being inadvertently interchanged.

Right now I'm looking at the Rosenberger catalog, and wincing at the prices!

[emeritus]

According to my 1980's-vintage Suhner catalogue, their SHV (Safe High Voltage) connectors are rated at 3.5kV for 50Hz AC and 5kV for DC, these being sea level ratings. The current rating is 10A. continuous.

There is also a similar-sized MHV ( Miniature High Voltage) connector series whose ratings are 1.6kV 50Hz, 2.2kV DC, 10A continuous .


In the SHV connectors, the plug has a central female contact, whereas in the MHV connectors, the plug has a pin central contact as per conventional BNC connectors.

AFAIR there used to be a high voltage N type connector (physically bigger than the MHV type) but this is not listed in the Suhner catalogue.


Conventional type N has a dielectric withstand voltage of 2500V AC 50Hz and a specified operating voltage of 1kV at 50Hz RMS AC at sea level. DC voltage and current rating not specified.

The 7/16 series connectors are rated at 2.7kV , whether AC or DC not specified, current rating not specified.

I have no personal experience of these special high voltage connectors, having only come across them in catalogues.

I can scan and post the relevant data sheets if they would be useful.

[G6Tanuki]

Suhner are now Huber+Suhner - seems their ranges are stocked by RS and Farnell.

Will do some investigation - I suspect the prices will be as eye-watering as Rosenberger's!

[Dual Standard]

The normal recommendation for the 2kV or so external supplies used on K2RIW linears etc was the PET100 which looked a bit like a 'N' connector and at one time these these were readily available on the surplus market. A search pulls up RS as stockists but alas their website lists them as 'discontinued' however they do suggest suitable replacements:-
Plug https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/bnc-connectors/2127393/
Socket https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/bnc-connectors/2127400/
Alas these are bayonet not screw and the plug is crimp not compression fitting.

I I needed one and wasn't in too much of a hurry I'd keep my eyes peeled for a PET100 pair, preferably complete with blanking caps.

Mike

[Sean Williams]

Ive got several HV connectors - I will see what mating pairs I have, and pop some pics up - happy to let some go.

[Sean Williams]

I have these in stock.