Ultra-reliable connectors gain Rail Authority

safety-critical applications approval

Edac (Europe) is delighted to announce that Network Rail, the UK railway infrastructure authority, has issued its Certificate of Acceptance for Edac's 516 Series connectors to be used with signalling and level crossing control panels, transmission systems and associated information systems.

Thirty-one part numbers in the 516 Series range of multi-pin connectors have been issued with official Network Rail PADS numbers (Parts And Drawing System).

The 8.5 amp, 516 Series, Connectors are available in five circuit sizes - 20ckt; 38ckt; 56ckt; 90ckt and 120ckt.

They can be configured for cable-to-board/panel and cable-to-cable applications. The series features an actuating screw and locknut to facilitate mating and to provide a secure and robust interconnect. The screw and locknut can be fitted to either the plug or the receptacle.

The 56 circuit version of the EDAC 516 connector series showing the EMI/RFI shielding device and metal cover. The plug and receptacle are  both shown with either actuating screw or locknut. The hermaphroditic contact is available with crimp; solder eye; pcb or wire wrap tail.

At the heart of the 516 series design is a gold-plated hermaphroditic contact with four gas-tight, mating surfaces and a long wiping length for self-cleaning. This exceptional contact design has a forty years (plus) pedigree of outstanding reliability and performance in numerous safety and mission-critical applications including oil and gas processing, audio broadcasting off-shore alternative energy production and railway signalling. They are even incorporated into sensor devices installed in the CERN European nuclear physics project.

The hermaphroditic gold-plated contact (here, in crimp tail format) is used in both plug and receptacle.

Design engineers, in growing numbers, are recognising the importance of a proven reliability track record when seeking the ideal interconnect system for products used in safety-related and/or harsh-environment applications.

 The Edac 516 series is a direct - fit/form/function - alternative to the             

 Elco* or Varelco* 8016 series of connectors that use the Varicon* style contact.             

*Elco, Varelco and Varicon are or were Trademarks or registered names