What are the effects of environmental factors on connector performance

The same object will have different technical performance in different environments. Therefore, evaluating the quality of an object to see how much environmental conditions it can withstand is also an important indicator. For the connector , a well-known component in the fieled of electronic engineering , it has been applied to every corner of our production and life. In order to meet the needs of various complex and harsh environments, its environmental protection performance is particularly important.

We know that a connector's environment has a big impact on performance. The main influencing factors are temperature, humidity, acid and alkali, vibration and shock, and immersion. These factors also affect the operation and life of the connector. The following briefly describes the impact of these factors on connector performance.

1. Temperature resistance.

At present, the maximum working temperature of the connector is 200oc (except for a few high-temperature special connectors), and the temperature is -65oc. Since the current generates heat at the contact point when the connector is working , resulting in a temperature rise, it is generally believed that the working temperature should be equal to the sum of the ambient temperature and the contact temperature. In some specifications, the allowable high temperature rise of the connector under the rated working current is clearly specified.

2. Moisture resistance.

The ingress of moisture can affect the insulating properties of the connector and corrode metal parts. The constant humidity and heat test conditions are: relative humidity of 90% to 95% (up to 98% according to product specifications), temperature +40±20oc, and test time less than 96h product specifications. The alternating damp heat test is more stringent.

3. Salt spray resistance.

When a connector is operated in an environment containing moisture and salt, its metal structure and contact surface finish may experience galvanic corrosion, which can affect the physical and electrical performance of the connector . To evaluate the ability of electrical connectors to withstand this environment, the salt spray test is specified . It is to hang the connector in the temperature-controlled test box, and spray the sodium chloride solution with the specified concentration with compressed air to form a salt mist atmosphere. The exposure time is specified by the product specification and is at least 48 hours.

4. Anti-vibration and impact resistance.

Vibration resistance and shock resistance are important properties of electrical connectors, especially in special application environments such as aerospace, railway and road transportation. important indicator of reliability. The relevant test methods are clearly specified. The shock test shall specify the peak acceleration, duration and shape of the shock pulse and the time for interruption of electrical continuity.

5. Other environmental performance.

Other environmental characteristics of electrical connectors include sealing (air leakage, liquid pressure), liquid immersion (resistance to specific liquids), and low air pressure, depending on usage requirements.