A: It is a component which mechanically connects conductors and provides an electrical connection that is easily disconnectable.

A typical manufacturing plant has thousands of electric connections on both fixed equipment and moving machines. When those connections wear out or fail, it brings production machines to a dead stop - because hardwiring new replacement cable can take hours. One way to minimize such downtime is to fit multi-conductor power and signal cables with quick connectors at both ends, so that cables can be replaced in just minutes. It also necessary to protects the connected portion from external particles.

Benefit:  Minimize installation time; Minimize installation, operation, and maintenance expenses.

A: Dozens of connector varieties and thousands of individual connectors exist, but five key parameters help narrow the options:

1. Number of contacts:

            it may seem obvious that the number of contacts in the connector should match or exceed the number in the cable - but one common mistake is to miscount by nt counting ground, while connectors do not.

2. Wire Gauge(AWG) or  (conductor size).

            Cable's wire gauge (conductor size) must be within the allowed range of the connector contacts. In general, screw contacts accommodate a broader range of wire gauges than comparable crimped contacts.

3. Cable outside diameter (OD):

            This dimension is often overlooked during specification. A poor seal results if the cable OD is too small relative to the connector, whereas an oversized cable OD may prevent it from fitting into the connectors.

4. + 5. Maximum voltage and current:

            Perhaps the most important specification to ensure a safe design a connector must be rated to handle the voltage and current of an application.

Other parameters must be taken into consideration for difficult operating  environments or unusual electrical requirements - as when, for example, a connector sports the correct number of contacts, wire gauge, and OD but an insufficient current or voltage rating.

A: Cycles of mechanical operation are tested according to European standard DIN EN 60512. The complete test program consists of many single tests. The most important tests out of the standard are

Visual examination: No damage shall occur which could impair normal use and the change of contact resistance shall be no more than 50% of the reference value at first mating or <= 5MOhm. The higher value is permissible.

Very of the change of contact resistance is the limiting factor, which means that the resistance is more than 5mOhm or 50% than reference value. The connector is after given mating cycles mostly alright but does not apply with values given in the standard. Finally decides the application if the connector has to be replaced.

A: Typically, connectors are required for cabling on highly dynamic applications - to 1000 V, 125 A, and 280 contacts where required.

Elsewhere, connectors are used on machinery that must withstand extreme environments - with protection to IP 65, 67, 68 and NEMA 4, 4X, or 12.

- When equipment consists of interchangeable modules (quick disconnect)

- When equipment must be portable (quick disconnect)

- When machines are very large and must be broken down for shipment and re-assembled at customer location (assembly speed and accuracy)

A: The low voltage directive, basically “electrical equipment” for voltages between 50V and 1000V AC or 75V and 1500V DC. For such equipment, CE marking is required. Connectors are “basic components” within the meaning of the low voltage directive and therefore excluded from the scope of the directive. As basic components are expressly connectors (fastener, connector) mentioned in section 9 in the footnote 11th.

A further aspect is the safety. This is to be assessed only after installation or assembly. EPIC® connectors are sold in pieces. Only during the assembly by the user, the safety is established.

This is the official statement from the ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V.), (Electrical and Electronic Manufactures Association)

"DIRECTIVE 2006/95/EG of the European Parliament and the council of 12 December 2006 on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electrical equipment for use within certain voltage limits”.

A: No - unless downtime must be reduced. Power and signal disruptions have many mechanical and electrical causes, from forklift  accidents to over-current conditions. In installations where critical electrical connections abound, some will eventually get damaged. Connectors add a small premium to the initial cost of cabling. but can pay for themselves by eliminating even a few minutes of inevitable downtime on a busy production line.

Benefit:  Minimize installation time; Minimize installation, operation, and maintenance expenses.

Aslo refer above Q & A.