Busbar connector with floating alignment simplifies assembly

BY MAJEED AHMAD

Hirose has released a busbar connector with a floating contact alignment. It can absorb mounting misalignment of up to 2 mm in the XY direction and, thus, can ease installation in data centers, power distribution units, storage battery systems, and uninterrupted power supplies.

The PS4 Series of connectors boasts the plug-in mating capability, which simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for the installer to touch the conductor, and that reduces the assembly and maintenance time. Moreover, plug-in mating ensures a rugged connection regardless of the installer’s skillset, which, in turn, leads to greater reliability and worker safety.

Hirose’s mating design — which is based on a pending patent — makes connector installation easier by allowing it to float to the most appropriate mating position where it aligns with the busbar. It facilitates connector float in the XY direction and then locks it at a suitable place after full engagement with the busbar.

Another notable feature that the PS4 busbar connectors offer is the availability of two current ratings. The 150-A connectors are designed for use with a busbar thickness of 3.175 mm, or 0.125 inches. Next, the 300-A version of PS4 connectors supports a busbar thickness of 6.35 mm, or 0.25 inches.

It’s worth noting that the higher current rating is supported by a fall in the contact resistance via a larger contact area and multiple contact points. Therefore, the connector design reduces heat generation caused by current flow, and that leads to an increase in performance and operational life.

The PS4 Series busbar connectors feature a rated voltage of 600-V ac/dc and an operating temperature of –40°C to 105°C. These plug-in busbar connectors are available in a compact design, which is applicable to the 1U size.