Electrical Connectors Part Types and Components List

Connectors refer to plugs and receptacles that join electrical wiring; they also serve as disconnect points to enable maintenance and repair of the system or an individual cable and/or wire. The components are used to fasten electrical circuits together and maintain conductive paths within IT systems, powerplant systems, voltage regulators, peripheral connections, power inputs, etc.; they are used in practically every industry. This mechanical device integrates an outer sleeve, inner sleeve, and mating pin/s or receptacle/s. Connectors are sorted by their features (gender); “Male” connectors have a center pin feature and contacts, while “Female” connectors are fitted to receive the contacts and pin/s. Connectors are crimped- or soldered-on to the ends of wiring or cable, and can be constructed of a multitude of materials depending on application. They are vulnerable to degradation and corrosion from environmental conditions including vibration, moisture exposure, chemical exposure, pressurization cycles, etc. This category does not describe connectors that are directly relevant to fiber-optic cabling and connection, and accessories.

Connector Identification
Electrical connectors are essential across all industries that utilize electrical wiring; therefore, there is a vast selection of wiring and connector types. Connectors are categorized based on wire size, contact pitch, polarity, voltage type, shielding, etc. In addition, connectors are labeled with letters and numbers to identify its type. The most common identification system (AN) identifies connectors by standard, plug type, class, size, contact arrangement number, contact style, and insert rotation. Wire type can also indicate the necessary connectors and can be found stamped on the conduit and/or at termination points.

Standards
Connectors are held to specific standards set by industry organizations and global governing bodies. Criteria for electrical connectors is set by the following codifications: National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), Canadian/Mexican/National Electric Code (ANCE NMX), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Council on Large Electrical Systems (CIGRE), Canadian Standards Association & CSA International (CSA Group), Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the National Electrical Manufacturers (NEMA), and others.
Associated standards set by the above organizations include but are not limited to:

  • ANCE NMX: NMX-J-543-ANCET, NMX-J-548-ANCET, NMX-J-519-ANCET, NMX-J-590-ANCET
  • ANSI: ANSI-C119.1M, ANSI-C119.4M, ANSI-C119.5M, ANSI-C119.6
  • ATIS: ATIS-0600029.2013
  • CSA: CSA C22.2 No. 41T, CSA C22.2 No. 65T, CSA C22.2 No. 188T, CSA C22.2 No. 198.2T;
  • IEEE: IEEE C2 (NESC) IEE, IEEE80a, IEEE837p, IEEE142, IEE1100

Military Grade Connectors
Most electrical connectors used for aerospace military and defense applications are set to meet Army/Navy (AN) standards specified by the US military. There are five basic types of Army/Navy (AN) connectors used on aircraft: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K. Class A-D connectors are made of aluminum while Class K is made of steel. Class A is a general-purpose, one-piece back shell connector. A class B back shell is separated into two parts along its length and is used where soldered connectors are readily accessible. Class C describes  pressurized connectors. This type family has inserts that are not removable. They are used on walls or bulkheads of pressurized equipment. Class D connectors are moisture and vibration resistant and integrate a sealing grommet in the back shell. Lastly, Class K connectors are fireproof, and are usually greater in length than other connectors.

Common Connector Types

DC connectors
This type of connector facilitates direct current. They are the most prevalent type of connector, and a variety of DC connectors exist. Connectors for this type of current are commonly utilized for LED lighting, electrical panels, computer systems, XLR connections, and USB connections.      

AC Connectors
AC connectors join electrical wiring that operate using an alternating current supply. AC Connectors are categorized by voltage, phases, and application. The most common types of AC connectors include straight-blade style and twist lock style AC connectors. Prevalent uses for AC connectors and AC wiring include computer monitors, battery packs, vehicle charging cables, etc.

Barrel Connectors
Barrel connectors are power supply connectors. “Male” connectors are referred to as plugs and “Female” connectors are referred to as jacks. There are three main different types of barrel connectors: PCB mount, cable mount, and panel mount.

Molex Connectors
This type of connector is used to carry high current and can be used to supply and connect multiple system circuits. These types of connectors are integrated with hard drives and optical drives.

USB-A
USB-A refers to a “female” receptacle connector type that is prevalently integrated on computers, hubs, HUDs, etc. The mating connector is commonly found on IT accessory components or USB cables; they can also be found mounted on USB memory sticks.

USB-B
USB-B connectors are considered durable and inexpensive. They form easily detachable connections integrated with peripheral devices i.e. Arduino boards. These components are most commonly seen in a board mount or panel mount configuration.

USB-Mini
This connection, like USB-B, is commonly seen on peripheral devices. Its small size enables it to be utilized in external hard drives, cellphones, etc.

USB-Micro
USB-Micro’s are often integrated in cameras, cell phones, charge points, small computers, and the like. They are utilized in USB-OTG conditions and can operate as peripheral connectors or host connectors.       

HDMI Connectors
HDMI connectors are primarily used for digital audio/video data transmission.

RCA Connectors
RCA connectors transmit electric video and audio signals.

SMA Connectors
This type of connector is most commonly used in systems that require connection with an external antenna; they are therefore typically referred to as SMA RF connectors.

RP-SMA connectors are also frequently used for the same application. These connectors can be found integrated with systems utilizing the following technology: Cell, GPS, Bluetooth, etc.

Contact Shape & Assemblies
Contact shapes include circular, rectangular, and coaxial, and can act as splices or terminals. Connector assemblies commonly include the following components to provide contact retention: bolts, nuts, flat washers, lock washers, Belleville washers, belts, etc.

Materials
The materials used to construct electrical connectors greatly depends on the application. Connectors are particularly vulnerable to galvanic corrosion, tension degradation, and damage from moisture. Graphite, copper, aluminum, silicon bronze, galvanized stainless steel, plastic composites, and oxide inhibitors are all common materials used in the build of a connector.

Pins
Contact pins are typically made of bronze that has been coated and dipped in sulfide. Pins are coated in sulfide to protect them from chemicals present in the atmosphere, making them more durable and resistant to corrosion.

Conduits
A conduit is a tube or coating that protects electric wiring and is used in various industries to protect wires and cables. There are four main varieties of conduit: metallic, nonmetallic, rigid, and flexible form.

Aerospace Electrical Connectors
Aircraft connectors need to meet two crucial parameters: they need to be durable despite multiple environmental stressors and provide ease of installation and replacement.  Most connectors used on an aircraft are designed to meet AN standards in order to ensure airworthiness. Electrical connectors are integral to multiple aircraft avionic platforms: IFE systems, flight control systems, glass cockpit systems, sensors, etc.

Commonly utilized aerospace connectors include D-sub type connectors, data bus connectors, coaxial connectors, triaxial connectors, and others.

Showing Page 1 of 3
All
wire and cable cutters voltage sensing test and burn in sockets terminals barrel bullet
terminal blocks accessories switching regulator and controller ics sockets for ics transistors adapters socket connectors
screws rf filters rf connectors photovoltaic connectors
multi outlet power strips motion motor and servo control ics memory module sockets led displays
ic sockets i o connectors fiber optic filters crimp terminals
contactors coaxial rf connectors board to board and card edge connectors automotive relays
automotive connectors keystone faceplates frames evaluation kits boards and modules banana and tip jacks plugs
custom application specific ics pin and socket connector housings card edge edgeboard connectors rf interconnects
jumpers and shunts connectors switching and control test equipment terminal blocks accessories jumpers banana and binding post connectors
memory card sockets rf filter ics connector electronic test equipment signal conditioning equipment
cable assemblies adapter boards and sockets contacts semiconductor and ic sockets and mounting kits
monitoring current sensing ffc fpc flat flexible connectors board mount rectangular headers male pins sensor misc
connector rectangular heat shrink terminals lugs splices terminal blocks din rail channel
terminal blocks contacts telecom and ethernet connectors solid state relays solar connectors
single board computers relay bases relay accessories pcb mount
pcb connectors lighting connectors industrial connectors flash memory ics
fiber optic attenuators connector backplane connector accessories circular mil spec connectors
circular metric connectors board to board headers receptacles female sockets board to board headers male pins bnc connec
battery holders snaps and contacts assembly tools ac power entry modules terminal junction systems
combination line connectors interface module ddr3 ddr2 ddr connectors data bus components
circular accessories power supplies and simulators plug in ac adapters hall effect magnetic sensors
coaxial rf accessories connectors interconnects terminal blocks wire to board blade type power contacts
fiber optic terminators miscellaneous sensors wire and cable crimpers ffc fpc accessories
circular adapters connector photovoltaic printer consumables and accessories heavy duty power connectors
industrial control accessories sdl semconn accessories terminals wire to board fiber optic modulators
terminal blocks and strips switched mode power supplies power signal relay power entry accessories
mosfet bridge driver and controller ics linear voltage and ldo regulator ics industrial relays i o relay modules analog
hot swap and power distribution ics headers hdmi displayport dvi connectors halogen lamps
glue adhesives and applicators fiber optic accessories ffc fpc connectors board mount disk drive power connectors
dc power connectors data and telecom connectors d sub d shaped terminators current sensors
connector discrete wire housing connector adapters circular connector accessories circuit breakers
application specific connector coaxial rf terminators connector socket circular connector tools
sdl semconn terminal blocks interface modules test connectors probes and testleads high frequency rf relays
relay sockets hardware test equipment accessories phase monitoring ferrites
power entry inlets outlets modules photorelays heavy duty accessories dc dc converter and controller ics
reed relays switches splicing products card edge housings terminals accessories
sockets and accessories test points ic and semiconductor sockets and mounting kits mercury displacement
connector fiber optics flat ribbon cable connectors usb firewire ieee 1394 dvi and hdmi connectors sockets for ics transistors accessories
socket strips shrink boot adapters sensor accessories sample kits
rectangular plastic and industrial pressure force sensors power distribution modules photovoltaic contacts
opto emitters i o modules firewire connectors fiber optic adapters
encoder accessories electronic test equipment connectors electromechanical panel controls and controllers digital power control ics
d sub screwlocks and slidelocks connector scsi banana and tip binding posts audio transformers
audio codecs audio and video connectors ac power line filters ac dc power supplies
digital video circuit breaker accessories circular push pull connectors backplane specialized
input output interface connectors barrel accessories ffc fpc flat flexible connectors free hanging heavy duty inserts modules
airflow fluid flow sensors prototyping and development sockets and adapters angle positional sensors grounding products
circular clamps strain reliefs fiber optic amplifiers optocouplers and optoisolators sockets for ics transistors
phone connectors rf coaxial backplane hard metric din rectangular headers specialty pin
electromechanical sensors plug connector electromechanical relays comm con connectors

Send
Instant RFQ

Guaranteed quotes back within 15 minutes, 24/7 x 365



Why Choose Us?

Low Price Warrantied inventory at competitive prices

Find it fast Search the world's largest inventory of electronic components by manufacturer, category or part number

Quality guaranteed We sell only warrantied and traceable parts

Get it fast All inventory ready to ship from our sellers

Semiconductor's Certifications and Memberships
Thank You for Visiting Us today.

Remember That With Us At Methodical Purchasing, You Can Get A Competitive Quote for Parts Within Fifteen Minutes By Filling Out the Request for Quote form On the Homepage.

Request for Quote

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.