Transcript Making the Connection - U.Va. School of Engineering and

Choosing Wiresly
Or, Sizing your wires so as not to
cause a fire.
Wire Sizing Chart
Wire size AWG
Diameter
(inches)
Ohm's per 100ft
(@ 68º)
Safe Current
(Amperes)
12
0.080
0.16
20
14
0.064
0.25
15
16
0.051
0.40
10
18
0.040
0.64
8
20
0.320
1.02
5
22
0.025
1.61
4
24
0.020
2.57
3
26
0.016
4.08
2
28
0.013
6.49
1.5
30
0.010
10.30
1.3
Making the Connection
Different Types of Electrical
Connectors and Their Uses
Introduction

There are literally thousands of different
type electrical connectors, each with
their own purpose. This presentation will
introduce a select few which are fairly
common and readily available.
Terms and Definitions
Male – Connector with exposed metal
contacts which are “plugged into” or
otherwise inserted into female connector.
 Female – Connector, usually with
recessed contacts.
 Plug – Male Connector
 Jack – Female Connector

Terms and Definitions

Polarization – Connector is made so
that it cannot be plugged in incorrectly.

Example: Typical “lamp cord” has one prong
larger than the other:
Larger
(Neutral) Prong
Smaller
(Hot) Prong
Terms and Definitions

Positions – Number of conductors/
contacts that connector has.

Some common connectors and the number
of contacts for each:
Connector
No. of Positions
“Lamp” Plug
2
Power Cable
3
Serial Port
9
Credits

All photographs were obtained from the
All Electronics web site,
www.allelectronics.com unless otherwise
noted. Part Numbers are shown next to
the photos in Italics.
TRS Audio Connector
This Type of connector is usually used
for audio applications such as for
headphones, instrument cables, and
patch bays.
 TRS – Tip, Ring, and Sleeve

Ring
Tip
Sleeve
TRS Audio Connector

Available in three standard diameters
¼”
 1/8” (3.5mm)
 3/32” (2.5mm)


Features: Quick and easy
connect/disconnect, ¼” size is fairly
durable, up to 3 contacts.
TRS Connector

Available in Monaural (Tip and Sleeve)
and Stereo (Tip, Ring, and Sleeve).
¼” Mono Plug - MPHM
Mono Panel-Mount Jack
PHJ-S
¼” Stereo Plug - MPHS
Stereo Panel-Mount Jack
SPHJ-S
Banana Connectors

Banana Connectors are very commonly
found in test equipment, such as
multimeters and power supplies. They
are NOT polarized and are typically not
safe for high voltages.
Banana Jack (A.K.A. – Binding Post)
Banana Plug
BPL-R
5-BP-B
Banana Connectors
Features: Good for currents up to
approximately 10A, Good general
purpose DC connector.
 This is the type of connector used for the
12VDC connections on the Grid.

Available in Pairs as well.
Slot on one side of connector
Typically denotes “Negative” side.
BP-2 Shown
“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

The “RJ” series plugs and jacks are
typically used for communications
connects. The RJ-11 and RJ-12
connectors are used for telephone
connects, and the RJ-45 is most
frequently used for CAT-5 Networking
RJ-45
RJ-11/12
cable.
“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs
Features: This type of connector is
polarized, very inexpensive, and very
common.
 Drawbacks: These connectors can
handle only small amounts of current
and require a crimper to connect to
cable.

“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs
Designation Part No.
No. of
Contacts
RJ-11
CMP-40
4
RJ-12
CMP-6
6
RJ-45
CMP-8
8
Picture
“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

Jacks:
RJ-11 Wall Plate Jack
MT-107
RJ-12 Jack w/ Leads
MT-61
RJ45 IEEE 568 Wiring Standard
Pin No.
Function
Color
EIA-568A
EIA-568B
Crossover
1
Tx+
Green/White
Orange/White Rx+
2
Tx-
Green
Orange
Rx-
3
Rx+
Orange/White
Green/White
Tx+
4
Blue
Blue
5
Blue/White
Blue/White
Orange
Green
7
Brown/White
Brown/White
8
Brown
Brown
6
Rx-
Tx-
“Molex” Multi-pin Connectors
Good general-purpose polarized power
connectors. Available in 2 to 15
positions.
 Requires some time wiring.

2 Position “Molex” connector
Available from Radio Shack
“Cinch Jones” Multi-Pin Connectors

“Cinch Jones” connectors are very
sturdy, polarized connectors capable of
handling up to 10A.
Available from www.mouser.com
Using Relays
Why did you bother mentioning
these things, anyway?
Simple Relay Circuit for 120VAC
Simple Relay Circuit for 12VDC
Relay Circuit for Controlling Motor
Direction