New Amphenol NEPTUNE Connectors with RADSOK Technology Increase Power in Rugged Environments

Online, May 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Sidney, N.Y. - Amphenol Industrial, a global leader in interconnect systems, recently enhanced its line of NEPTUNE connectors designed for the most demanding power generation and distribution environments. The rugged, high-performance connectors pair an aluminum housing with Amphenol's patented RADSOK contact technology to provide increased amperage and voltage in a compact, lightweight package.

At 50% smaller in size and weight than competitive models, the NEPTUNE series connectors are ideal for fast and easy interconnections to modular power equipment in virtually any modular power application. Users in both on and offshore oil exploration, convention centers, manufacturing plants, production platforms and communication shelters as well as those using portable power equipment and geophysical trucks and skids can benefit from these safe, dependable power interconnects.

Amphenol's new IP68-8-rated connectors, which feature a dielectric strength of 1,800 volts, are available with plugs and receptacles from 30 amps through 400 amps at 600 volts. The interconnects incorporate Amphenol's patented RADSOK system, an electrical terminal based on a hyperbolic grid configuration that enables lower insertion forces than standard contacts, while increasing available amperage and voltage.

NEPTUNE's precision machined aluminum components are high-tensile-strength bar stock, finished with a hard coating to 40 points on the Rockwell C scale and are heat resistant to +750°F. Operating temperature for the connector is -67°F to +225°F.

Armored and sheathed cable built to IEEE-45/UL1309, IEC, BS, DIN and JIC standards as well as unarmored cables and flexible cables, including S, SO, SOOW-A, W and G-GC, are compatible with the new NEPTUNE line. Cable housings with ample wire space slip over the conductors after termination, eliminating cumbersome handling and seating of inserts with conductors attached.

The nickel silver alloy plated contacts are interchangeable and reversible to suit specific needs. Optional gold plating is available. Conductors are readily terminated to easily accessible pressure wire terminals. NEPTUNE connectors are resistant to 60 Gs, exceeding Mil-STD-167-1 vibration standards.

The new connectors feature double lead Acme threads for easy coupling, eliminating the long setup and tear down when replacing equipment and the machined contacts are designed for longer life and mating cycles. All receptacles are supplied with threaded environmental dust caps. Plugs feature a mechanical clamp backshell and sealing grommets with optional covers available.

With millions of parts in the field, the patented RADSOK electrical connection has proven to be extremely reliable, with almost no reported connection failures in Amphenol RADSOK-designed applications. RADSOK utilizes the tensile strength properties of the flat, high conductivity alloy grid for the high normal forces required for conductivity, while providing a large conductive surface area. This results in a correspondingly low voltage drop and low temperature rise while maintaining low insertion forces. RADSOK sizes used in NEPTUNE are #12, #10, #4, #1/0, #4/0, and #350 MCM.

Pricing for the NEPTUNE connectors starts at $100 per mated set. Delivery is four to six weeks ARO.

For more information, please e-mail [email protected].

READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Robert Fralicker at Amphenol Industrial Operations, Amphenol Corporation, 40-60 Delaware Ave, Sidney, N.Y., 13838-1395.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Amphenol Industrial Operations, headquartered in a 675,000 square foot facility in Sidney, N.Y., provides a full range of high reliability connectors and interconnection systems specifically for the industrial markets including base stations, rail/mass transit, process control, automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment, and petrochemical/power generation.

Products include ruggedized-for-industry cylindrical, fiber optic, rectangular, and industrialized versions of Amphenol's MIL-C-5015 cylindrical, MIL-C-26482 miniature cylindrical and GT reverse bayonet cylindrical connectors. It employs more than 1,400 people and is both ISO9001 and MIL-STD-790 certified.

Amphenol Industrial Operations is a division of Amphenol Corporation, Wallingford, CT, one of the largest manufacturers of interconnect products in the world, with year 2006 sales topping $2.5 billion.