Standardizing Connectors for HT

[reinw33]

Hi everyone
Even though the HT LCLC filter section needs only three connections, it doesn't seem intuitive to use a 3xlr connection, does it?

What are your preferred in best case standardized, cheap and according to regulation connectors for HT or PSU?
Thanks.

 

[Rob Flinn]

Using a 3 pin xlr for power is asking for trouble in my view.

 

[reinw33]

Using a 3 pin xlr for power is asking for trouble in my view.

@Rob Flinn
Exactly. It is to be replaced 100%.
The reason it's there at all, the box was a passive box for audio.

Looking for proper connector.

 

[reinw33]

Are there any good versatile aerospace connectors that one can recommend? And cheap?

 

[Rob Flinn]

Are there any good versatile aerospace connectors that one can recommend? And cheap?

I have used 4 or 5 pin xlrs in the past.

 

[k brown]

Are there any good versatile aerospace connectors that one can recommend? And cheap?

Aerospace?

What's the matter with these old standbys?
https://www.amazon.com/Aviation-Con...sprefix=4-pin+power+connector,aps,183&sr=8-26

 

[Tubetec]

Ive used aviation plugs before , you have to make sure you heat shrink the solder buckets in the plug and the cable diameter they accept is fairly small .
Other than that they work and are reliable .

 

[merlin]

I've used Bulgin non-standard mains connectors before
https://uk.farnell.com/bulgin/px0430-se/socket-3way-right-angle-free/dp/313981

 

[beatnik]

THIS kind of military connectors are very reliable and easy to work with, but quite expensive

THIS is an affordable alternative from china, I have been wanting to try one

The issue with XLRs is the limited current rating but it might be enough depending on your application

 

[ruffrecords]

I've used Bulgin non-standard mains connectors before
https://uk.farnell.com/bulgin/px0430-se/socket-3way-right-angle-free/dp/313981

Bulgin also do the Buccaneer range of multipin connectors. Their 4, 6 and 8 way versions will take up to 8A and 320VDC. Both solder bucket and crimp terminations are available.

https://www.bulgin.com/products/pub/media/import/attachments/4000_series_power.pdf

Cheers

Ian

 

[gyraf]

For safety reasons at HT, you need to have Male chassis connector, Female on the cable

And then some low-leakage diode protecting fingers from touching remaining HT at the chassis connector when connector is dismounted

I actually never found a really good solution for this

/Jakob E.

 

[Matt Syson]

The 50 Volt 'low Voltage directive' rules out many connectors and is just one reason why XLRs are not suitable. Yes the Bucaneer range mentioned by Ian is a practical solution I actually have a couple myself but never got around to using them. The 'straignt' version of the Bulgin 3 pin pictured by Ian is outlawed because you can unscrew it while it is connected thus falls under the 50 Volt ruling. YES I have used croc clips to connect my mains soldring iron in the past but it is not a common occurrence.

 

[ruffrecords]

For safety reasons at HT, you need to have Male chassis connector, Female on the cable

And then some low-leakage diode protecting fingers from touching remaining HT at the chassis connector when connector is dismounted

I actually never found a really good solution for this

/Jakob E.

A good technical solution is to use a shrouded connector. For the Mark 3 tube mixer I am using an 8 way Speakon. Zero chance of touching any residual HT in the mixer when the PSU is unplugged. Only problem is, some idiot will probably plug it into a speaker system at some point.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Tubetec]

Ive used the 4 pin Speakons for preamp supplies also ,
the connector itself being touch proof was the main attraction ,
Seeing as its for my own usage its not an issue with the wrong thing getting plugged in , I did in any case put a high voltage lightening bolt sign near the connector just in case.
I used a different connector at the pre-amp end so theres no chance of a random speaker cable being used .

With conventional male/female plugs there always the chance a person is exposed to dangerous voltages in the moments its takes the HT to drain down ,
The inherent safety the Speakon affords when used correctly in this application is undeniable ,
Clear labeling should be enough to ward off the fool hardy ,

 

[waltzingbear]

Is the powercon the same topology as the speakon conn?

 

[Tubetec]

Powercon is three pole .
There made not to mate with speakon .

 

[abbey road d enfer]

Ive used aviation plugs before , you have to make sure you heat shrink the solder buckets in the plug and the cable diameter they accept is fairly small .
Other than that they work and are reliable .

Aviation connectors exist in larger sizes, GX16 and GX20.

 

[Tubetec]

I got a bunch of these types a few years ago for a good price , 8 pole version ,

A bit big for a preamp ,


Which is the priority ? , a fully touch proof connector like Speakon protects the user from residual voltages after the unit is powered down and dissconnected , but theres always the chance of misadventure with a wrong connection .
Any connector with exposed pins is a risk , even if you have a bleed resistor its going to take seconds for the HT to drop to a safe level .

As I said Ive used Speakon 4 pole as power connector on tube PSU I made and Im very happy with it ,

 

[Tubetec]

Cliff do an FC mains rated touchproof connector ,
its a bit like Neutrik powercon only its 4 pole ,
It comes colour coded , so blue types wont mate with red ,
https://www.conrad.com/en/p/cliff-f...mber-of-pins-3-pe-20-a-red-1-pc-s-736230.html

Theres also an 8 pin variety
https://www.conrad.com/en/p/cliff-f...umber-of-pins-8-10-a-black-1-pc-s-736158.html

 

[ruffrecords]

Cliff do an FC mains rated touchproof connector ,

Theres also an 8 pin variety
https://www.conrad.com/en/p/cliff-f...umber-of-pins-8-10-a-black-1-pc-s-736158.html

These look ideal. Here is the datasheet:

https://www.cliffuk.co.uk/products/cliffcon/cliffcon8.pdf

Cheers

Ian