Brochure

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© 2011 – SOURIAU
Rated current & working voltage
The current carrying capacity of a connector is limited by the thermal properties of materials used in it's construction. The amount of current
that can be handled depends on the size of cable used, the ambient temperature and the heat that is generated inside the connector. Part 3
of the IEC 60512 standard determines through a derating curve, the maximum current permissible, which varies from one layout to another
(Fig.1 & Fig.2). Wire size plays an important role as well, since they help to dissipate heat and avoid overheating (Fig.1 & Fig.3).
Please note that the curve should be adjusted when dealing with potential hot spots, which can occur as a result of unequal loading of current
across a number of contacts. As a general rule, it is best to avoid locating power handling contacts in the middle of the connector; try to locate
them towards the edge where heat can be dissipated more effectively. Eventually you should fi nd a level which represents the permissible
operating range:
The rated current is defi ned as uninterrupted continuous current that a connector can take when all contacts are energized simultaneously
without exceeding the maximum limit of temperature. The earth contact is never loaded.
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0
3
5
8
10
13
15
18
20
23
25
28
30
Current (A)
Ambient Operating Temperature (°C)
Fig.1: UTS 12-4 – 1.5mm² wires
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0
3
5
8
10
13
15
18
20
23
25
28
30
Current (A)
Ambient Operating Temperature (°C)
Fig.2: UTS 12-8 – 1.5mm² wires
Current use
Limited use
Not recommended use
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0
3
5
8
10
13
15
18
20
23
25
28
30
Current (A)
Ambient Operating Temperature (°C)
Fig.3: UTS 12-4 – 2.5mm² wires
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UTS Series
Technical information
Current carrying capacity
Technical information