What are Power Connectors?

Power connectors are electromechanical interfaces designed to transmit electrical power between circuits, subsystems, or equipment while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical performance. They consist of conductive contacts housed within an insulating body, engineered to ensure secure mating, low contact resistance, and stable operation under load. Their construction supports repeated connection cycles while preserving electrical integrity and mechanical alignment.

In power electronic systems, power connectors are used in applications ranging from industrial drives and power supplies to energy storage and distribution systems. Electrical ratings, insulation characteristics, and material properties directly influence safety, current-carrying capability, voltage isolation, and long-term durability. Proper selection based on defined specifications ensures efficient power transfer, minimized losses, and compliance with system-level electrical and environmental requirements.

Key Specifications

• Gender: Identifies whether the connector is male, female, or hermaphroditic in design. Gender determines mating compatibility and mechanical interface configuration within the overall connection system.
• Number of Contacts: Specifies the total number of conductive contacts within the connector. This parameter defines how many separate circuits can be transmitted simultaneously and influences connector size and layout.
• Rated Voltage: Indicates the maximum continuous operating voltage the connector can safely handle under specified conditions. It reflects insulation design, spacing, and dielectric properties to prevent breakdown or arcing.
• Rated Current: Defines the maximum continuous current each contact or the connector assembly can carry without exceeding thermal limits. This parameter affects conductor sizing, temperature rise, and overall power handling capability.
• Withstand Voltage: Represents the voltage level the connector can endure for a specified duration without insulation failure. It verifies dielectric strength and insulation robustness under high-potential test conditions.
• Body Material: Refers to the insulating housing material used to enclose and support the contacts. Body material determines mechanical strength, thermal stability, flammability performance, and environmental resistance.
• Center Contact Material: Specifies the conductive material used for the primary current-carrying element. This material influences conductivity, mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term contact reliability.
• Contact Resistance: Indicates the electrical resistance at the interface between mating contacts. Lower contact resistance reduces power loss, voltage drop, and localized heating during operation.
• Insulation Resistance: Defines the resistance between conductive elements and the insulating body under specified conditions. High insulation resistance ensures minimal leakage current and reliable isolation between circuits.

The Largest Database of Power Connectors

everything PE has listed Power Connectors from the leading manufacturers and made them searchable by specification. You can enter the key parameters and the search tool will scan catalogs from the leading manufacturers to identify products that meet your spec. Once you find Power Connectors that meet your requirements, you can view product information, download datasheets or request quotations. Quotation requests will be routed to the manufacturer of the product, who will get back to you directly. The quotation will also be routed to distributors of the product in your region.