How to Choose Between Aviation Connectors?

With the continual electrification of aircraft that ranges from new cockpit systems to enhanced passenger amenities, more and more electrical parts and components are being installed in airframes each year. In order to support the operations of various electrical systems and assemblies, aviation connectors play the pivotal role of transferring data, power, and audiovisual signals. While the connectors found in aircraft may have the same appearance as those in various ground-based settings, aviation connector components in particular are designed to meet more rigid safety and reliability standards as a result of regulations and demands.

Across an aircraft, various parts and components will be subjected to intensive stressors as a result of the harsh environment of the altitudes at which operations are carried out. With extreme temperatures, fluctuating pressures, high amounts of vibration, and other such factors, aviation connectors have to be extremely reliable so as to not fail unexpectedly. While a failed connector may simply be a setback within a commercial setting, having a connector fail mid-flight could potentially mean the functional loss of a crucial flight instrument or system.

When shopping around for aviation connectors and electronic components, it can be useful to consider the use of standardized electrical connector components. For example, the MIL-DTL-26482 Series II is a common circular connector used within landing gear, and it is designed with the right characteristics to perform optimally within harsh and high stress environments like flight. MIL-SPEC connectors are also often quite interchangeable with one another regardless of manufacturer, as long as they are designed to the same standard. This benefit makes it much easier to maintain the operations of a system as one may buy from any manufacturer or distributor which has products meeting the right criteria.

As different systems and components will call for varying aerospace connector types, it is important to consider your needs before beginning the purchasing process. For example, fuel management systems may require hermetically sealed connectors as a result of their environment, while in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems may necessitate rectangular connectors that are more affordable with their smaller demands. If connectors will be in the presence of moisture, such as from atmospheric air or other fluids, they must have the right protection to remain safe. Often, this moisture protection will be provided by the connector housing or sheathing, and many standardized connectors for aerospace applications have such features. Since moisture resistance may only be provided for specific fluids, it is important that you consider such possibilities prior to making a purchase. Aside from determining things such as the type of connector, its shape, and any necessary standardization, one will also have to contend with basic questions such as what maximum current is needed, what size contacts are required, if material compatibility is an issue, etc.

When you are ready to begin investing in top-quality electrical connector components for your operations, look no further than Integrated Aerospace. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we present customers access to over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items that have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. As all of our listed products are ready for purchase at any time, we encourage you to explore at your leisure to find items of interest. Utilizing our RFQ service, you can easily request quotes on our listings, and we guarantee a customized solution that meets your needs and restrictions within 15 minutes of receiving and reviewing your submission. See why so many customers steadily rely on Integrated Aerospace today when you get in touch with one of our team members.