ODU explains why a sound understanding of product requirements and careful selection based on quality and compliance are crucial to connector purchasing.
Connectors—small components bought quickly and on the side? This is what some buyers may think before making a purchase. However, this task is complex and error-prone, requiring technical understanding and accurate planning. Wrong decisions can be costly and compromise a system’s safety and efficiency. The following are potential sources of error:
Insufficient technical specifications
A common mistake when purchasing connectors is lack of attention to technical specifications. Performance requirements must be accurately defined, including current/voltage ranges, mechanical ratings and environmental conditions. Missing or inaccurate specifications can lead to product failure, adding to spares costs and downtime.
Not considering maintenance or downtime costs
Quality should never be compromised in favour of low cost. Cheaper alternatives can be tempting, but inferior materials and workmanship can lead to failure and higher long-term maintenance and replacement costs. If end products have a long service life and/or high usage, opt for quality for safety and economics.
Ignoring industry standards and certifications
Connectors must often meet stringent industry standards and certifications to ensure safety and performance. Failure to comply with standards can cause technical problems and have legal consequences. Purchasing should always ensure products comply with relevant standards.
Ignoring environment and corrosion resistance
Many connectors are not designed for use in harsh or corrosive conditions, which can shorten their life. There are connectors designed specifically for high environmental and corrosion resistance, suiting them to applications in demanding industries such as marine, automotive or medical.
Tools to help
To simplify decision-making, ODU’s Product Finder takes relevant factors into account. Users can filter for suitable products based on defined technical requirements including transmission type, number of contacts, style or standards.
Such tools ensure a structured approach and minimise the risk of overlooking important specifications. They also provide a quick overview of available variants and options. This makes selection more efficient and confident. Integration with data sheets, CAD downloads and direct enquiry options simplifies and speeds planning steps.
