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Molex connector for high voltage?

H

Harry Muscle

Jan 1, 1970
0
Is it possible to use a standard computer molex connector for high voltage
connections? I need to find some kind of small and practical way to connect
11 wires to a circuit board. Four of the wires will be around 140V, with
occasional spikes to 600V. Most of the rest will carry standard 120VAC.
None will go higher than 1 amp. Obviously this connection will be inside an
enclosure.

Is what I'm thinking of doing, safe? My biggest concern is possible arcing
of the 600V across two wires of the molex connector? Btw, how far do two
bare wires have to be for 600V not to arc across?

Thanks,
Harry

P.S. I'm also interested in knowing of any other types of connectors that
are small, easily obtainable and suitable for my needs. Thanks again.
 
R

Rich Grise

Jan 1, 1970
0
Harry Muscle said:
Is it possible to use a standard computer molex connector for high voltage
connections? I need to find some kind of small and practical way to connect
11 wires to a circuit board. Four of the wires will be around 140V, with
occasional spikes to 600V. Most of the rest will carry standard 120VAC.
None will go higher than 1 amp. Obviously this connection will be inside an
enclosure.

Is what I'm thinking of doing, safe? My biggest concern is possible arcing
of the 600V across two wires of the molex connector? Btw, how far do two
bare wires have to be for 600V not to arc across?

Actually, in the circles where I run, these aren't even considered
"high voltage." I think that starts at about 1000.

The air gap to make 600V arc is so small as to be almost touching,
i.e. you're more likely to have a short than an arc. If you're talking
Molex like the size of disk drive power connectors, then no problem.
I wouldn't recommend using .1 headers, or anything very small, however.

Cheers!
Rich
 
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