High-current transmission made more efficient by double-contact technology

HARTING presents new, high-performance contacts for high-current transmission: the Han^® HC DoubleContact Technology (DCT) series builds on the proven HARTING HC-Modular 250, 350 and 650 A solutions, which are used in rail vehicles and outdoor applications. The new design delivers higher current-carrying capacity and is characterised by lower contact resistance and improved thermal management.

The improved current-carrying capacity is achieved, amongst other things, by a larger contact area. The current is transmitted via two parallel paths: an internal pin in the socket contact and a surrounding tab that engages with the mating pin contact. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the contacts DCT CU 18, DCT CU 22 and DCT CU 30 – named after their diameters – conduct up to 20 % more current than the previous standard.

Safety is also enhanced, as the new series provides touch protection on both sides of the connector – for both the pin and the socket. Previously, only the female side was protected. Handling is made easier by the ability to rotate the contacts. With an audible ‘click’, they lock securely into the insulating body and can then be rotated freely within it. Mechanical tensile loads in the cable are reliably compensated for by the rotational movement. This makes installation significantly easier.

Product Manager Maik Iphöfer highlights the potential weight and space savings offered by switching to the new contact range: “Thanks to the new performance classes, we now have a wider range of current ratings, allowing customers to select a contact that best suits their application instead of choosing an oversized design. The electrons flow along two parallel paths: through an internal pin in the socket contact and through a surrounding tab that mates with the pin contact”