Choosing Wiresly

Or, Sizing your wires so as not to cause a fire.

Wire Sizing Chart

Wire size AWGDiameter

(inches)Ohm's per 100ft

(@ 68º)Safe Current

(Amperes)12 0.080 0.16 20

14 0.064 0.25 15

16 0.051 0.40 10

18 0.040 0.64 8

20 0.320 1.02 5

22 0.025 1.61 4

24 0.020 2.57 3

26 0.016 4.08 2

28 0.013 6.49 1.5

30 0.010 10.30 1.3

Making the Connection

Different Types of Electrical Connectors and Their Uses

Introduction

There are literally thousands of different type electrical connectors, each with their own purpose. This presentation will introduce a select few which are fairly common and readily available.

Terms and Definitions

Male – Connector with exposed metal contacts which are “plugged into” or otherwise inserted into female connector.

Female – Connector, usually with recessed contacts.

Plug – Male ConnectorJack – Female Connector

Terms and Definitions

Polarization – Connector is made so that it cannot be plugged in incorrectly.Example: Typical “lamp cord” has one prong

larger than the other:

Larger(Neutral) Prong

Smaller(Hot) Prong

Terms and Definitions

Positions – Number of conductors/ contacts that connector has.Some common connectors and the number

of contacts for each:Connector No. of Positions“Lamp” Plug 2Power Cable 3Serial Port 9

Credits

All photographs were obtained from the All Electronics web site, www.allelectronics.com unless otherwise noted. Part Numbers are shown next to the photos in Italics.

TRS Audio Connector

This Type of connector is usually used for audio applications such as for headphones, instrument cables, and patch bays.

TRS – Tip, Ring, and Sleeve

Tip

Ring

Sleeve

TRS Audio Connector

Available in three standard diameters¼”1/8” (3.5mm)3/32” (2.5mm)

Features: Quick and easy connect/disconnect, ¼” size is fairly durable, up to 3 contacts.

TRS Connector

Available in Monaural (Tip and Sleeve) and Stereo (Tip, Ring, and Sleeve).

¼” Mono Plug - MPHM

Mono Panel-Mount Jack Stereo Panel-Mount Jack

¼” Stereo Plug - MPHS

PHJ-S SPHJ-S

Banana Connectors

Banana Connectors are very commonly found in test equipment, such as multimeters and power supplies. They are NOT polarized and are typically not safe for high voltages.

5-BP-B

Banana Jack (A.K.A. – Binding Post) Banana Plug

BPL-R

Banana Connectors

Features: Good for currents up to approximately 10A, Good general purpose DC connector.

This is the type of connector used for the 12VDC connections on the Grid.

Available in Pairs as well.Slot on one side of connectorTypically denotes “Negative” side.BP-2 Shown

“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

The “RJ” series plugs and jacks are typically used for communications connects. The RJ-11 and RJ-12 connectors are used for telephone connects, and the RJ-45 is most frequently used for CAT-5 Networking cable. RJ-11/12 RJ-45

“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

Features: This type of connector is polarized, very inexpensive, and very common.

Drawbacks: These connectors can handle only small amounts of current and require a crimper to connect to cable.

“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

Designation Part No. No. of Contacts

Picture

RJ-11 CMP-40 4

RJ-12 CMP-6 6

RJ-45 CMP-8 8

“RJ” Series Jacks and Plugs

Jacks:RJ-11 Wall Plate Jack RJ-12 Jack w/ Leads

MT-107 MT-61

RJ45 IEEE 568 Wiring Standard

Pin No. FunctionColor

CrossoverEIA-568A EIA-568B

1 Tx+ Green/White Orange/White Rx+

2 Tx- Green Orange Rx-

3 Rx+ Orange/White Green/White Tx+

4 Blue Blue

5 Blue/White Blue/White

6 Rx- Orange Green Tx-

7 Brown/White Brown/White

8 Brown Brown

“Molex” Multi-pin Connectors

Good general-purpose polarized power connectors. Available in 2 to 15 positions.

Requires some time wiring.

2 Position “Molex” connectorAvailable from Radio Shack

“Cinch Jones” Multi-Pin Connectors

“Cinch Jones” connectors are very sturdy, polarized connectors capable of handling up to 10A.

Available from www.mouser.com

Using Relays

Why did you bother mentioning these things, anyway?

Simple Relay Circuit for 120VAC

Simple Relay Circuit for 12VDC

Relay Circuit for Controlling Motor Direction