Comprehend The Electrical Connectors And Automotive Multi Pin Connectors

Electrical connectors are employed in joining the electrical circuits. The electrical wire connectors help it to splice two wires that carry current. An electrical wire connector is pretty easy to install. Even non-professionals can get their way around electrical connectors. These connectors are made from components like wires and cables and make a continuous path for current flow. The connectors have male-ends termed as plugs and female-ends known as jacks that form a permanent or temporary connection according to the requirements. 

Automotive Multi-Pin Connectors


What Are The Different Features Of The Connectors?

The electrical connectors have different features based on their requirements:

Keyed Connectors And Locked Connectors
Keyed Connectors are designed to connect only when they are in proper connection. Accidental damage to the pins is prevented and it also prevents the users from inserting them in the wrong sockets. Where the locking mechanism found in some connectors helps them to stay in place. This feature helps the connections from accidentally breaking or shifting when the connector is jolted or bumped.

Hermetically Sealed Connectors And Oil Resistant Connectors
There are some connectors that need to be put under water. These connectors are built to be functioning under water and would withstand pressure up to certain depths. The oil resistant electrical connectors are protected from damage by oil or moisture.

Water Resistant Connectors, RFI Filtering And ESD Shielded Connectors
These connectors cannot be submerged, though they can be used for prevention against damage from splashes or dampness.  The additional features are sometimes built into the connectors to prevent them from radio frequency interference (RFI) electromagnetic interference (EMI). This can affect the circuits that carry electrical signals. These are known as RFI Filtering. The electrostatic discharge can damage the components and wiring. Therefore ESD Shielded connectors also provide the necessary protection.

What Are The Automotive Electrical Connectors?

The automotive electrical connectors are used in the electrical systems of automobiles. The electrical systems inside the cars have undergone a lot of change since their inception into the world. These electrical systems have vastly improved the performance of the cars and the comfort that can be enjoyed through them. The modern cars are controlled by microprocessors and are extensively wired. This requires better wiring and hence the need for connectors rises.

Most of the typical systems in an automobile, like air conditioners, battery cables, front lights and alternators, power windows, consoles, music accessory systems and the onboard diagnostics tools. All these systems are electrically controlled and require different connectors. The automotive electrical connectors are beneficial in this regard.

What Is The Most Common Use Of The Automotive Electrical Connectors?


The most common automotive multi-pin connectors are the data link connectors that are found in the diagnostic connection port for the OBD tools in automobiles, motorcycles and trucks. These connectors help to form the interface with a scan tool and the control modules. The OBD-I data link connectors used to be placed in the engine compartment and could be found near the fuse block. Most of the automakers did not have a common regulation for the diagnostic tools at this point.

Each manufacturer had a different pin arrangement with its own shape. There was no standardization of the connectors. However, companies after 1996 used the OBD-II interface though some retained their proprietary connectors. The OBD ports are used to transmit codes and data that are related to emissions and functional status of the other vehicular systems. The interface for the diagnostic tools is found under the instrument panel of the driver side. The automotive multi-pin connectors help to transfer the necessary information to convey the running status of the vehicle.

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