DC Power Connectors From Amphenol GEC
PowerLok solutions designed for EV applications.
TME's product range has been expanded to include PowerLok power connectors from Amphenol GEC. This is a new offering from a renowned supplier, primarily aimed at manufacturers and electrical engineers focused on EV and hybrid automotive industries. Additionally, the presented products are also suitable for renewable energy installations, especially energy storage systems.
Although all introduced products belong to the same family, this offering should be divided into two groups: PowerLok G2 plugs and sockets, and PowerLok 4.0 G2 connectors.
PowerLok G2
These products, illustrated in the photos in the table above (plugs), are high-performance electrical connectors made using aluminum alloy. They can conduct currents up to 300A at a nominal voltage of 1kV DC. They offer a wide range of configurations, including straight and angled versions. The assortment includes both wire-mounted plugs (cross-sections up to 150mm2) and panel-mounted plugs. A single connector can have 1, 2, or 3 pins. At the same time, the body design ensures complete insulation and shielding of contacts to protect operators and minimize interference.
The main applications of these products are power trains in hybrid and fully electrified vehicles: in passenger cars, trucks, buses, as well as agricultural machinery and off-road vehicles. Given such demanding applications, the products are made to a protection class reaching IP67, i.e., high water resistance and full dust tightness that could impair the conductivity of connections. Complete water resistance is achieved when the connectors are mated.
PowerLok 4.0 G2
Unlike the connectors described above, the PowerLok 4.0 G2 sub-series is intended for powering accessories and components in vehicles (sensors, actuators, servomechanisms, etc.). Their electrical parameters are therefore slightly lower (currents 5…60A, wires up to 10mm2), but their bodies are also smaller in size. Here too, high protection class reaching IP69 after connection is ensured. It is worth noting that all PowerLok connectors also feature wide thermal tolerance and can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 125°C.
Amphenol GEC PowerLok connectors characteristics
Type of connector | DC power |
Connector type* | male or female |
Spatial orientation* | straight or angled |
Mechanical mounting* | on wire, on panel, flange (4 holes) |
Mechanical durability | 100 cycles |
Operating temperature | -40...125°C |
Protection class* | IP2X, IP67, IP69 |
Polarization* | 2X, 3X, U, V, W, X, Y |
Number of pins* | 1…3 |
Rated current* | 60…300A |
Wire cross-section* | 4...150mm2 |
Rated voltage | 1kV |
* depending on the model
Source: Transfer Multisort Elektronik