Author Topic: Well shielded DC Cable  (Read 800 times)

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Offline ezalysTopic starter

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Well shielded DC Cable
« on: February 21, 2020, 12:41:55 am »
Hey all,

We're building some lab equipment and I want to pick some kind of cable to carry power (5,12,15 V, with 5 being high current at 5 amps) from our linear DC supplies (mostly acopian boxes) to our custom instruments. I'm looking for some off-the-shelf connector that I can use to carry 3 voltages (so 4 pins + shield) to an instrument, where high quality cables are also cheaply available. At first glance, XLR seems perfect. High current capacity, cheap cables, well shielded, nearly ideal. I just want something with more pins. Any suggestions?

E
« Last Edit: February 21, 2020, 12:45:26 am by ezalys »
 

Online ejeffrey

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Re: Well shielded DC Cable
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2020, 02:55:23 am »
I wouldn't recommend using the shield alone for return.  Shields are usually foil that isn't meant to carry high current.  Look for a 4 pin cable plus shield and connect shield to the chassis ground at both ends unless proven otherwise.

There should be some M8 / M12 and DIN style connectors that will work.

 

Offline HwAoRrDk

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Re: Well shielded DC Cable
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2020, 09:00:12 am »
What about 5 pin XLR? Commonly used for DMX lighting control.

Although, off-the-shelf DMX cables probably won't have the appropriate wire gauge for your DC power application.
« Last Edit: February 21, 2020, 09:04:17 am by HwAoRrDk »
 

Online Zero999

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Re: Well shielded DC Cable
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2020, 09:09:42 am »
I wouldn't recommend using the shield alone for return.  Shields are usually foil that isn't meant to carry high current.  Look for a 4 pin cable plus shield and connect shield to the chassis ground at both ends unless proven otherwise.
You've misread the original post. He has no intention of using the shield as a current return path and is looking for a 4 pin + shield connector.

Hey all,

We're building some lab equipment and I want to pick some kind of cable to carry power (5,12,15 V, with 5 being high current at 5 amps) from our linear DC supplies (mostly acopian boxes) to our custom instruments. I'm looking for some off-the-shelf connector that I can use to carry 3 voltages (so 4 pins + shield) to an instrument, where high quality cables are also cheaply available. At first glance, XLR seems perfect. High current capacity, cheap cables, well shielded, nearly ideal. I just want something with more pins. Any suggestions?

E
Yes, XLR sounds like a good idea. How many pins do you need? You said three voltages, plus return and a shield, so a 5 way XLR seems perfect. The usual distributors such as RS Components and Digi-Key sell them.
 


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