Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff

Well shielded DC Cable

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ezalys:
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

ejeffrey:
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.

HwAoRrDk:
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.

Zero999:

--- Quote from: ejeffrey 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.

--- End quote ---
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.


--- Quote from: ezalys 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

--- End quote ---
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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