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thermocouple connectors
3

thermocouple connectors

thermocouple connectors

(OP)
Have an application where 20 thermocouple extensions need to be connected in a small area (individual wires bundled together), thinking of using an MS style connector with TC alloy pins and sockets (Copper and Constantan).  looking for prior experiences in multiple TC connectors; the good, the bad and the ugly.

Replies continue below

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RE: thermocouple connectors

Buster,
   I have had some fun with TCs in the past. But I've never heard of an MS connector, they may have a different name here

First what environment are they in LAB? or Plant?

If they are in a non aggressive environment then most of the commercial compensator lead connectors will work ok. Just physically check that the metals actually do continue all the way thru. Ive had them in the past where you screwed them into copper posts thru the plug and socket (yes truely ~ we were very impressed when the source of the error was found -- NOT)

If the environment is a bit tough, the most robust system we use is actually copper thru connectors. the ones with the hole all the way thru and 2 screws, mounted in plastic strips. my catalogues describe them as "miniature screw terminal strips"

The trick is they must have a hole all the way through them and you strip the wires so that the metal protrudes out the other side. Then they are laid in so they are side by side and pushed together by the screw. Hey presto correct metal to correct metal.

Visual inspect can confirm the metal gos all the way through and if corrosion has started. My teams have used this system successfully in refinery and chemical plants for 20 years.

RE: thermocouple connectors

(OP)
don01, thanks for the reply.  Thought of using a terminal strip but this connection needs to be disconnected and reconnected with minimum time and debug.  The MS connecter I refered to is a circular pin and socket type common to military and aerospace, they provide a good degree of environmental protection and can connect ~20 TC's in ~1.5 inch diameter area.  Using a connector system I need to be careful not to create another junction to influence the TC (think of the potential error using plated pins or different alloys between pin and socket on a connector).  Located several sources for connectors with pins and sockets having alloys like the native TC, these things are not cheap.  Hope someone out there has worked the subtlety of this connection system or can suggest a work around.

RE: thermocouple connectors

2
Suggestion: Please, provide more info about MIL docs that you are dealing with or have in mind, pertaing to those TCs.

RE: thermocouple connectors

(OP)
jbartos, thanks for reply.
Identified a few different series having 20ga pin and for 20 ga wire, the most economical seems to be a MIL-C-26482 series 2 (insert arrangement 20-41) connector using MIL-C-39029/9-132 copper pins, MIL-C-39029/9-133 constantan pins, MIL-C-39029/10-138 copper sockets and MIL-C-39029/10-139 constantan sockets (this series uses an anular crimp to native thermocouple wire).  I have no criteria driving the use of MIL-STD parts and where possible will use commercial equal.  Another vender is selling a system compatible to MIL-C-26500, but are more expensive (and I rather have the bayonet coupling on the 26482).  Found a d-sub with TC native alloys but am worried about the robustness.  The connector will be used with type T, in the future will likely expand to type K.

RE: thermocouple connectors

Suggestions:
1. Omega Sub-D Type Connectors are not advertised as complying with MIL-STDs. They come in 25-pin version (~23US$), inexpensive, with suitable crimp tools and accessories; however, they do appear to be less physically/structurally strong/robust.
2. Omega Styles MC, FC and FF have the thread alignment, 24-pin runs ~84 to 92US$. They meet performance requirements of MIL-STD-26500E.
3. To be continued.

RE: thermocouple connectors

3. Suggestion: Visit the connector specialized dealers/manufacturers at:
3.1.
http://www.cdc-online.com/linecard.html
who lists both mentioned MIL-STDs and many commercial manufacturers.
3.2.
http://www.glenair.com/html/MS3470.htm
who offers connectors addressed in your postings
3.3 Check this one too
http://www.arrayconnector.com/core.html
3.4 This one appears to be commercial
http://www.fciconnect.com/red/producttype/red_pt_electronics_10.htm

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