Amphenol Industrial has expanded its line of NEPTUNE connectors to include an inline receptacle that provides better protection from environmental elements. Designed to provide reliable connection in the most demanding power generation and distribution environments, NEPTUNE connectors are 50% smaller in size and weight than competitive models.
The new inline configuration seals the receptacle’s backshell on the outer jacket cable, versus an open backshell on a panel mount receptacle, enabling the connector to withstand harsh conditions typically found in rugged power applications. These include land and offshore oil exploration and drilling platforms as well as power distribution in large scale facilities such as convention centers, manufacturing plants, production platforms and communication shelters.
Featuring Amphenol’s patented RADSOK system, which provides a higher current flow through a smaller connector, the NEPTUNE line is equipped with plugs and receptacles from 30 to 400A at 600V and has a dielectric strength of 1,800V.
Its lightweight, rugged aluminum hardware is precision machined from high-tensile strength bar stock and finished with a hard coating to 40 points on the Rockwell C scale. The connectors have an operating temperature of -67 to +225°F and are heat resistant to +750°F.
Amphenol’s expanded line of IP68-8 rated connectors features armored and sheathed cable built to IEE-45/UL1309, IEC, BS, DIN and JIC standards as well as unarmored cables and flexible cables, including S, SO, SOOW-A, W and G-GC types. To eliminate cumbersome handling and sealing of inserts with conductors attached, NEPTUNE features ample wiring space for the cable housings to slip over the conductors after termination.
The contact inserts are interchangeable and reversible to suit specific needs. The contacts are made from nickel silver alloy plating with optional gold plating available. Conductors are readily terminated to easily accessible pressure wire terminals. NEPTUNE connectors are resistant to 60 Gs, exceeding MIL-STD-167-1 vibration standards.
All receptacles come standard with threaded environmental dust caps. All plugs feature a mechanical clamp backshell and sealing grommets with optional covers.
With millions of parts in the field, Amphenol’s RADSOK technology has proven to be very reliable, with nearly no reported connection failures in Amphenol RADSOK-designed applications. Utilizing the tensile strength properties of the flat, high conductivity alloy grid for the high normal forces required for conductivity, RADSOK provides a large conductive surface area. This results in a correspondingly low voltage drop and low temperature rise while maintaining low insertion forces. RADSOK sizes used in NEPTUNE include #12, #10, #4, #1/0, #4/0 and #350 MCM.
Pricing for the NEPTUNE connectors start at $100 per mated set. Delivery is 6-8 weeks ARO.
