TE Connectivity
Circular Connector Contact Inserts
Circular connector contacts are the component of a circular connector that carry signals across a connection. They are usually attached to each wire strand within the cable using a crimping tool, which is a solderless crimp mechanism. Each contact is passed through the connector housing and circular connector insert before the connector backshell is closed. Individual contacts can be replaced without necessarily requiring the entire connector to be replaced. Circular connector contacts are usually available in matched male and female versions for a connector. They are usually made of brass, steel, or are gold-plated. Circular connector contacts are used within TE circular connectors in the following applications: military, offshore, commercial, and industrial operations. Circular connector inserts are the insulating core of a connector. An insert is located at the center of the connector and holds the contacts within the housing in place. The inserts are made from a molded piece of resilient dielectric material which fits inside a connector shell and supports the connector contacts. The inserts are then specifically tooled for each different shell size and contact arrangement. Circular connector inserts are easily assembled by simply inserting the appropriate snap fit into the desired connector shell. Circular connector inserts are commonly used in hostile environments because of their resistance to dust, commonly used oils, and salt water, in industries that include food processing, general manufacturing, and marine.