Robust and reliable connectors for railway and mass-transit applications

Three new series of heavy-duty interconnects from TE Connectivity (TE) are now available from TTI Europe. The UIC 552, 568 and 541 series of connectors are designed for rail and mass-transit applications. The UIC 552 series of high power, single pole connectors with automatic cover locking is designed to connect the main line's rolling stock. This series includes a plug with crimp contacts, distribution box (back or lateral cable outlets), junction box with safety lock, intermediate derivation box and dummy socket with cover. UIC 552 series connectors are robust and durable, providing more than 500 mating cycles, while offering a nominal current of up to 800A (with 185mm2 cable) and nominal voltage of 3000V AC/DC. IP56 certified against high-pressure water jets and salt-spray resistant up to 96 hours, the connectors can be used in temperatures ranging from minus 50C to 120C. Providing more than 500 mating cycles, the highly durable UIC 568 series connectors are pull-apart circular interconnects featuring a painted aluminium socket, automatic cover and composite plug with removable insert and dummy socket. This series provides audio coupler connection for railway rolling stock and includes a receptacle shell with a removable insert containing 13 or 18 crimp contacts for UIC 568 or UIC 558 cables. Nominal current for this series is 5A while service voltage is 110V. The UIC 568 series is rated at IP67 for water ingress according to the EN 60N 529 standard and is fire resistant according to NF F 16-101 and NF F 16-102 standards. For applications requiring a low-voltage connector with full environmental sealing, TE's UIC 541 series is suitable for use up to 1500V test voltage and 72V service voltage. The UIC 541 series meets NF F 16-101 and NF F 16-102 fire resistance standards, resists salt spray for up to 96 hours (which can be increased on request), and offers a life cycle of over 500 mating cycles, providing a RoHS compliant solution, says the company.