Although each connector has a rated life cycle, for those connectors used in industrial machinery and equipment, incorrect design and some other factors can also lead to premature connector failure, resulting in costly machinery damage. So some factors that cause connector failure are still worth paying attention to, the following are 4 common factors that cause connector failure shared by Xiaobian, let's take a look!

1. The problem of the degree of wear of the connector

Repeated connections and disconnections of connectors can cause the metal on the contacts to wear and corrode when exposed to water, dust, dirt and other irritating elements, so that the mating pins may not engage properly when inserted into the connector housing.

2. Improper connector selection

If the selected connector product is not the right size or specification, it will not only reduce the efficiency of use, but also shorten the service life of the connector.

3. The application temperature of the connector problem

If the temperature rating of the connector is not very high or very low, they will also eventually fail, because the connector is not suitable for high temperatures, the insulation will fail, and the conductivity will also peak. If operated at consistently high temperatures, these spikes will raise the temperature, potentially causing corrosion and ultimately reducing contact forces. This affects electrical signals propagating through connectors and cable assemblies.

　While cold temperatures do not significantly affect connectors as much as high temperatures, consider low-temperature designs if the application requires them. Applying connectors such as those at consistently low temperatures can cause the tinned connector material to soften, thereby increasing the contact resistance. In addition, low temperatures can affect other parts of the connector, such as making the plastic housing brittle.

4. Improper connector design and installation

If connector applications experience shock, vibration, and other damaging factors, safety designs that produce strong latches are important. If not securely installed, connector contacts, mating housings and even cables can suffer damage.

And connectors and cable assemblies must have proper strain relief and installation routing, and the use of guide slots, cable brackets, and cable glands can help ensure the rated connector assembly life.