Simplification is Our Innovation

What are high voltage connectors?

01
November 2021

High voltage connectors (HV connectors) are typically used in AC, DC and RF applications that experience high voltage. These connectors make it possible to transmit signals with high voltage ratings without posing safety risks to operators. Any connector above 1 kVAC is considered high voltage. When used in harsh environments, high voltage connectors must accommodate temperatures between -55 °C and 150 °C and elevations up to 70,000 ft. Most HV connectors have design properties that make them resistant to extreme conditions.

High voltage connector solutions ensure safety and efficiency in medical, aerospace and Test & Measurement applications, where safety is critical. There are two main high voltage connector types that engineers can use when designing interconnect solutions. 

High Voltage Connector Types

High voltage connectors can be classified into different categories, based on their intended application, function and environment. When choosing a connector, it is important to consider the electrical needs, insulation and use. Depending on your needs, different types of high voltage connectors can be equipped with shielded or unshielded cables. While shielded cables prevent electromagnetic interference, unshielded cables are mostly used for network cabling. Custom modular, resistant, panel mounted or in-line connectors can be modified to suit the specific application. 

Radiall offers single-pin and multi-pin connectors to best meet market requirements and customer demands. 

Single-pin High Voltage Connectors

These connectors have a single pin and socket pair, and they can include different locking systems. They typically offer several options for contact pins and cable attachments.

Multi-pin High Voltage Connectors

These connectors use multiple pins and sockets, but each application will dictate the number of pins needed. They can have anywhere from two pins to 30 pins.

Radiall’s high voltage connectors are rated from 5 KV to 20 KV, and they feature a minimum of 500 mating cycles. Our BNC HT/MHV, SHV, THT20 and HN series can be used in a variety of aerospace, defense, industrial, medical imaging, space, telecom and Test & Measurement applications.

The bayonet-coupling, miniature high-voltage BNC HT/MHV series is ideal for space-constrained applications and operates at DC~2 GHz, 5 0Ω impedance, temperatures from -55 °C to +155 °C and 10 kV as a mated pair. The enhanced-safety, bayonet-coupling SHV series features a protruding insulator and operates at DC~2 GHz, 50 Ω impedance, temperatures from -65 °C to +165 °C and 12 kV as a mated pair. The large, screw-on THT20 series operates at DC~1 GHz, 50 Ω impedance, temperatures from -55°C to +125°C and 20 kV as a mated pair. Finally, the HN series is designed for use in nuclear applications.  These high voltage screw-on connectors accommodate high dielectric withstanding voltage (a minimum of 5,000 Vrms) and insulation resistance.

Radiall’s engineer team can build a custom high voltage connector solution to meet the needs of your unique application. Book a virtual meeting and talk with one of our experts today.