① Temperature resistance: At present, the maximum working temperature of the connector is 200°C (except for a few high-temperature special connectors), and the minimum temperature is -65°C. When the connector is working, the current generates heat at the contact point, causing the temperature to rise. Therefore, it is generally believed that the working temperature should be equal to the sum of the ambient temperature and the temperature rise of the contact point. In some specifications, the maximum allowable temperature rise of the connector under the rated operating current is clearly specified.
② The intrusion of moisture will affect the insulation performance and corrode metal parts. The constant humidity test conditions are relative humidity 90%~95% (up to 98% according to the product specification), temperature +40°C and 20°C, and the test time is at least 96 hours according to product regulations. The alternating damp heat test is more stringent.
③When the salt spray-resistant connector works in an environment containing moisture and salt, the surface treatment layer of its metal structural parts and contacts may produce electrochemical corrosion, thereby affecting the physical and electrical properties of the connector. To evaluate the ability of electrical connectors to withstand this environment, a salt spray test is specified. It suspends the connector in a temperature-controlled test chamber, and sprays compressed air into a sodium chloride solution of a specified concentration to form a salt spray atmosphere. The exposure time is specified by the product specification and is at least 48 hours.
④ Vibration and shock resistance Vibration and shock resistance is an important performance of electrical connectors, especially in special application environments, such as aerospace, railway and road transportation. It is an important indicator for testing the firmness of the mechanical structure of the electrical connector and the effectiveness of the electrical contact. There are clear provisions in the relevant test methods. The peak acceleration, duration, pulse shape and electrical continuity interruption time shall be specified in the shock test.
⑤ Other environmental performance According to the requirements of use, other environmental performance of electrical connectors include sealing (air leakage, wave pressure), liquid immersion (ability to understand and adapt to specific liquids), low air pressure, etc.