RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, has extended its industrial connector portfolio with two new solutions from HARTING, one of the world's leading providers of industrial connection technology, including the recently launched Han® 1A connector.

The new Han 1A is a significantly smaller connector than the Han 3A, requiring 30% less space than the manufacturer’s previous smallest rectangular industrial connector. The unit has been developed to meet the demand for smaller interfaces used with the latest power engineering equipment deployed in modern networks.

A key feature of the connector is its versatility, which enables the easy creation of simple interfaces. It has a system of modular inserts and is constructed from a lightweight and durable polyamide plastic, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. In addition, the Han 1A uses the simple ‘click and mate’ system and provides a solution for on-site installation with screw contacts or for the pre-assembly of separate units with crimp contacts.

The connector integrates contacts for data, power and signal transmission: it has modules available for Cat 5 or 6A data transmission; it can handle a maximum of 16A and 400V; and has up to 12 D-sub contacts for signal interfaces. In addition, there is a shielded version for application environments that are susceptible to interference.

Overall, it provides an efficient solution for applications such as heating and cooling units, fans, control terminals, lighting systems, drives and vibration conveyors. It also meets the EN45545-2 standard for fire protection on railway vehicles, making it well suited for use on a variety of systems including door openers, lighting and screens. Accessories are also available, such as fasteners for wall mounting or colour-coded pins to help in the identification of signal lines. The use of additional housing elements or single-wire seals can also extend protection up to IP65, making it suitable for use in outdoor environments.

The second new product available from RS is the HARTING over-moulded VarioBoot RJ45 Cat 6A cable assembly for use with 1- to 10-GB/s networks. The low-height and compact VarioBoot introduces a high level of flexibility by controlling the angle and orientation of the RJ45 connector without interference or transmission loss, and enabling the ideal fit inside a control cabinet, for example. An engineer can make a short pull on the product’s anti-kink sleeve and click the assembly in the desired direction, enabling the Cat 6A line to be routed along another path, for example.

The Han 1A and VarioBoot connector solutions are now shipping from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.