What are the benefits of circular connectors?

Circular connectors have become widely adopted across a range of industries due to their robust design, ease of use, broad range of configurations and extreme versatility. Consisting of multi-pin inserts sat within a robust mechanical housing with a circular design, they are capable of efficiently transmitting data, signal and power. 

These versatility of circular connectors and their broad range of benefits and useful attributes have helped them become an indispensable industry standard:

• Easy to install and remove
• Compact designs
• Reliable and secure locking mechanisms
• Sealed ingress protection up to IP68 & IP69K
• Capable of housing various kinds of contact within the same shell

As a result of these benefits, circular connectors are widely used in the following sectors:

• Agriculture
• Audio
• Automotive
• Broadcasting
• Food & Beverage
• Lighting Technology
• Marine
• Medical & Pharmaceutical
• Monitoring, Measurement & Control
• Oil & Gas
• Rail
• Renewable Energy
• Sensor, Automation & Robotics
• Surveillance

If you’d like to know more about how these essential components can work for you, take a look at our guide to circular connectors.

Why choose us?

At Northern Connectors, we combine an unbeatable range of circular connectors with industry-leading customer service. We work closely with many of the sector’s most trusted manufacturers to provide customers from all industries with the products they need, when they need them.

With more than 35 years of industry experience on our side, we are able to offer responsive, tailored customer support according to your requirements, and can advise you on any queries you might have. Here are some of the benefits of shopping with Northern Connectors: 

• ISO 9001-certified quality assurance
• Rapid service and personalised sales support
• UK technical contacts and full manufacturer support
• Flexible call-off and scheduled order arrangements
• Next-day delivery on stocked items
• Low minimum order value

Get in touch

To speak to us about any of our circular connectors, get in touch with the experts at Northern Connectors today. Call us on 01744 815001 or complete an enquiry form. and we will be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are circular connectors?

Also known as ‘circular interconnects’, circular connectors are essentially what their name suggests – cylindrical mechanical shells used to connect cables in the form of multi-pin connectors. They ensure that data and power can be continuously transmitted safely between devices.

Circular connectors have been manufactured and implemented to deliver vital electrical signals that keep complicated systems and machinery running as they should, especially in demanding environments where their hardwearing design offers essential protection.

The cylindrical design of circular connectors allows them to reliably deliver a continuous stream of data and power without the cables becoming misaligned and accidentally decoupling, or being damaged by surrounding elements.

The contacts of a circular connector are typically made from oxygen-resistant metals like steel or brass, which can also be plated with another metal to improve their electrical conductivity, while the shell that houses and seals is often made from a resilient insulating material like moulded plastic or rubber.

How do circular connectors work?

Circular connectors function when a multi-pin male insert is inserted into the corresponding multi-pin female insert to create a secure connection.

When the male pin or female socket contacts within these inserts are inserted into one another the electrical current can flow from one to the other. The wiring used to make this connection possible will have been terminated into the rear of these pin or socket contacts by termination methods such as crimping, soldering or with toolless processes like screw or clamp. The wire termination method will be determined by the design of the pin or socket contact.

The circular interface is then protected by a cylindrical housing, which seals and protects the connecting system within. The number of contacts, size of the shell, and diameter of the connector should be proportional to its purpose – e.g. compact for things like small sensors, and larger for higher-power applications.

These connectors can also come with specifically designed backshells with ingress protection ratings, ensuring that the circular connectors are sufficiently protected from physical stresses, moisture, and electromagnetic disturbances.

Circular connectors can then either mount to cable ends or directly to entry points such as circuit boards and power panels.

Which type of circular connector do I need?

There are many different circular connectors to choose from, varying in the number of contacts they have, their overall diameter, and their shell type, amongst other factors. The specific type you need will depend on the nature of the connection and the environment you intend to use it in.

For example, a ‘standard’ circular connector will typically conform to common industrial standards to make them suitable for high-impact use, such as factory automation and robotics, while sub-miniature versions are extremely compact to make them suitable for sensors in medical applications.

If you already know which style of circular connector you’re looking for, you can browse the selection available on our website to find a product that matches your requirements. If you only need to replace a part, or you want to match a connector you’ve used previously, you can check the shell or internal components to identify their individual part numbers.

Alternatively, if you cannot find the part numbers or don’t know where to start when choosing a new circular connector, you can always contact us for advice on the most suitable circular connectors for your intended application.