These notes are intended to be used in conjunction with the Product Catalogue and Product Specification. Products may be safely used in the applications for which they have been designed and within the specified ratings and environments. If products are exposed to conditions outside the performance ratings or specified environments they may constitute a hazard. In particular it should be noted that:-


1. Material Content

Circular Connectors generally use metalwork parts made of brass, aluminium, phosphor-bronze or steel, which, dependant on the particular application, may be passivated and protected with cadmium or zinc plate - in conjunction with chromated or anodised surface finishes. The insulating materials can be either natural or synthetic rubber, together with plastic or glass-filled plastic moulded parts. Contact materials vary but are usually made of brass, phosphor-bronze, alumel and chromel.


2. Electric Shock, Burns and Fire

Hazard can occur if the product is used outside the specified parameters or if the product is dam- aged, wrongly wired or poorly assembled, or poorly integrated into larger equipments, or contaminated with conductive fluids. Live circuit terminations must be protected and live circuits never broken by disconnecting products. Hot spots may be created when resistance is increased due to damage or incorrect integration particularly soldering, or loose terminations. Overheating can cause breakdown of insulation, electric shock, burns or, ultimately, fire. In the event of fire noxious and/or toxic fumes may be released and, in these circumstances, any fire involving the product should be dealt with by personnel properly equipped. Connectors with exposed terminations or contacts should not be used on the current sup- ply side of a circuit with exposed contacts on an unmated product. Before making a circuit live, the product and wiring should be checked to ensure that there is no damage and no electrically conducting debris present. Circuit resistance checks should also be conducted before making the circuit live. Always ensure that connectors are assembled and wired by properly trained personnel.


Use Transport and Storage of Products

Care must be exercised to avoid damage to any part of the products during transporting, storage or use. Abnormal transit or storage conditions and abuse during installation can give rise to damage. Products should not be used in a damaged condition. Improper storage (particularly of damaged products) can give rise to additional hazards particularly corrosion. Your attention is specifically drawn to the need for proper storage of products containing cadmium and you are advised to see the Guidance Note from the Health and Safety Executive on Cadmium - Health and Safety Precautions.


4. Disposal of Products

Products should not be burnt

SAFETY RULES - CONNECTORS

1. Refer to catalogue for details of specific planforms, working voltages, contact sizes and current ratings.
2. Ensure all conductor wires are capable of withstanding the electrical and environmental requirements of the equipment application.
3. The temperature range quoted in connector catalogues is always inclusive of the temperature rise due to current flow. Ensure the application does not exceed the stated values.
4. Always make circuit resistance checks before making a circuit live.
5. Always protect live circuits and never demate a live connector.
6. Never use damaged parts or connectors.