In ecology, the adage 'every little helps' is truly correct. Companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact can do so by opting for the Bulgin Standard Vitalis Buccaneer. It is a connector family that consists of up to 86% bio-based plastics.

Meeting ecology standards is not only good for the planet, but also required for a variety of lucrative contracts. With the Standard Vitalis Buccaneer family, Bulgin Components launches a new family of connectors fully optimized for ecological sustainability. For example, the facility producing the connectors has been equipped with motion sensors and similar features to limit power consumption during manufacturing. Furthermore, regrind processes have been established. They ensure that leftovers (think shards produced in subtractive manufacturing) get recycled rather than discarded in a landfill.

Highly Robust to Adverse Environments

The Buccaneer connector family is known for its ability to thrive in highly challenging environmental conditions. The use of environmentally friendly materials does not affect this - the IP rating is excellent:

IP68 rating tested at 1.054kg/sq cm (15lb/sq in) 10m depth for 2 weeks and 9.84kg/sq cm (140lb/sq in) 100m depth for 12 hours (when mated)

If the connectors are used in a certified marine application, they are EN-certified according to EN 60068-2-52 Test Kb Salt Mist (Cyclic) Marine Severity Level 1.

The connector family offers a variety of additional certifications, including VDE. More information on this resides in the connector family data sheet. The connectors are available in 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 25 contact options, allowing selection of the optimal number of signals for the task. Due to the realities of mechanical engineering, the rated power that can travel across the contacts depends on the number of contacts. For the two or three contact variants, up to 12 A and 277 V of AC or DC are permitted. On the 25 contact version, 1 A and up to 50 V of alternating or direct current may pass.

Finally, a leading earth contact is available in the three-contact version: This ensures that the earth connection is established first during plugging in and breaks last if the connector is disconnected while the system is under power. Positive locating keyways ensure that the connectors cannot be plugged in the wrong way.

A Variety of Connector Options for Increased Flexibility

Within the Buccaneer family, a variety of connector styles allows selection of the part best suited to the task at hand. If a flex cable connector with three terminals and screw termination is needed, the SKUs PXV0731/P and PXV0731/S should be deployed. The /P version has plug contacts, while the /S version has socket contacts. Alternatively, PXV0776/S can be used to purchase a version with loose contacts, which can simplify connector assembly in edge conditions.

Purchase front panel mounting connectors via the SKUs PXV0730/P or PXV0730/S; the designation indicates whether the connector has plug or socket contacts.

For connecting to the assembly, a PCB mounting connector is recommended instead. For the three contact version, order SKUs PXV0707/P/03 or PXV0707/S/03.

Conclusion

Reducing the environmental impact of an electronics application is good not only for the planet, but also makes for great marketing material and can be required for government contracts. With the Vitalis Buccaneer connector, Bulgin provides an environmentally friendly connector that does not compromise on electrical capabilities.