Mini-Clamp Connectors

3M's mini-clamp connectors are designed for I/O applications using 28 AWG to 20 AWG wiring commonly found in a wide range of sensor control systems, including factory automation and industrial networking. Featuring insulation displacement contact (IDC) technology, these connectors can provide time-saving, reliable, and field-installable wiring solutions. These connectors allow for the termination of four wires in 10 seconds, representing substantial time savings over traditional crimping or terminal block solutions.

These mini-clamp connectors provide reliability from installation through operation. While terminating the wires, the built-in wire alignment helps to ensure proper positioning, and the semi-transparent cover allows the installer to visually see that the wires are fully engaged within the connector. The IDC technology provides a reliable and consistent connection by removing the variability from crimping. Latches and polarization help to ensure proper mating of the connectors. 3M mini-clamp connectors have a simple installation process that does not require any special tooling or stripping of wire jackets, eliminating material debris and waste. Additionally, there are no small parts to keep track of, making it ideal for field-installations.

3M mini-clamp connectors are part of a serial field bus system solution designed to reduce the space of sensor wires in factory automation machines compared to parallel wiring approaches. The total field installation costs (assembly and wiring) can be reduced when 3M mini-clamp connectors are used, especially in combination with the 3M Link connector offering. The termination process of traditional connectors (crimp connectors or terminal blocks) is complicated, labor-intensive, and typically creates debris and waste, which may be an issue in cleanroom environments found in semiconductor, LCD, and medical applications. 3M mini-clamp connectors provide a simple, consistent, and debris-free wire termination process.

Features

• Standard connector for sensor, LED, switch, and other small device connections
• Easy, quick, and reliable IDC termination using standard pliers
• Offers time and labor savings: 10 seconds to terminate 4 wires
• Enables easy field termination
• Compatible with wire from 20 AWG to 28 AWG
• No need to strip wire insulation; saves time and helps prevent wire damage
• Mating latches provide a reliable interconnection in demanding applications
• High number of mating cycles
• Compact design saves space
• Semi-transparent color-coded covers for wire inspection and wire retention