Amphenol
INDUSTRIAL
96
STAR-LINE®
STAR-LINE Connector Assembly
and Termination Instructions
Proper assembly of multiple-contact connectors, for the most part requires common sense. The simplicity of
these instructions is perhaps the reason why they are easily overlooked or taken for granted.
These 27 reminders can help eliminate connector failures caused by improper assembly.
1. Read the assembly instructions carefully before actually
starting to assemble connectors. Besides the matter of
instruction on correct procedures, there are two important
reasons for this preliminary step: To identify the various
component parts, and to check for any missing parts.
2. Cut cable jackets and sheathing squarely and to correct
length, using only wire strippers that have been approved
for the operation. In preparing the individual wires in cables
and harnesses for assembly, make allowances in length
for reaching the outermost circle of contact cavities in the
connector insert. This, of course, means that the conductors
and the insulation should be cut progressively longer as they
extend out from the center of the cable or harness to assure
sufcient length for any necessary forming.
3. Follow specications covering maximum cable stripping
lengths for efcient cable grommet sealing. All wires should be
cut squarely so that they will t into contact wire wells correctly.
4. Before starting actual termination wires, it is essential that
cables and harnesses be laid out in a specied order in
accordance with the wiring diagram. Proper layout will reduce
the need for twisting and crossover of conductors. If the wiring
layout is not correct, the termination operation will be difcult
or even impossible and the chances for making errors will
be increased. Cable and harness assemblies having a spiral
layout also must be matched carefully to the correct contacts
in both the male and female inserts.
5. Some cables have a soft ller or braid on the conductors
which, compresses when external pressure is applied. As a
result, the cable diameter may be reduced to a point where
the sealing range of the grommet is exceeded. In addition,
the seal may take a permanent set and further reduce sealing
efciency. To avoid leakage at the seal under these conditions,
it is suggested that, where construction of the cable permits, a
metal ferrule be slipped under the cable jacket at the stressed
position. This ferrule will serve as a compression supporting
member and enable the gland seal to withstand high external
pressures.
6. Use only correct size sealing grommets to assure resistance
to moisture and other contaminants. Make certain that cable
jacket is smooth where grommet is to seal. Remove any
grooves or ridges if present by sanding or scarng.
7. Use only the proper crimping tools that have been set or
calibrated with precision gages.
8. When contacts are to be soldered, avoid direct contact of
soldering tools to inserts. An open ame or hot soldering tip
can carbonize insulating materials and make them useless.
9. Make certain that all contacts are the correct size before
attempting to assemble them into insert cavities. This point is
particularly important when both power and control types of
contacts are used in the same connector.
10. Be sure that grounding contacts are correctly located.
11. Seat all contacts properly so that they will not be damaged or
become disengaged during connector mating operations.
12. Use only the proper insertion tools and be sure that they are
aligned axially when pushing contacts into their fully seated
position.
13. When inserts have more cavities than conductors, plug unused
cavities with either plain contacts or special seal plugs designed
for the purpose. Some connectors require both a contact and
seal plug in unused cavities to meet military specications and
to assure complete internal environmental sealing.
14. After all terminated contacts are inserted in their respective
cavities and inspected, the cable adapter or insert clamp nut
should be tightened with a wrench. This assembly operation
should be done by placing the components in a vise with
smooth-faced jaws and using a strap wrench.
15. If for any reason terminated conductors have to be removed
from an insert because of any assembly error or change in
circuitry, be sure to remove the cable clamp or insert clamp
nut rst before extracting the contact and reinserting it. This
step is important because any attempt to remove the contacts
when the resilient insulator components are compressed will
result in damage.
16. When handling cables, use adequate support to prevent
damage to the internal wires. Gland nuts and grommets are
intended for sealing purposes and should not be used as a
cable grip.
17. If one of the connector poles is a grounding wire, make sure that
it is grounded properly before the connector is actually engaged.
18. When connectors having the same conguration are to
be mounted close together, different or alternate keying
arrangements should be used to prevent mismating or
cross-mating and possible damage to the electrical system or
human injury.
19. Always inspect all aspects of connector assembly operations
before putting connectors into actual operation.
20. Crimping and terminating of conductors to contacts must be done
carefully. Make certain that wire strands are fully bottomed in
contact wells by checking through inspection hole provided.
21. Soldering conductors to contacts must be done carefully and
a non-conductive ux should be used to avoid corrosion or
hygroscopic action. Do not use solder salts or acids because
they may affect the dielectric properties of insulation materials.
22. Be careful not to damage wire grommets or contact retaining
collets when inserting or extracting contacts.
23. Never try to straighten bent contacts. Straightening cannot be
done properly and the plating on contacts will very likely be
marred. This will result in a high resistance connection and will
expose the base metal to possible corrosion.
24. Do not attempt to remove inserts that are bonded or locked in
place in their shells.
25. Be certain that all components of connectors are assembled.
Each part performs a vital function and it would not be
included if it wasn't useful.
26. Each assembler of connectors should be his own inspector.
Assembly workmanship is a signicant factor in determining
the quality of multiple-contact connectors. Quality cannot be
"inspected" into connectors; it must be "built-in" during each
and every assembly operation.
27. When potting connectors be sure to apply potting only in
mated condition to assure that contacts will align properly.