Developed by Multi-Contact in response to customer demand for a heavy duty electrical connector with continuous EMC shielding, the 16BV-GS is particularly suitable for use with power supply systems using frequency inverters, such as in the operation of three-phase motors.

Probes for oscilloscopes and similar test equipment often need to be used by electronics engineers in areas where space is tight. Conventional scope leads can be too bulky in these conditions, so Multi-Contact has introduced the Isoprobe IV range of compact probes.

Multi-Contact's adjustable XSAP-4 test probe has won a MessTec & Sensor Masters Award 2011. The probe, which was launched earlier this year, was voted third place in the test and measurement category.

Long devoted to sustainable operation, Multi-Contact has received formal recognition of this commitment by being awarded certification to ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Unwanted low frequency signals can now be suppressed with the new HP oscilloscope probe introduced by Multi-Contact. The Isoprobe III HP has a built in high-pass filter which can suppress low frequency signals by as much as 40 dB without distorting high frequencies. This allows engineers to identify more easily the high frequency transients in electronic circuits which can cause system failure.

Test leads fitted with 4 mm diameter stackable plugs formed in a one-piece manufacturing process have been introduced for the first time by Multi-Contact. The new design has the advantage of providing a particularly low transmission resistance, since the Multilam torsion spring element is formed as an integral part of the plug.

High voltage connectors have been added to the range of options for Multi-Contact's versatile CombiTac connector system. The standard module size contact carriers can be supplied with one or two poles, which are fitted with a PTFE insulating sleeve housing 3mm diameter pins and sockets.

Connecting solar arrays is an onerous task now made easier with introduction of branched photovoltaic (PV) cables by Multi-Contact. Having the branches already attached to the main cable considerably decreases assembly times, reducing overall costs while also increasing reliability. The continuous main cable also means there are fewer connections, thereby reducing contact resistance.

Multi-Contact has expanded its range of RobiFix three-pole connectors for robotic arm cabling. The cost effective, primary circuit connectors for robot dresspacks are now available with three-core back ends as well as single-core versions.

Angled BNC sockets for direct soldering onto printed circuit boards have been introduced by Multi-Contact. The flat surface on the new sockets minimises torsion stresses on the pcb as the cable is secured and their right-angled configuration also reduces lateral strain.

Electrical testing and measurement is an area where safety needs to be paramount, and for this reason users will appreciate the new safety guide produced by Multi-Contact. The free 48 page booklet takes the user through the basic principles of safe working in the testing of electrical and electronic equipment, with particular reference to the latest international standards.

Manufacturers of solar panel modules can increase their productivity with a new type of junction box from Multi-Contact. Called the Foxbox, the compact box has been designed for use in the automated assembly of polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) arrays.

Patch panels and breakout boxes often require a large number of test sockets to be located in a small area, making cut outs, fixing and soldering awkward. This problem can be alleviated by the use of Multi-Contact's 20 pole socket strips rather than individual sockets.

Solar power junction boxes and connectors from Multi-Contact are helping to power the newly opened Matterhorn Glacier Paradise restaurant in the Swiss Alps. Located at an altitude of almost 4000 metres above sea level on the Klein Matterhorn peak, the complex receives most of its power from Europe's highest photovoltaic (PV) installation in the form of a 200 m2 solar array.

Multi-Contact has introduced its new FLEX-SOL-XL cable for solar power applications. The single-pole, double insulated cable has been developed for heavy duty, low voltage, outdoor or indoor wiring and has an expected usable lifetime in photovoltaic (PV) applications of 25 years or more.

Multi-Contact has sold its 150 millionth photovoltaic connector worldwide. One of the pioneers in manufacturing connector systems for solar power applications, Multi-Contact has more than 10 years' experience in this sector.

Milton Keynes based Multi-Contact (UK) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Multi-Contact AG Basel, the leading Swiss manufacturer of precision electrical and electronic connectors owned by Stäubli AG. Multi-Contact develops and manufactures state of the art connector technologies ranging from miniature electronic PCB connectors through to large electrical power connectors, including standard and custom designed solutions.

For many years retractable shroud plugs have been used on electrical equipment sometimes rated up to 240V AC. In recent years safety standard IEC 61010-031 has precluded their use in handheld applications except for voltages below 30V AC - 60V DC. However, there is still older test equipment in use which will not accept fixed shroud plugs.