Connection system suited for critical vehicle wiring
Drop-in replacements for industry-standard connector systems, Molex has introduced the rugged ML-XT sealed connection system. The system accommodates a vast range of sensor technologies and low circuit count functions and is suited for critical vehicle wiring applications in harsh environments.
Employing a two-shot moulding seal technique to achieve IP68 rating (SAE J2030 and IP69k validation is underway), the ML-XT utilises Molex proven XRC terminals with current ratings up to 13.0A. This supports tooling widely used at harness makers.
Molex has claimed that the connection system features fewer component parts than existing versions in the market, enabling it to reduce inventory levels for harness manufacturers, simplify assembly and lower final assembly costs.
Denis O’Sullivan, Global Product Manager, Molex, comments: “Rated to IP68, the ML-XT sealed connection system is the most reliably sealed system in the market. The advanced one-piece, two-shot LSR (liquid silicone rubber) moulded integrated seals prevent ingress of fluids even under extreme conditions. By providing definitive and repeatable retention of the seals during mating and unmating, this moulding technology can guarantee correct seal positioning to ensure seal integrity - the risk of lost or forgotten seals during installation and maintenance is also eliminated."
The ML-XT system is initially released in a two-circuit version with nine colour-coded housings and two cable gauge options.
"Growing application complexity in commercial vehicles is driving the requirement for intelligent sensing applications and increasing the connector content in wiring-harnesses. By preventing electrical failures and machinery downtime, the ML-XT sealed connection system achieves superior reliability over de-facto, industry-standard systems and is cost-competitive,” adds O’Sullivan.