Insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) from Balluff Inc., Florence, Ky. (balluff.com), are now rugged enough to withstand industrial environments.
The connectors handle 342 Vdc at up to 4 A in temperatures from –5 to 50°C. Once in place, the connectors are IP67 rated. They are also said to be the fastest way to put connectors on cables. They can be put on cables in one-fifth the time it takes to attach solder-cup connectors or half the time needed to attach connectors with screw terminals. And attachment takes only 0.5 Nm of torque.
