DC jack voltage rating...

Started by aion, January 15, 2013, 08:06:43 AM

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aion

I'm a big fan of these Kobiconn DC jacks from Mouser. They're rated for 12V and 0.5A. I have a circuit that I'd like the option of running at 18V or 24V... but it only uses 4 to 6 mA of current plus the LED. Will there be any issues using these jacks?

I would assume that since it's hardware, the rating is for voltage AT current, and if you lower either of those then you have some flexibility in the other. But I want to be sure!

Balthazar

Are you sure it's a voltage "rating"? I always thought those voltage designations on DC jacks referred to different sizes of the pin in the middle/diameters. Since there are so many types out there. I agree with you that the max ratings for a connector should logically refer to current x volts, that is watts, not volts.

R.G.

Quote from: aion on January 15, 2013, 08:06:43 AM
I'm a big fan of these Kobiconn DC jacks from Mouser. They're rated for 12V and 0.5A. I have a circuit that I'd like the option of running at 18V or 24V... but it only uses 4 to 6 mA of current plus the LED. Will there be any issues using these jacks?
No issues. Go for it.
R.G.

In response to the questions in the forum - PCB Layout for Musical Effects is available from The Book Patch. Search "PCB Layout" and it ought to appear.

Paul Marossy

Quote from: Balthazar on January 15, 2013, 08:45:03 AM
Are you sure it's a voltage "rating"? I always thought those voltage designations on DC jacks referred to different sizes of the pin in the middle/diameters. Since there are so many types out there. I agree with you that the max ratings for a connector should logically refer to current x volts, that is watts, not volts.

They have a voltage and current rating. AND they also have different barrel and pin combinations. Industry standard for stompboxes has become 5.5mm barrel with 2.1mm pin. But there are a lot more different sizes than that.

Jdansti

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aion

Thanks guys. Yeah, it looks like the datasheet links up the two specs a little better, but the table on the detail page had them as separate unrelated fields. Just wanted to be sure!