DC Jack

DC Jack

DC power jack connectors are small cylindrical connectors with a central metal pin. They come in a variety of sizes to suit:

• A range of power ratings
• Orientation on the CCTV power supply – Vertical and Horizontal
• Cctv power supply mount type – Thru-Hole and wire

These connectors are normally used in an input/output function on handheld equipment. Mounted on a CCTV power supply and through a panel cut out to allow connection to a power supply.

The jack is mounted on the product to be powered, and the mating cylindrical plug (not supplied by GCT) is normally mounted on a cable assembly connected to a power supply.

Jacks contain a normally closed contact, which can be used to disconnect internal batteries whenever the power supply is connected, avoiding the risk of battery leakage or explosion posed by incorrect recharging of the batteries.

The Role of DC Power Connectors

Also known as barrel connectors, DC power connectors will have current and voltage ratings specified by the manufacturer to ensure reliability in power delivery applications.

The jack and plug of a standard DC power connector will typically feature two conductors. One conductor is exposed and the second conductor is recessed, which helps prevent an accidental short between the two conductors. Because barrel connectors are almost always used to supply power to an end application, there is virtually no risk of damaging other components by plugging a DC power connector into an incorrect port.

DC Power Connector:

As with many components, there are several options for mounting a the power jack to an end application.

Panel mount DC power jacks offer the convenience of mounting anywhere on the product chassis with the trade-off of needing wires to connect to the electronic circuitry. When it comes to PCB mounted the power jacks, surface mount (SMT), and through-hole in either horizontal or vertical orientations are most common.

A number of these power jacks with SMT signal connections will also offer through-hole pins or tabs to further secure the jack on the PCB. These tabs may or may not be electrically connected but will be through-hole soldered to the PCB.

Other forms of stabilization pins are non-conducting and interference fits into holes in the PCB. Mid-mount SMT DC power jacks are another option where the jack sits in an opening routed out of the PCB, creating a more low-profile option for space-constrained applications.