Connectors: HVAC

Training Center Classroom

Designing with connectors for harsh environments such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) involves several considerations to ensure they can withstand the challenges they are likely to face. Temperature, moisture, chemical exposure, vibration, mechanical stress, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) can ultimately affect the durability of your final design — and result in considerable costs and expense. Connectors in these environments may also require specialized designs to address these challenges.


What are your performance and security needs? How do you test? What should you consider when it comes to cooling or sealing? In this classroom, we present tutorials and resources to help you select connectors optimized for harsh environments that provide reliable and durable performance in challenging conditions.


You’ve got the questions; this classroom is here to help answer them. 

Aimee Kalnoskas

Editor in Chief, EE World Online

Connectors: HVAC Classroom sponsored by: 

HVAC • Testing

What are the top five performance needs for HVAC/harsh environment connectors?

How to improve contact reliability and security in HVAC/harsh environments

What are the key tests for HVAC/harsh environment connectors?

What’s the difference between needle flame and glow wire testing?

Contact security and reliability are important considerations when designing HVAC systems for use in harsh environments.

A review of 13 tests across three key performance indicators for connectors, including electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations.

This look at glow wire testing, needle flame, and UL94 burning to test and performance and testing requirements.

Amid a plethora of performance requirements for connectors used in harsh environments, five stand out.

Sustainability • RAST • Slip ring

What are RAST connectors?

Ring slip connectors — what are they used for?

How can connector sustainability be improved?

A review of the RAST standard, how it relates to appliances like HAVC and how the range of connectors has expanded over time.

Before it became fashionable, connector makers were at the forefront of sustainability.

How to slip ring connectors differ from commutators, and how mercury-wetted, pancake, and wireless slip ring connectors work.

Related Resources

A Look Into Trends and Opportunities in HVAC

Take the Heat Off Your Search

With the HVAC industry primed for both residential and commercial growth, HVAC designers are being tasked to create highly energy-efficient systems. Designs are also impacted by a number of considerations and challenges. Learn more in this informative white paper.

We’ll keep you cool when the heat is picking up with the latest connector solutions for your HVAC system. Learn more about TE’s IP rated water and dust proof sealed connectors that can withstand high humidity environments.

TE Connectivity HVAC Sensors | Heilind Electronics

TE Connectivity HVAC Harsh Environment Connectors | Heilind Electronics

TE Connectivity offers a broad range of rugged and reliable sensors for HVAC applications, including sensors for pressure, temperature, humidity, vibration, position, force, speed and more. These sensors are built to be durable and withstand harsh HVAC environments. Watch this video to learn more

HVAC systems present one of the most challenging environments for connectors. They are exposed to hot and cold temperatures, thermal shock, dust, debris, condensation, humidity, and corrosion. Watch this video to learn more.

Sealing • Cooling

Where are liquid cooled connectors and connectors for liquid cooling used in EVs?

When should you use sealed connectors?

What are hermetic connectors?

Hermetic connectors are designed to prevent ingress of air, gases, and other liquids into the vacuum-sealed connector.

When a connector needs to be protected from the environment, you should consider choosing one of two types of sealed connectors.

When it can be used, air cooling is the preferred solution. It combines simplicity with low cost.

Heilind Electronics, Inc. is one of the world's leading distributors of connectors, relays, sensors, switches, thermal management and circuit protection products, terminal blocks, wire and cable, wiring accessories and insulation and identification products. Founded in 1974, Heilind has locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in the harshest environments, enable advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home. With more than 85,000 employees, including over 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat and Twitter.

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