The line of ILME rectangular multipole connectors offers a wide variety of parts to suit the needs of many different types of applications. ILME connectors have been around for over 70 years and are based out of Italy. They carry standard features such as stainless-steel locking systems and IP protection that can last over 500 cycles. A complete assembly consists of a base housing, a male insert, a female insert, and a hood. Other accessories such as covers and crimp pins are also available.

What are ILME Connectors?

ILME connectors consist of enclosures and inserts. Enclosures include hoods and bases. Hoods often feature cable entries with PG, metric, or NPT threads. They can come with or without attachment levers. Bases can be bulkhead or surface mount housings. The surface mount housings also feature cable entries in all three thread types. Housings come with or without levers, and with or without covers. If a housing has a lever, it must attach to a hood that does not have one, and vice versa. Levers can be single or double. Inserts can feature screw termination, spring termination, or crimp pin termination. Crimp pins are sold separately. Contacts are silver or gold plated. Housing and insert sizes range from 21.21 to 104.62.

Specialized types of inserts include Squich, which allows for wire insertion without needing tools. The CSDH series has a high density of contacts, 70% more than standard inserts. CKSH inserts feature space saving housings, while the CQ series has both a smaller housing and a high contact density. Inserts are all made from thermoplastic that is self-extinguishing for flame resistance. Most work in areas up to 257 F, but special high-temp inserts can go up to 356 F. Inserts are fastened inside the housing using captive screws and they all feature ground contacts.

As for enclosures, C-Type is the standard series and most common. This series offers the widest range in sizes and variants. V-Type features a lever that closes with a vertical rather than rotational movement. T-Type are made from thermoplastic, rather than the standard aluminum, for insulation purposes. The IL-BRID series has the standard stainless-steel levers, but they are almost fully enclosed by thermoplastic. CZ7 enclosures carry an IP 67 protection rating, while the IP68 series has an IP 68 rating, as the name suggests. There is also the 180C series, which is a line of enclosures for high temperature applications. They work in areas up to 356 F and have a distinct red color. The EMC series enclosures feature electromagnetic interference protection, while the W-Type series has a special coating made for aggressive environments. W-Type enclosures are black and stand up to corrosive substances. There is also the Hygienic series, made from thermoplastic for easy cleaning and less bacteria build-up. The Central Lever series has a single lever attachment in the middle. The 830V series hoods and bases work in high voltage applications. Finally, there is the CK series of space saving housings, available in thermoplastic or aluminum.

Where are ILME Connectors Used?

These rectangular multipole connectors are found in many different areas, including manufacturing automation, chemical plants, food & beverage processing, and transportation. For example, IP68 enclosures with the small CKSH inserts could be used to help power windshield wipers for a train. The door controls on public transport can also make use of compact 21.21 size connectors. With their small size and high-density contacts, the CQ series is ideal for powering conveyor belts in a factory. Various ILME assemblies also prove useful for controlling parts of robotic arms. The insulating T-Type enclosures are ideal for control cabinets inside wind turbines, while the W-Type series can stand up to the demands of turbine de-icing mechanisms. They are even found in marine environments, supplying power to elements like ship cleaning machinery. The IP68 series is perfect for the temperature extremes and high vibration in a ship’s engine room. Hygienic enclosures are specifically designed to be safe to use around food and beverages. Other common uses for ILME connectors include airport screening systems and electrical control panels.

While it may be overwhelming to go through the thousands of ILME parts that are available, if you need basic options, ILME kits can help you out. ILME kits include a standard series bulkhead mount base housing, a male insert, a female insert, and corresponding hood. Inserts can have 3 to 24 poles, and kit sizes range from 21.21 to 104.27. Cable entries on the hoods come in all three thread types. ILME kits make it easier to get all the components you need without having to find each one individually.