The GX12 connector is a popular type of circular connector used in a variety of electronic applications. With a diameter of 12 millimeters, the GX12 connector has a wide range of uses, from audio equipment to industrial machinery. Because of its versatility and durability, the GX12 connector has become an industry standard for connecting electronic components.
A Brief History of the GX12
The GX12 connector was originally developed in the early 1930s by the General Connector Corporation. It was one of the first miniature circular connectors and was intended for use in the burgeoning electronics industry, especially for telephone switchboards and related equipment. The GX12 featured a metal shell, fiber or ceramic insulation, and either a solder cup or crimped contacts.
Over the decades, the GX12 underwent various upgrades and now comes in a variety of contact types, shell styles, and materials. However, it has retained the same 12mm diameter and has become widely used in audio and video equipment, industrial controls, and other electronic applications where connections in confined spaces are required. The GX12 remains popular today because it strikes an ideal balance of being a robust and reliable connector that is still highly compact and versatile.
Specifications of the GX12
The GX12 connector comes in two main configurations: panel mount and cable mount. The panel mount has a shell with mounting holes so it can be attached to an electronic panel. The cable mount has an over-molded cable attached. Key specifications for the panel mount GX12 include:
- Shell diameter: 12 millimeters
- Number of contacts: 2 to 24 contacts
- Contact termination: Solder cup or crimp
- Shell material: Aluminum alloy, nickel-plated brass, or stainless steel
- Gasket: Rubber, silicone, or plastic for sealing purposes
- Rating: Can range from 2 to 10 amps depending on contact size
- Pitch: Contacts are spaced 2.5 or 5 millimeters apart
- Operating temperature: Ranges from -30°C to +120°C
The GX12 connector has the following dimensions:
- Diameter: 12 millimeters or 0.472 inches
- Clearance hole: 8 millimeters or 0.315 inches
- Outside diameter of a lock ring: 22 millimeters or 0.875 inches
- Thread size: M19 x 1 mm
Contact Terminations: The Choice is Yours
GX12 connectors come with either a solder cup or crimped contacts to attach to wires. Solder cup contacts require soldering wires to the cup, resulting in a very secure termination. However, soldering can be difficult when space is tight. Crimped contacts simply require crimping wires into place, which is often faster and more convenient but may be less secure. Many connectors also now offer bridging clips or solder buckets, allowing the stranded wire to be bridged to a solid single tab. The various termination types provide flexibility in how wires are connected.
A Connector for All Purposes
The GX12 may have been originally designed for a specific need, but its versatility has allowed it to become a staple of electronic connectivity. With the right combination of shell size, contact number, and termination type, the GX12 can suit most any application that requires a compact yet robust connector. From industrial equipment to consumer audio gear, the GX12 continues to be used in new electronic designs after over 80 years on the market. Built to exacting standards, its superior connectivity and proven longevity will ensure it remains an industry favorite for decades to come.
