PEI Genesis - Electronic Traction Connectors

Sourcing the correct electronic connector for a particular application can be a challenging process, but if the part is required in a hurry, the task can seem almost impossible. Now, as the result of a partnership between connector manufacturer ITT Interconnect Solutions and franchised assembling distributor PEI-Genesis, this situation looks set to change in the railway and traction market.

Electronic rail and traction connectors

Founded in Philadelphia in 1946, PEI-Genesis first established a presence in Europe in 1998 and, since mid-2004, has been offering its industry-leading 48-hour assembly service on a truly comprehensive range of electronic rail and traction connectors from the company's European headquarters in Basingstoke.

48hr connector-assembly service

With the two companies working in close co-operation, PEI-Genesis is able to offer ITT's comprehensive VEAM CIR series of rail-industry connectors with an unrivalled 48-hour assembly service. In addition, ITT's Trident Multiway series of rugged rack-and-panel connectors are now available exclusively from PEI-Genesis.

These developments mean that engineers and buyers in the rail sector can now obtain the exact connector for their requirement in the shortest possible timescales. What's more, this exceptional service comes without the burden of minimum order quantities, as PEI-Genesis will happily assemble just one connector if that is all the customer needs. In fact, most of the 5.7 million connectors and 37,000 part numbers the company assembles each year are for order quantities of less than ten.

Automated connector assembly

PEI-Genesis achieves its high service levels by carrying large stocks of piece-parts and using in-house developed machines to automate the connector assembly process. Between them, the company's two assembly facilities, at Basingstoke and South Bend, Indiana, hold a $38million inventory of piece-parts, which can be assembled into a wide range of finished and tested connector products. All assembly work is carried out under the company's ISO 9001:2000 quality system.

VEAM CIR connectors

Since expanding its product portfolio to include ITT's VEAM CIR range of connectors, PEI-Genesis now carries stock to build over 6,000 different CIR series part numbers as well as flame-retardant FRCIR variants.

For customers who do not know the exact part number of the connector they require, PEI-Genesis has a specialist engineering team who can provide advice on the correct product to use for a particular application. This technical expertise is complemented by a website that provides a wealth of useful resources for buyers and engineers alike, including an inventory checking facility that enables part numbers and actual availability to be viewed online.

Electrical, optical or pneumatic connectors

ITT's VEAM CIR series connectors were designed specifically for the hostile environment of the rail industry. They can be configured to function as electrical, optical or pneumatic connectors and therefore simplify the design process as well as reducing product inventories.

Featuring a positive-lock / quick-disconnect bayonet-coupling mechanism, these versatile connectors come in high-voltage, twin or tri-axial, hermetic and EMC versions. High shock and vibration resistance is achieved without the need for lock wires, and the connectors provide excellent resistance to fuel oils, solvents and elevated temperatures.

Available in an enormous range of styles, shell sizes and contact arrangements, the VEAM CIR connectors can be supplied in a variety of materials and finishes to suit the demands of each individual application.

Signalling rack-and-panel connectors

Complementing the CIR connectors are ITT's Trident Multiway series of robust rack-and-panel connectors, which are widely used in railway trackside signalling equipment. The connectors are available in a choice of six platforms from 14-way to 75-way and can accommodate crimp, solder or wire-wrap contacts.

Especially suitable for cold-weather applications, Trident Multiway connectors can be equipped with large jackscrew knobs and feature an operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C.

The range of accessories available includes various styles of hood and straight or 90° cable clamps.