Cliff Electronics announces a CAT6 Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) to their very popular range of Feed Through connectors. The new connectors provide a panel mounted ethernet (RJ45) 8-way connector, commonly used in network applications, that users can hardwire internally using the IDC contacts at the rear. The IDC system is ideal for all on-site wiring in applications such as ethernet networks, audio and broadcast.

The new CAT6 IDC FT joins the existing wide range of Feed Through connectors from Cliff that can be assembled into an industry standard 24mm diameter XLR connector panel cut-out in an enclosure or 19” rack panel and is also available in the DualSLIM narrow mounting hole design for where space is limited or more connectors are required on the panel. Using industry standard panel cut-outs for their FeedThrough Cliff simplifies system design and assembly and improves system aesthetics.

All other Cliff FeedThrough connectors use ready-made cables on either side of the panel when in use. The new CAT6 IDC version allows hardwired connections to be made.

With the rear cover removed connecting wires are pushed into the corresponding numbered and colour coded slots and then terminated using an IDC tool, the cover is snapped back for safety and to provide a degree of strain relief to the cable. The IDC connection method guarantees each connection being made quickly, accurately and securely using a simple tool with no soldering or crimping required.

The Product Development Team at Cliff Electronics comments” IDC connection technology is a very popular, secure and simple connection method for permanent wiring of a wide range of equipment. Mounting the commonly used Cat 6 IDC connector on the same industry standard XLR connector frame as the rest of our very successful Feed Through mounting connectors means it can be assembled along with other Feed Through connectors in a panel with the same cut-out required for all of them. We can also supply all our Feed Through connectors pre-assembled into rack panels offering systems integrators fast and convenient system assembly.”

Cliff’s XLR  and Slim format Feed Through connectors are widely used in audio and broadcast systems and are finding increasing popularity with instrumentation, medical and industrial applications due to the format’s flexibility, security and reliability.

Cliff’s Feedthrough connectors now provide Analogue, Digital and Optical Feed Through connectivity in formats including DisplayPort, Firewire, RJ45, HDMI and 50 and 75 ohm BNC versions, USB2 A-to-B and B-to-A “gender change” sockets high speed USB Type – C, USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations – A-A, A-B and B-A. Also available are all popular data and Ethernet connectors including LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex, APC, MM, OM3, ST and US Conec MTP), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), Toslink, RCA Phono and blanking plates.

Cliff Electronics are market leaders in the design, development and manufacture of connectors, leads, test lead sets and accessories for a wide range of markets and supply major international OEMs. As a UK manufacturer Cliff can respond quickly to customer’s needs for both standard products and custom designs. Cliff manufactures audio, optical and power connectors and accessories, general industrial connectors, foot pedals, lighting connectors, terminal posts and connection blocks, motors, fans and assembly aids. Cliff can also provide a wide range of leads including test and instrumentation, audio, instrument and power.

Cliff’s XLR and Slim footprint FeedThrough connectors are available direct from Cliff and via major Distributors in the UK and Europe. For more information call +44 (0)1737 771375, email sales@CliffUK.co.uk or visit Cliffuk.co.uk