APC Series Expansion: Enhanced Designs for Modern Industrial Systems

Expanded APC lineup supports broader designs and demanding environments

This APC Series expansion marks a major step forward in delivering cost-effective, fast-coupling circular connectors engineered for today’s high-volume industrial and energy applications. With new configurations and enhanced design options, Amphenol Industrial Operations continues to broaden the APC platform to support OEMs seeking reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-install interconnect solutions.

Designed for High-Demand Industrial Growth

The APC platform was originally developed to close a critical gap in markets that require rugged performance at an aggressive cost. Traditional metal circular connectors deliver excellent electrical reliability but add material, machining, plating, and assembly labor costs that make them less suitable for high-growth sectors such as energy storage and general industrial automation. The APC Series expansion directly addresses this challenge by offering precision-molded plastic shells and stamped-and-formed contacts that maintain robust performance while significantly reducing total applied cost.

Lightweight Thermoplastic Shells Improve Durability and Cost Efficiency

The APC Series uses glass-reinforced thermoplastic housings that eliminate corrosion concerns and remove the need for secondary plating processes. This provides measurable cost and weight advantages for OEMs designing equipment in energy storage, lighting, general industrial machinery, food and beverage processing, and more. The updated options within the APC Series expansion preserve IP67 sealing, UL94 V-0 flammability, and F1 UV ratings, ensuring suitability for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Expanded Insert Patterns and Configurations

The new APC Series expansion includes additional configurations across APC Standard, APC Mini, and APC Power models. These additions broaden design flexibility for customers needing fast-coupling interfaces, compact geometries, or higher-current pathways. The PTM outlines how the platform supports a wide range of insert patterns, each designed for fast assembly and repeatable mating using triple-start, double-start, or bayonet mechanisms depending on the series.

Compact APC Mini Options for Space-Constrained Designs

The APC Mini Series extends the APC family into more compact form factors for equipment where panel space and envelope are tightly constrained. It delivers the same lightweight, plastic-shell construction and installer-friendly architecture as the rest of the platform, making it a strong fit for smaller control boxes, distributed I/O, and sensor or actuator connections.

Using a fast two-way bayonet coupling, APC Mini enables quick, repeatable mating in high-throughput assembly environments while maintaining the IP-rated environmental sealing and robust mechanical integrity designers expect from APC solutions. This allows OEMs to mix Mini, Standard, and Power variants within a single system architecture, matching connector size and current capacity to each interface without changing families or design rules.

Fast-Coupling Interfaces Support High-Volume Assembly

One of the biggest advantages of the APC Series is its installer-friendly coupling system. Whether using the APC standard triple-start thread or the APC Mini’s two-way bayonet, all interfaces are optimized for rapid mating with secure, tactile engagement. The plastic shells remain robust under vibration, while the self-locking mechanism reduces the risk of loosening in the field. This makes the platform ideal for assembly operations where speed, repeatability, and low applied cost are primary considerations.

Stamped-and-Formed Contacts Reduce Cost While Ensuring Reliability

The APC Series expansion continues to leverage stamped-and-formed contact technology, enabling automated termination processes that increase consistency and throughput. As described in the application note, these contacts support excellent pull-out strength, crimp height uniformity, and long-term stability under thermal and mechanical stress. OEMs benefit from a connector system that maintains reliability while reducing manufacturing complexity.

Built for General-Duty and Environmental Applications

The APC platform was engineered for broad applicability across industrial sectors, including machine building, transportation, motors, process instrumentation, renewable energy, and lighting systems. The expanded configurations continue to support these markets while offering improved cost control and faster installation times. With IP-rated sealing, UV resistance, and thermoplastic corrosion immunity, the connectors perform reliably in both harsh and controlled environments.

Drop-In Compatibility for Faster Migration

To support OEMs transitioning from traditional metal circular connectors, the APC Series expansion maintains common insert patterns that simplify migration. Existing system designs can often adopt APC solutions without significant layout modifications, reducing the time and engineering overhead required to adapt to new connector platforms.

Supporting Next-Generation Energy and Industrial Systems

As energy storage, industrial automation, and distributed power systems continue to expand, the need for high-volume, reliable, and cost-efficient connectors grows alongside them. The APC Series expansion strengthens Amphenol Industrial Operations’ commitment to supporting these markets with scalable, rugged, and certified interconnect solutions engineered for demanding operating conditions.