Is a Hermaphroditic 4-Pin Connector Available for Electrical Connections?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a hermaphroditic 4-pin connector suitable for electrical connections, similar to a Macbook's magnetic power plug. Participants explore the requirements for the connector, including its functionality, environmental considerations, and modularity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a genderless keyless power connector that can function in both orientations, initially believing this was necessary.
  • Another participant clarifies that the MagSafe connector is not genderless but is reversible, suggesting the need for a non-polarized power connector.
  • A different participant shares a link to a type of connector they have used, noting that they are not keyed and would require housing for proper use.
  • One participant specifies that the connector needs to be externally exposed with minor waterproofing and should allow for frequent plugging and unplugging.
  • Another participant expresses frustration at not finding suitable electrical connectors, despite finding fiber optic options that meet some criteria.
  • A participant suggests searching for "molded power connector +4-pin" to find potential options.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of "genderless," with one participant asserting that fiber optic connectors are gendered, while another emphasizes the need for a hermaphroditic connector.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the availability of a suitable hermaphroditic 4-pin electrical connector. There are competing views on the definitions and requirements of such connectors, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific requirements and definitions of connectors, including the implications of gendered versus genderless terminology. There are also limitations in the search results for suitable connectors, with some participants focusing on fiber optic options rather than electrical ones.

CWorf
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I have been trying, with no luck, to find a genderless keyless power connector for a project I am doing. The connector needs to function similar to a Macbook's magnetic power plug which can function both right side up and upside down. so 4 pins, (2 hot pins in the middle, and 2 ground pins on the either side) with only one pair of wires coming out the other side. Is the reason I can not find anything like this because it doesn't exist? or am I looking in all of the wrong places? any help would be greatly appreciated!

Edit: I discovered, following posting this, the need to plug in both directions is not necessary, it just needs to be a hermaphroditic 4 pin connector, an example picture is posted below but the example picture depicts a fiber optic connector, is there something like this out there for electrical connections?
 
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Magsafe power connector is not genderless, but is reversible. You want a non-polarized power connector.
It's not clear what your environment is. Is this an externally exposed, often plugged/unplugged connector?
 
of course, I forgot to mention that, it is externally exposed, minor water proofing would be ideal, and needs to be able to be unplugged/plugged semi frequently.
 
actually, I just found a bunch of these, and these would absolutely work for my project if they were electrical plugs and not fiber optic plugs, I guess more importantly than being able to connect both directions would be that ALL plugs in the whole system could be identical and fit with each other in any configuration. completely modular. do you know of anything like this for power? does not have to be bigger than 12 gauge.
http://www.foa-ltd.co.uk/HQM%204%20Channel%20Hermaphroditic%20Fibre%20Optic%20Connector%20White.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry if I confused you, my needs are a 4 pin hermaphroditic or genderless connector, disregard the need for it to be plugged in upside down as well as right side up, I thought that was necessary but it is not. the above picture depicts the ideal plug, however i can not find anything like it that is not a fiber optic connector. have you ever seen anything like that for electrical or data connections?
 
what do you mean by genderless? Those fiber optic connectors are gendered. There is a "pin" and "socket". Each end has 2 pins and 2 sockets. The mag safe is gendered.
 
try adding "hermaphroditic" to your search
 

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