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MIL-DTL-38999

MIL-DTL-38999 - Series III - 15742 MIL-DTL-38999 safety information

This information is to be used in conjunction with the Product Catalogue and Product Specification. Products may be safely used in the applications for which they have been designed and within the specified ratings and environments. If products are exposed to conditions outside the performance ratings or specified environments they may constitute a hazard. In particular it should be noted that:- 1. Material Content of Products. Circular Connectors generally use metalwork parts made of copper, copper alloy, aluminium alloy, aluminium-bronze, phosphor-bronze or steel, which, dependant on the particular application, may be passivated and protected with cadmium or zinc plate – in conjunction with chromated or anodised surface finishes. The insulating materials can be either natural or synthetic rubber, together with plastic or glass filled plastic moulded parts. Contact materials vary with product type but are usually made of copper, copper alloy, nickel, phosphor-bronze, alumel, chromel or steel. 2. Electric Shock, Burns and Fire. Hazard can occur if the product is used outside the specified parameters or if the product is damaged, wrongly wired or poorly assembled, or poorly integrated into larger equipment, or contaminated with conductive fluids. Live circuit terminations must be protected and live circuits never broken by demating products. Hotspots may be created when resistance is increased due to damage or incorrect integration particularly soldering, crimping or loose terminations. Overheating can cause breakdown of insulation, electric shot, burns or, ultimately, fire. In the event of fire noxious and/or toxic fumes may be released and, in these circumstances, any fire involving the product should be dealt with by personnel properly equipped. Connector products with exposed terminators or contacts should not be used on the current supply side of a circuit with exposed contacts on an unmated product. Before making a circuit live, the product and wiring should be checked to ensure that there is no damage and no electrically conducting debris present. Circuit resistance checks should also be conducted before making the circuit live. Always ensure that the correct tools, (specified by AB Connectors Ltd.) are employed for crimping and assembly and that connectors are assembled and wired by properly trained personnel. 3. Disposal of Products. Products should not be burnt. 4. Use Transport and Storage of Products. Care must be exercised to avoid damage to any part of the products during transporting, storage or use. The products, as manufactured, are free of sharp edges. Abnormal transit or storage conditions and abuse during installation can give rise to damage. Products should not be used in a damaged condition. Improper storage (particularly of damaged products) can give rise to additional hazards particularly corrosion. Your attention is specifically drawn to the need of proper storage of products containing cadmium and you are advised to see the Guidance Note from the Health and Safety Executive on Cadmium - Health and Safety Precautions. Safety Rules 1. Ensure all conductor wires are capable of withstanding the electrical and environmental conditions of the application. 2. Always use the correct assembly tools for cables, contacts and connectors. 3. Make circuit resistance checks before making a circuit live.4. Always protect live circuits and never demate a live connector.5. Never use a damaged connector.6. Never burn discarded connectors or cable.7. IF IN DOUBT, ASK. N. B. Additional information on the products and the materials used in them may be obtained from the Sales Department of AB Connectors Ltd. Shelf life for rubber components AB Connectors incorporate a number of rubber components within their connectors. Most rubbers change in physical properties during storage e.g. excessive hardening, softening, cracking or other surface degradation. These changes may be the result of particular factors or a combination of factors such as light, heat, humidity, oils or solvents. With a few simple precautions the shelf life may be considerably lengthened. The storage temperature should be between +5 and +25 degrees C. Direct contact with sources of heat such as boilers, radiators and direct sunlight should be avoided. It is advisable to cover any windows of storage rooms with a red or orange coating or screen. The relative humidity in the storeroom should be below 70%. Very moist or very dry conditions should be avoided. Condensation should not occur. If the above recommendations are adhered to, then AB Connectors would warrant a shelf life of four years for its products. N. B. The company reserves the right and may change or vary specification without prior written notice.

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