Tee Connectors for Vacuum Switches

Before the existence of Engine Control Units, or ECU, automobiles used “engine vacuum” in order to carry out a number of functions. Vacuum Switches were generally used to control this “engine vacuum” flow and this was done either directly, mechanically, solenoids or by temperature. The vacuum switches operated several devices including vacuum motors as well as other vacuum switches.

Vacuum switch also refers to a specific kind of “electrical switch” where the electrical contacts are sealed in a vacuum enclosure. This prevents arc discharge across the electrical contacts while allowing high voltage switching via compact complex switches. It is quite easy to get confused between the two terms as they sound the same but, it is necessary to understand the difference between the two components as they are by no means related or even similar, neither in appearance, functionality or application.

However, the vacuum switches in question are of several types: Check valve, Delay valve, Bleed Valve, Vacuum Booster, Vacuum electrical switch, Vacuum Solenoid, Manual vacuum switch, Positive crankcase ventilation valve, Non-linear vacuum regulator, Temperature vacuum switch, coolant temperature over-ride and many more.

Vacuum switches in connection with the switching amplifier SV is used to produce pressure dependent signals and for the control of valves and pumps. The Vacuum Switch can also be used as a differential pressure switch. Electrical vacuum switches are used to turn electric connections off or on and are used for electronic control modules in order to determine the function. There are also the manual vacuums switches, which were operator controlled and used to control vacuum powered device before the introduction of robust electrical systems.

A T-Connector is an electric connector that is t-shaped in most cases. It joins one conductor with another conductor. The vacuum tee connector is a unique device that is used to connect several vacuum switches into one common output. Two or more than two electro-mechanical switches are serially joined together and connected by this classified pre-wired connector. The Tee Connectors are chemical resistant and some are high impact nylon connectors. All the connectors are barbed to hold hose without clamps. These tee connectors may vary colors.

A vacuum system that is decentralized and has many output signals and vacuum switches that can easily be ‘reduced’ to produce only one input signal for the bus I/O or PLC.

It is also very easy and simple to convert a centralized vacuum system to a decentralized one using the T-connector. This is mainly because the software currently being used for a vacuum pump system that is centralized does not require being changed. This vacuum system may perhaps have one or two vacuum feedback signals.

This vacuum T-connector may be used for various purposes particularly in the automotive industries. These connectors are most commonly used in industries, which have activities involving a very high level of automation, and where there is a great need for vacuum sensing.

Vacuum sensors on each of the suction cups in such industries usually ensure elimination of scrapped parts and maximum safety. Some examples of where T connectors are used are: furniture, automotive, aircraft, glass and white goods industries.

What is even better is that the vacuum T-connector is very easy and quick to install. It is installed using standard male to female M12 euro fast cable assemblies. It provides waterproof protection and has a coded adapter to match the M12 connector cable. More conveniently, the device does not require any settings and has a very robust and compact design.

Keep in mind though, use only hard connectors with soft flexible tubing found on many of today's vehicle systems. Replace clamps and retainers where applicable and enjoy the benefits of using this device!