Historical Development of Electric Connectors

This historical development of connectors endeavors to survey briefly the various stages of electric-connector design and the expanding applications of the uses from the earliest types for heavy-duty power applications to the smaller and more intricate fittings in aircraft, electronics, sound equipment, television, and marine applications. Because of the broad scope of the subject, the material is treated in generalizations in order to cover the history within the space limitations of this paper. It is our belief that connector design, materials, and manufacture are keeping pace with the requirements of new electric equipment. Since the connector is essentially a component part of electric equipment, its development is affected by the requirements of new electric equipment and through adaptations for the improvement of existing equipment is increasing operating efficiencies.