Exclusive: Woodhead launches Ultra-Lock system for failsafe connections

Northbrook, IL—Woodhead Industries Inc. reports that it has expanded its Brad Harrison family by introducing its new Ultra-Lock connector system, a series of distribution boxes and cordsets based on a 'push-to-lock' operating principle.

By Control Engineering Staff December 7, 2004

Northbrook, IL— Woodhead Industries Inc. reports that it has expanded its Brad Harrison family by introducing its new Ultra-Lock connector system, a new series of distribution boxes and cordsets based on an innovative ‘push-to-lock’ operating principle. Users simply push down to connect Ultra-Lock components, and pull up to disconnect them.

For assemblers and installers, Ultra-Lock’s reportedly unique, non-threaded design provides faster, easier installation than traditional threaded connectors, resulting in greater reliability and productivity, less worker fatigue, and reduced labor costs. The company adds that Ultra-Lock also reduces downtime associated with the variability and uncertainty of threaded terminations, which reduces total operating costs.

Equipped with an IP68-rated radial seal and a patent-pending interlock design, Ultra-Lock also features a contact configuration that is identical to standard M12 connectors. The simple push-to-lock motion eliminates uncertainty associated with threaded connectors, and means installed don’t have to wonder “is it screwed down tight enough?”

In addition, Woodhead’s new distribution boxes and cordsets have a watertight seal, which protects against moisture and chemicals typical in industrial machinery environments. Once engaged, Ultra-Lock provides fail-safe connectivity, even under the stresses of cable flexing, mechanical shocks, or machine vibration. The firm says this virtually eliminates intermittent connections, especially those hard-to-find, hard-to-diagnose conditions that can result in thousands of dollars worth of lost production time.

“We’re proud to be first-to-market with this breakthrough system. Our goal was to provide assemblers in industrial automation and OEM markets with fast, simple, secure connections with this comprehensive system,” says John Sullivan, Woodhead’s product manager. “Built for reliability and ease of use, Ultra-Lock is an excellent choice for situations in which assemblers have to make ‘blind-mate’ connections in tight spaces, or in which workers experience fatigue or ergonomic problems from repeatedly turning coupling nuts.’

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com