Phoenix Contact launches new charging cables for North America

Phoenix Contact says that based on the performance data, the 125 kW cable is suitable for smaller DC charging stations and DC wall boxes. “With their ergonomic design and compact dimensions, they are consistently designed for fleet solutions and applications in the public-commercial sector,” the company says.

The charging cable has the usual features such as an integrated temperature sensor to detect heating directly at the power contacts of the DC charging connector, interrupting the charging process in the event of overheating to protect both the user and the charging station. In addition, the sealing concept is intended to ensure “comfortable and safe outdoor use,” and the increased cable flexibility improves handling – especially in cold weather.

Since Tesla released the use of the former Supercharger charging plug – now known as NACS or North American Charging Standard – the system has quickly established itself as the market standard in North America – since the end of 2023, the system has also been certified as the North American automotive standard under the designation SAE J3400. Numerous manufacturers are installing NACS as a charging port in their future electric cars for the US and Canada, enabling customers of older vehicles to charge with NACS via an adapter. As a result, many charging infrastructure providers have also announced that they will prioritise NACS for their charging stations or expand older type 1 charging stations with an NACS connection. The previous DC standard CCS Type 1, as used by the new Phoenix Contact charging cable, will probably no longer be so widespread in the future, at least in new vehicles.

Phoenix Contact is also expanding its range for another target group – AC charging stations: at the end of the year, the specialist for eMobility charging technology will be offering SAE-compliant and UL-certified NACS charging cables for AC currents of 50 and 80 amps. The AC charging plugs are tailored to the installation requirements of NACS charging stations. They are either available with a 25-foot long, unassembled cable or can be customised on request. From flexible stripping lengths and step cutting to crimping or compacting using ultrasonic welding technology.

To ensure electrical safety, the power contacts of the NACS charging connector are equipped with finger contact protection that fulfils protection class IP2XB per UL requirements. “Fully moulded plastic caps on the protruding pins of the power contacts ensure that the contact protection is permanently in place. This prevents electrical accidents caused by accidental contact with the power contacts and also increases the reliability of NACS charging stations,” the company explains. “The optional integrated temperature sensors to protect against overheating contribute to the high availability of the NACS charging infrastructure. In addition, the complete longitudinal watertightness of the charging plug protects the live parts.”

phoenixcontact.com (CCS Type 1; in German), phoenixcontact.com (NACS/SAE J3400; in German)