Molex connector safety

choLOL · Jan 17, 2018

I've read numerous horror stories about molex to SATA and molex to PCI-E, but I haven't read about dangers of a 5v molex connector.

I want to make a DIY ambilight and I was wondering if making a 5v molex adapter to the LED strip would pose dangers to my pc. Attached below is what I plan on doing.

Will this adapter endanger my PSU and cables? I know how to solder properly, but I'm not that experienced with molex connectors and the frequency of their failure.

alex-fitton · Jan 17, 2018

My input would be if your not very familier with it,

Make sure your cable is suitable for the load and a molex connector in a pc is good for 11amp per pin.

Also LED circuits normally have a resistor to limit the current.

As long as the connector isnt overloaded and a good job at soldering you shouldnt have any issues.

choLOL · Jan 17, 2018

Ohh, I didn't know molex could only take 11A per pin. The strip will only taken 3.6A at most. Thanks! +rep.

But to do a cleaner job, I may supply a separate wall wart for the setup. I just found out those were pretty cheap.

Athena · Jan 17, 2018

Watch out for the little pins. If you get the ones that have little splines or strips that flare out at the bottom to prevent the pin from sliding backwards, make sure they flare out far enough. Those pins can slide backwards and cause you to lose your connection.

I was using a small CNC mill someone wired with small molex connectors.

I got second degree burns from touching one where a pin slide back and was arcing inside. You probably won't be dealing with that amount of juice, but it can still cause some head scratching failures.

Thanks, now I want an Ambilight.

looniam · Jan 17, 2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by choLOL

I've read numerous horror stories about molex to SATA and molex to PCI-E, but I haven't read about dangers of a 5v molex connector.

I want to make a DIY ambilight and I was wondering if making a 5v molex adapter to the LED strip would pose dangers to my pc. Attached below is what I plan on doing.

Will this adapter endanger my PSU and cables? I know how to solder properly, but I'm not that experienced with molex connectors and the frequency of their failure.

to use a broad paint brush:

thats because it's not wise to draw 100+ watt through a molex connector as people can do with graphics cards.

for any lighting or fan controllers; a few dozen watts - it's perfectly fine.

alex-fitton · Jan 18, 2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athena

Watch out for the little pins. If you get the ones that have little splines or strips that flare out at the bottom to prevent the pin from sliding backwards, make sure they flare out far enough. Those pins can slide backwards and cause you to lose your connection.

I was using a small CNC mill someone wired with small molex connectors.

I got second degree burns from touching one where a pin slide back and was arcing inside. You probably won't be dealing with that amount of juice, but it can still cause some head scratching failures.

Thanks, now I want an Ambilight.

No Problem,

The amp rating is what i found out on Wikipedia (not always accurate but seems to be in this case) and what the "MATE-N-LOK II Socket Crimp Contact" from Farnell says the max rating is.

Molex connector safety

choLOL

alex-fitton

choLOL

Athena

looniam

alex-fitton

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