8536.69.40.20 - Cylindrical multicontact connectors

This HTS category, 8536.69.40.20, specifically covers cylindrical multicontact connectors. These are electrical connectors characterized by their circular housing and the presence of multiple individual electrical contacts arranged within this cylindrical form. They are designed for making and breaking electrical connections in a variety of applications and are typically used where robust and secure connections are required, often in industrial, automotive, or specialized electronic equipment.

It is important to distinguish these connectors from their sibling categories. Coaxial connectors (8536.69.40.10) are designed for high-frequency signal transmission, featuring a central conductor surrounded by an insulator and a braided metal shield. Rack and panel connectors (8536.69.40.30) are typically rectangular and designed for easy insertion and removal from equipment racks. Printed circuit connectors (8536.69.40.40) are specifically designed to interface with printed circuit boards, often with a low profile. Ribbon or flat cable connectors (8536.69.40.51) are engineered to terminate flat ribbon cables, allowing for mass termination of multiple conductors simultaneously. The defining characteristic of this category remains the cylindrical configuration and multicontact nature.

As this classification represents a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subdivisions. Therefore, classification within this code hinges on the physical attributes of the connector: its cylindrical shape, the presence of multiple electrical contacts, and its intended use as a connector under 1,000 volts, as outlined in the broader heading.