[Amps] MHV HV VConnectors

[Jim Garland]

MHV connectors are an obsolete design and have largely been superseded by SHV connectors, which are safer. The center pin of an SHV connector is recessed so that it mates only after the shield is connected.  Many people prefer so-called RP-SHV connectors, RP meaning reverse polarity, with the male pin in the jack. Chinese-made RP-SHV connectors are available on eBay for about $5 each and are very good quality. American-made ones by Kings Electronics cost ten times as much (sigh...)

The Chinese RP-SHV connectors use RG-6 cable and are rated at 5KV. I think any of the small coax cables can easily accommodate voltages in this range. I've used RG-58 with MHV connectors on my 8877 amp (4700 V) for thirty years. The only caveat is to avoid foam dielectric cables.

The is a matter of personal taste, but for safery reasons I'd never use an unshielded HV cable for anything other than internal wiring. And I'd never in any circumstances use the venerable JW Millen HV connector, which has no strain relief and has the HV wire held loosely in place with only a blob of solder. It's an accident waiting to happen.

73,

Jim Garland W8ZR

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