A 2-pin Molex connector refers to a specific type of standardized electrical connector typically using pins and housings originally designed by Molex or compatible with their specifications. It provides a simple, reliable method for delivering DC power.
Definition and Key Features
This connector consists of two cylindrical metal pins housed within a sturdy, rectangular plastic housing. Key characteristics include:
- Pitch: 2.54mm (0.1 inch) spacing between pins.
- Polarized Design: A plastic keying notch or ridge prevents incorrect insertion.
- Current Rating: Typically rated for up to 4A or 5A per pin.
- Locking Mechanism: A plastic latch provides secure mating.
- Wire Compatibility: Commonly accepts 20AWG to 22AWG insulated wire.
Construction Details
The connector comprises two main parts:
- Male Plug (Pin Header): Contains two solid brass pins soldered or crimped to the wire ends, secured within a nylon or thermoplastic housing featuring the latch.
- Female Socket (Receptacle): Contains two female sockets designed to mate with the pins, housed within a compatible housing featuring the keying slot/notch for polarization.
Primary Applications
While less common today than the 4-pin Molex peripheral connector (floppy drive connector), the 2-pin variant has several notable uses:
- Case Fans: Historically and occasionally currently used to power chassis cooling fans. Standard PC power supplies often included Molex connectors that fans could connect to directly or via adapters.
- CPU Fans: Some older or simpler CPU coolers used 2-pin connectors.
- Internal Peripherals: Providing auxiliary power for items like:
- Cold cathode lights (CCFLs)
- LED lighting strips
- Water cooling pumps
- Fan controllers or speed reducers
- Certain Internal Sensors: Occasionally used for chassis intrusion switches or thermal probes.
- Legacy Drives: Some very old floppy disk drives used custom 2-pin implementations, though the 4-pin was standard.
- Industrial/Commercial Equipment: Used broadly beyond computers for powering low-voltage DC devices requiring a reliable, keyed connection in machinery, control panels, and instrumentation.
While largely superseded for PC fans and drives by smaller 3-pin/4-pin fan headers and SATA power connectors, the 2-pin Molex remains a simple and reliable solution for delivering moderate DC power where features like speed control aren't required. Adapters to and from this standard are still widely available.
