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Frequently Asked Questions - Feedthroughs 

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 Q: What is a "floating shield"?
 A: A floating shield is when the outside coaxial conductor can be at a potential other than ground. The outside coaxial conductor is separated from both the center conductor path and the mounting flange by ceramic material.

 

 Q: Can a BNC connector be used on an MHV feedthrough?
 A: No. Caution should be exercised in electrical systems fitted with both BNC and MHV connections. BNC and MHV connections are almost identical in appearance and geometry and should never be cross-mated since their electrical ratings are not compatible. BNC connections are rated to 500VDC while MHV connections can handle voltages as high as 5000VDC.

 

 Q: Are electrical feedthroughs available with conductor materials other than copper?
 A: Yes. These are available through Insulator Seal, a division of MDC Vacuum Products, LLC. The ISI division is staffed with sales, design and manufacturing engineers who can handle both standard material substitutions and custom solution inquiries. The can be reached directly at

Insulator Seal
Telephone 941-751-2880
Toll-Free 800-548-9509
Facsimile 941-751-3841
Web: www.insulatorseal.com

 

 Q: What problems will be encountered in trying to shorten the pins on a standard multipin power feedthrough?
 A: Any mechanical stress or shock to a ceramic to metal seal may compromise the integrity of the seal. The stress and shock caused by simply cutting the pins will almost certainly lead to failure of the seal. Any shortening of pins should be done at the factory.

 

 Q: Why does a shutter angle depend on the mounting of the shutter?
 A: As a shutter opens, the unhinged end is the first part of the shutter to hit a port tube. As a port tube is shortened, the interference with the shutter is reduced. The least interference would occur with a flush mount or zero length port.

 

 Q: Can a double-ended glass adapter be used as an electrical break?
 A: Yes. However, the electrical properties are severely limited when compared with ceramic breaks. MDC ceramic-to-metal adapters are recommended for high and ultrahigh vacuum system applications requiring high-voltage insulation.

 

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