I want to know itf it's OK to use multiple parallel connectors to increase current capacity for a circuit.
Specifically, I want to stack two PCB's using the same connectors you see on Arduino (those SIP header sockets/pins). I have a circuit that can draw up to 10A, but these connectors are only rated for 3A per position. I have several "spare" positions and it would be nice to use the same connector for both my signals and current.
I was thinking of paralleling 4 of these connector pins to handle my 10A circuit. I have seen manufacturers specifiy that when adjacent positions in a connector are both carrying higher currents that they often "de-rate" the current rating (they may say 5A per position, or 4A when several positions are carrying current simutaneously). But they don't say if it's OK for adjacent positions to share the current load for a single circuit.
I'm just wondering if there's any problems I'm missing here.
Specifically, I want to stack two PCB's using the same connectors you see on Arduino (those SIP header sockets/pins). I have a circuit that can draw up to 10A, but these connectors are only rated for 3A per position. I have several "spare" positions and it would be nice to use the same connector for both my signals and current.
I was thinking of paralleling 4 of these connector pins to handle my 10A circuit. I have seen manufacturers specifiy that when adjacent positions in a connector are both carrying higher currents that they often "de-rate" the current rating (they may say 5A per position, or 4A when several positions are carrying current simutaneously). But they don't say if it's OK for adjacent positions to share the current load for a single circuit.
I'm just wondering if there's any problems I'm missing here.