The Hirose DF59-3P-2SP(50) is a 3-position terminator (shorting) plug from the DF59 series, designed to be a field-installable shorting bar for unused or test points in a harness. This part is typically used to terminate a DF59-series receptacle when a circuit is not needed, or to create a temporary short for diagnostic purposes.
What does a terminator plug do in the DF59 series?
A terminator plug like the DF59-3P-2SP(50) is not a standard wire-to-board or board-to-board interconnect. Its job is to short the three contacts together inside the plug body. When mated with a DF59 receptacle housing (such as the DF59-3P-2C), it creates a closed loop on those three circuits. This is useful for: terminating unused connector positions to prevent contamination or damage, providing a known short-circuit condition for test or diagnostic sequences, and acting as a placeholder in a harness where a later expansion is planned. The gold contact finish supports repeated mating cycles if the terminator is installed and removed during testing.
What does the 3 A rating mean here?
The 3 A per-contact rating on the DF59-3P-2SP(50) is the continuous current each shorted path can carry. Since the terminator shorts all three contacts together, the total current through the plug is the sum of the currents on each circuit returning through the short. In practice, this means the terminator is rated for the same per-circuit current as the mating receptacle and crimp terminals in the DF59 series. The 230 V voltage rating gives adequate creepage for the 2.00 mm pitch in dry indoor environments.