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Dishwasher Connectivity Solutions for Smarter Appliances

For dishwasher designers, the implicit demand from homeowners translates into a clear imperative: design dishwashers that operate quietly, reliably, and efficiently while withstanding the rigors of daily use. To address these demands, engineers need rugged connectivity solutions that fit compact spaces while ensuring flawless performance with consistent power delivery, precise control, and reliable sensor functionality in harsh conditions. Molex connectivity solutions meet the challenge, offering compact, robust, and secure connections that seamlessly integrate across critical dishwasher sub-assemblies, empowering engineers to design products that exceed modern consumer expectations.

Smarter Connectivity for Modern Dishwashers


Designing dishwashers goes beyond cleaning dishes—it involves tackling complex engineering challenges in one of the most demanding environments in a home. Engineers need connectors that can resist corrosion from humidity, withstand intense heat from drying cycles and guard against vibrations that loosen components over time. Dishwashers require optimized power delivery systems to efficiently support motors, heaters, and control boards. Furthermore, their complex wiring demands reliable solutions to ease installation and speed up production.

To address these challenges, design engineers need innovative capabilities that ensure performance, reliability, and efficiency in demanding environments. Connectors must be fully sealed to combat water ingress and corrosion, while compliance with Glow Wire standards (IEC 60335-1) ensures they withstand thermal stress. Secure locking mechanisms with Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) features help prevent mis-mating and unmating under vibration. Beyond robustness, high-current, low-resistance connectors facilitate efficient power delivery. Additionally, pre-terminated cable assemblies streamline installation and reduce errors.

Molex provides compact high-performance connectivity solutions that support diverse power and signal requirements, ensuring design flexibility and compatibility across various components. Their Glow Wire compliance and mis-mating prevention ensure safety, while secure latching systems and protection against dust and moisture allow for long-lasting operation in harsh environments. Additionally, polarized designs and easy-mating features reduce assembly errors and accelerate production, facilitating high-volume dishwasher manufacturing.

Power and Motor Control Connectors for Dishwashers


For dishwasher power systems facing frequent cycles, vibration and high-current loads, engineers require compact durable connectors that ensure stable power delivery to motors, pumps, and heaters. Tackling dishwasher challenges head-on, Molex’s high-power connectors incorporate robust locking features, fully isolated terminals, and compact designs to ensure reliable power delivery in the tightest spaces. Built to prevent accidental disconnections, these connectors deliver unwavering performance for demanding dishwasher applications.

Sub System Product Current (Max.) Voltage (Max.) Glow Wire Capable
Motor RAST 2.5  Connectors 4.0A 32V AC, 250V AC X
Heater RAST 5 Connnectors 16.0A 250V X
Water Valve RAST 5 Connnectors 16.0A 250V X
RAST Power Connectors 10.0A 110V X
Drain Pump RAST 5 Connectors 16.0A 250V X
R Power Connectors 10.0A 110V X
Circulation Pump RAST Connectors 16.0A 250V X
Vent/Fan RAST Connectors 16.0A 250V X
EMI/EMC Filter RAST 5 Connnectors 16.0A 250V X

Sensor and Switch Connectors for Dishwashers


To achieve precise monitoring of water levels, temperature and door position, design engineers need compact, reliable connectors that prevent mis-mating, withstand moisture, and maintain secure connections. This is essential for consistent performance and safety in demanding environments. Molex connectors tackle dishwasher sensor and switch challenges by providing multiple keying options, robust locking features and compact form factors. These features ensure safe operation, accurate signal transmission and secure connections in high-moisture, space-constrained environments while minimizing assembly errors.

Sub System Product Current (Max.) Voltage (Max.) Glow Wire Capable
Water Inlet and Flow Meter RAST 2.5 Connectors 4.0A 32V AC, 250V AC X
Level Sensor RAST Connectors 16.0A 250V X
Turbidity Sensor RAST Connectors 16.0A 250V X
Detergent Dispenser RAST Power Connectors 10.0A 110V X

Control Board Dishwasher Connectors


In the tight confines of a dishwasher control board, design engineers face the challenge of ensuring streamlined assembly, reliable signal and power delivery, and long-term durability. These demands require compact, secure connectors that can endure the rigors of harsh environments. Molex offers a broad portfolio of connector solutions designed for these challenges, including compact connectors that fit tight spaces and polarized mating footprints that eliminate mis-mating. Featuring secure locking mechanisms and TPA, as well as Glow Wire-capable materials, self-aligning interfaces and potting-capable headers, Molex connectors ensure secure connections and enhanced durability.

Product Configuration Current (Max.) Voltage (Max.) Glow Wire Capable Keying and Polarization
Mini-Fit Sigma Connectors Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire 13.5A 600V AC (rms)/DC X Mechanical keying and polarization
Nano-Fit Connectors Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire 8.0A 250V X Mechanical and color-coded keying
RAST Connectors Wire-to-board 10.0A 110V X Mechanical keying and polarization
KK Connectors Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire 11.0A 350V AC/DC X Mechanical polarization
Mini-Lock Connectors Wire-to-board 5.0A 250V Options available Mechanical keying 
Mini-Fit Connectors Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire 13.0A 600V AC/DC Options available Mechanical, color-coded keying and polarization
Mega-Fit Connectors Wire-to-board, wire-to-wire 30.0A 600V X Mechanical, color-coded keying and polarization

User Interface Dishwasher Connectors


In designing dishwasher user interfaces, engineers must navigate the complexities of tight assembly constraints and deliver long-term durability. To maintain consistent signal and power transmission despite the relentless effects of moisture, heat, and vibration, they rely on compact, resilient connectors. Molex’s high-performance connectivity solutions address these challenges with low-profile designs, secure locking mechanisms and flexible routing options. These features streamline assembly, enhance design flexibility, and ensure lasting reliability, allowing user interfaces to perform dependably in high-use, demanding environments.

Product Configuration Current (Max.) Voltage (Max.)
FFC/FPC Connectors Wire-to-board, board-to-board 0.2A 50V
Micro-One Connectors Wire-to-board 4.0A 250V

Custom Cable Assembly Solutions

Molex custom cable assemblies and wire harnesses provide flexible routing and protection solutions to support the complex layouts and harsh operating conditions of modern dishwasher designs.