Multipurpose flush or angled connection panels with an almost infinite number of configurations. The 'Universal Connection System' allows a wide range of connectors and switches, with the Neutrik 'D' series housing, or the Canford 'Universal' series connectors, to be assembled by the user in a single panel without special metalwork.
Flush panels
Manufactured from lightweight but extremely rigid aluminium extrusions, 1U one-row, 2U two-row and 3U three-row panels are available with 8, 12 or 16 cut-outs per row to mount a wide range of components including the Canford 'Universal' series connectors and Neutrik 'D' series housing connectors. Each cut-out has M3 tapped mounting holes meaning all connectors must be front mounted. For installations where larger body cable connectors will be used, for example Neutrik Speakon, the 1U 12 cut-out version provides the necessary clearance. Where fewer channels are required and to avoid the need to fit blanking plates in unused ports, the 1U, 8 cut-out version has connectors equally spaced across the panel providing maximum area for labelling.
Angled panels
Manufactured from a unique profile aluminium-extrusion with integral rear bracing-bar, the front face of the panel is angled down by 7.5 degrees from vertical, relieving stress on mated cables and maintaining clear access at the rear. The panel may be mounted 'upside down' giving an upward tilt to the face if mated cables are routed from above. Available in 2U only, with two rows of 16 'D' series cut-outs, each cut-out has M3 tapped mounting holes meaning all connectors must be front mounted.
All panels are fitted with a cranked lacing-bar for each row of connectors giving easy access to the rear of the connectors. A snap-on cover designation-strip holder is fitted above each connector row permitting the supplied paper strips to be inserted before or after installation; 7.5mm of printable height is available. Templates for printing designation strip labels, available as a DWG file for AutoCAD and compatible applications, can be downloaded from the appropriate product page on the Canford website. Spare 432mm designation-strip paper (not suitable for printers) and covers are available, see CANFORD DESIGNATION STRIPS - Snap-on.
Panels are available finished in Dawn Grey (BS4800-10A03) or Black.
The 'Universal Connection System' is primarily designed for the user requiring a small number of panels with a mixture of connectors, switches etc. If a larger number of custom populated panels or non standard metalwork is required, this is also possible. For further information or a quotation please contact the custom metalwork team via email, custommetal@canford.co.uk. Alternatively contact Sales.
'Universal Connection System' is a series designation originated by Canford Audio. Copyright Canford Audio 1987.
The 'D' series mounting flange is used by Neutrik for a wide variety of connector types including male and female XLR’s, 3-pole jack socket (A and B gauge), recessed RCA (phono), ‘Ethercon’ RJ45 data connector, USB, Firewire, ‘Speakon’ loudspeaker connectors and recessed BNC sockets.
All connector types must be front mounted on this range of panels.
Application note
- It is strongly recommended that 42-029 Insulating cover is used with 'Speakon' and 'Powercon' connectors to protect against accidental contact with live pins at the rear of the panel
- Neutrik 'Speakon' loudspeaker connectors must be used with 8-way and 12-way panels or alternately spaced (horizontally) with blanking plates in 16-way panels (see above).
- If connectors need to be rear mounted, we recommend using Canford Universal Connection Panels or Canford Rapid Assembly Panels which are suitable for rear mounting D-series connectors, including Neutrik Speakon and Powercon connectors, see CANFORD UNIVERSAL CONNECTION PANELS - Flush and angled and see CANFORD UNIVERSAL CONNECTION PANELS - Rapid Assembly.
- M3 tapped mounting frames, (40-790), are not suitable for use on Canford universal connection panels with the exception of the rapid assembly version.
Canford Universal Series Connectors
Canford has expanded the possibilities further by offering a further range of connectors and switches mounted on insulating mouldings which fit the 'D' series cut-outs. Flush mount and recessed adaptor plates, available in black or white, fitted with connectors should be selected from the 'Universal Series Connectors' range. Un-drilled plates can be used to blank off unused holes or drilled to accept a wide variety of other connectors, switches and indicators. Again due to the M3 tapped mounting holes all 'Universal Series Connectors' must be front mounted.
Recess Rack-Mounting Brackets
Recess rack-mounting brackets are available to recess panels within the rack, see Canford Rackbracket - Recess mounting brackets.
RACKPOD Wall rack 2U, Ash and Beech
Designed to enable Universal Connection Panels (or other shallow panels) to be wall mounted or fitted on, or under desks or workstations. They have an open back, with internal corner-plate screw fixings and are fitted with punched 19” rack strip. Usable internal depth 60mm. Panel lacing bars must be removed when used in this surround, as they are too deep for this deliberately shallow design. External dimensions of surrounds: 530 x 133 x 82 (l x h x d) mm.
Manufactured by Canford.