Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors
Many harsh environments require electrical connectors to be waterproof. This is because water from humidity, rain or snow can damage wiring, causing shorts and fires.
There are various waterproof electrical connectors that can meet the demands of harsh environmental conditions. These include hermetic connectors, sealed connectors and IP67 electrical connectors.
Sealing
Whether you’re installing outdoor lighting, wiring a pond pump, or working in a wet marine environment, waterproof electrical connectors are critical to ensure durable connections that protect the wires from water exposure. The key to selecting the right type of connector is to match it with the voltage and current ratings of the equipment and cables you’re connecting. Incorrectly rated components can lead to overheating, failures and corrosion.
Waterproof submersible electrical connectors can withstand high levels of pressure. They’re typically made of stainless steel or other materials that can resist corrosive environments, such as chlorides found in seawater. They may also be sealed with polyurethane or neoprene to prevent water from leaking into the connector halves.
You’ll also want to choose a waterproof electrical connector with a secure locking mechanism and easy-to-use mating and unmating features. Some models have raised indexing ribs that facilitate blind mating in dark or cramped spaces, and some offer multiple resilient seals to keep connections secure even when subjected to vibration and shock.
You should also look for a waterproof electrical connector with an IP rating code that indicates the level of protection it offers against solid particles and liquid intrusion. For example, a waterproof electrical connector with an IP67 rating is protected against solid dust and up to 1m of water immersion. Other IP levels include IP68, which provides additional sealing performance against contaminants such as salt mist and sterilization chemicals, and IP69, which adds protection against short-term exposure to water jets.
Material
When choosing waterproof connectors, it is important to consider the material they are made of. Different metals have waterproof submersible electrical connectors different corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity, and they must be strong enough to meet the demands of a marine environment. 316 stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium are common choices for these applications.
The type of seal on a waterproof connector is another factor to consider. In addition to preventing water ingress, it should also protect against dust, dirt, and other debris. This is particularly critical in areas where the connector will be exposed to abrasive chemicals. In some cases, the seal must be able to withstand vibration, shock, and pressure.
Electrical systems in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) require high-quality waterproof connectors to transmit power and control signals. Without proper protection, these devices may suffer from electrical shorts and other malfunctions that could compromise data collection and analysis. Waterproof connectors offer an ideal solution for UUVs, as they can withstand harsh conditions and resist saltwater corrosion.
In order to ensure that waterproof connectors are safe for industrial use, they should be sealed with a non-toxic resin that can withstand various temperatures and abrasion. It is also essential to choose a waterproof connector that has a high IP rating, as this will provide better protection against dust and liquids.
Durability
A waterproof electrical connector is an important part of most electronic equipment, allowing wires to be connected and disconnected. But even in non-submersible applications, such as deck lighting systems or uncrewed boat equipment, there are risks of water ingress that can disrupt critical signals or corrode contacts.
That’s why it’s crucial to select a waterproof connector that matches the environment in which it will be used. For instance, selecting a connector rated higher than the equipment in question can result in overheating or even the failure of the entire device. Similarly, selecting a connector with a lower IP rating than the equipment can mean that it’s susceptible to damage from dust or brief immersion in water.
In addition to the IP ratings, pay attention to how the waterproof plugs are constructed. Some are designed to be easily serviced by removing the outer cover, while others require the use of special tools or liquids. If possible, choose a waterproof connector that can be cleaned and disinfected with diluted chemical solutions.
Some underwater environments are highly corrosive and prone to vibration. In waterproof connector manufacturer such cases, choosing a waterproof connector made from 316 stainless steel may provide better durability. The material is also resistant to corrosion from chloride, salt, and other chemicals that can be found in ocean water. Also, the stainless-steel construction can withstand vibrations and impacts.
Installation
Many electrical connectors are used in harsh environments, where they must be able to resist moisture. This is especially important for devices that are exposed to the elements, including saltwater. For instance, deck lighting systems in boats or urban outdoor lighting projects often require waterproof connections to ensure that they can function properly. In addition, military-style connectors must be protected from water ingress to prevent corrosive effects and the possibility of malfunctions.
Fortunately, there are a number of different types of waterproof connectors available for these kinds of applications. For example, NorComp’s 772-E Series Seal-D IP67 Solder-Cup D-Sub Connectors offer sealed solutions in standard D-sub profiles that are ideal for use with handheld computers and scanners that are subject to washdown environments; medical equipment that needs to be submerged for sterilization purposes; transmitters and emergency beacons that must be temporarily exposed to water; gas, electric, and water metering devices that can be washed down with detergents; or any other device that requires a waterproof connection in wet conditions.
Other types of waterproof connectors include crimp and solder-able versions that require no special tools to install. The crimp style requires that the wire be inserted and a hot melt waterproof adhesive is applied to create a durable connection that is able to hold up to moisture. For solderable versions, users simply insert the wires and apply heat to the area where they will be secured (the process is called solder splicing). In both cases, the waterproof connections can also be covered with protective tape to provide additional protection against environmental contaminants.