Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors
Electrical connectors that are waterproof are critical for outdoor and marine applications where high humidity is present. They form extremely tight seals and are designed to resist harsh environments, including being submerged in water or exposed to pressurized jets of liquid.
They also offer a variety of other features for use in harsh industrial applications, such as rugged locking mechanisms, vibration resistance, and shock and pressure resistance.
Sealing
The waterproof electrical connectors used in UUVs need to withstand a variety of harsh conditions, including saltwater corrosion and changing water temperatures. Without a good seal, they can fail and interrupt data collection and transmission. Waterproof connectors protect these vital components from damage, allowing them to provide accurate and real-time data about the environment to other onboard systems or external devices.
A water-resistant seal protects the interface of the waterproof connector, which is where the male and female contacts mate together. This is especially important for applications that require frequent mating and unmating. The seal also prevents the ingress of harmful particles into the connection area, which can cause short circuits or other problems.
Some connectors use oil or other chemical substances to exclude water, but this can lead to problems over time. The niobium-based NiobiCon connector system is able to exclude water without the need for complicated seals or chemical additives. Instead, the niobium contacts themselves create an insulating film when they are energized, preventing contact between the mated surfaces and ensuring that electricity cannot flow through the water around the connections.
Another way to protect your waterproof submersible electrical connectors connections is by using waterproof electrical tape. Simply wrap the tape around your wiring connections, making sure to overlap each layer properly to ensure adequate protection. This is a much simpler, faster, and more effective solution than trying to glue or solder the connectors.
Material
Typically, waterproof electrical connectors are made from a material that resists corrosion, shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and other environmental hazards. They can also withstand being submerged under water for extended periods of time. Depending on the application, the connectors may have an internal sealing structure that prevents water from entering the electrical contacts and causing short circuits. Some waterproof connectors use a molded-in hermetic seal, while others require protective caps for connection and disconnection.
In addition to being able to withstand the environment, waterproof connectors need to be insulated to prevent electricity from conducting through the outside of the connector. Insulating materials used for waterproofing can range from common silicone to high-strength polymers. These insulating materials are often designed to resist industrial chemicals and other corrosive substances.
Many applications involve submerged equipment, such as oceanographic and seismic-evaluation instruments, or underwater exploration vehicles. These devices operate at depths where human diving is impractical, so they must be able to withstand the pressure of the water for extended periods.
To do this, the connectors must be able to be mated and unmated under pressure without damaging or shorting out. To achieve this, waterproof connectors are typically rated waterproof connector manufacturer with a set of standards called Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. These IP ratings indicate the level of protection a connector offers against solids and liquids. For example, a waterproof connector might have an IP68 rating, which means that it can be fully submerged under water for up to 48 hours.
Ratings
Electrical connectors are exposed to harsh environments where moisture can easily damage wiring. Insufficient sealing can lead to short circuits or fires that are dangerous for workers. Waterproof connectors are designed to withstand wet environments by forming an extremely tight seal. These connectors are ideal for military, marine, and industrial applications where the equipment may be power washed or fully submerged in water.
When selecting a waterproof connector, it is important to choose one with the right IP rating for your specific application. The IP rating system is comprised of two digits, with the first number indicating protection against dust ingress and the second determining resistance to liquid ingress. The higher the IP rating, the more protection the connector has against harsh environmental conditions.
Waterproof connectors are designed to withstand various types of wet environments, including humidity, rain, snow, salt water, and pressurized water used for cleaning. These environments are a challenge for many electronics, but waterproof connectors make it possible to connect and operate devices safely.
Newark, an Avnet company, stocks a wide selection of waterproof connectors that are rated to IP68 for harsh environment applications. These include LEMO K-Series circular waterproof connectors, which are ideally suited for military and marine applications. These connectors are built with a variety of shell sizes, contact insert types, and wire gauges to meet different design requirements. These waterproof connectors also feature reverse bayonet locking with tactile mating confirmation and high vibration protection for secure, reliable connections in tough outdoor environments.
Installation
When used in demanding environments like the ocean or on vehicles, reliable electrical connections are non-negotiable. Waterproof connectors are specially designed to prevent damage to wires and harnesses by protecting them from moisture. This helps maintain the safety of equipment and reduces maintenance and repair costs.
In addition to waterproofing, many waterproof connectors feature other useful properties such as insulation and corrosion resistance. Insulating materials help protect against high or low temperatures and some types of chemical substances. The design of waterproof connectors can also make them resistant to abrasion and vibration. Additionally, the material used for waterproofing usually allows for pressurised jet cleaning, making it easier to keep your equipment clean and safe.
If you are working with a waterproof connector, it is important to install it correctly to ensure that it will work as intended. Using the right tools and techniques can help you achieve this. For example, you should use silicone sealant or epoxy resin to seal the connectors properly. These should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can also use underwater splice kits that come with all the components you need for quick and easy installation. These kits are ideal for wiring marine deep cycle batteries on boats, or connecting your Swamp Eye submersible lights to power. They are also great for replacing old soldered or crimped wire connections on your boat.