Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors

Harsh environments rely on equipment and connections that can resist moisture ingress. Otherwise, it can disrupt critical signals and corrode contacts, leading to costly disruptions.

Waterproof electrical connectors can prevent this damage by keeping out moisture in both the connectors themselves and the wiring they’re connected to. But how do they work?

Silicone Sealant

Silicone is a type of sealant often used to waterproof electrical connectors. This waterproof submersible electrical connectors is because silicone provides a strong adhesive bond and can be used in wet environments. It also has good resistance to abrasion and temperature extremes, making it suitable for many applications.

Silicone sealants are also available in a wide range of colors to help them blend with different surfaces and décor. They can be easily applied and are flexible once cured, so they can adapt to changes in environmental conditions. They can also control humidity and prevent mildew growth.

Before you use silicone sealant, make sure that you shut off the power and clean the area around the electrical wiring. This will help ensure that you don’t accidentally short circuit the wires and cause a fire or other dangerous situations. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves when working with electricity.

There are different types of silicone sealants available for various applications. Some are designed for use in harsh environments, while others have a higher IP rating to ensure that they can be used in submersible areas. IP ratings are based on various factors, including dust protection and water submersion resistance.

You can find silicone sealants at most home improvement stores and hardware stores. They’re great for a wide range of home repairs, from rejoining a shower screen to caulking gaps in your window frames. You can also find specialist silicones that are specifically designed for gasketing and joint sealing.

Epoxy Resin

Unlike silicone sealant, epoxy resin forms a thicker, more durable protective layer that effectively blocks water ingress. It also has greater durability under higher temperatures and pressures than glass or ceramic sealants, making it a suitable alternative to silicone in harsh environments. This type of sealant requires careful application, however. Incorrect use can lead to damage or health issues. When using it, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper mixing, set and cure times, and other important details.

Epoxy adhesives are used in a wide variety of industrial applications for their durability and resilience. They’re typically available in one-part or heat-cured versions, with two-part epoxies being the stronger of the two. Unlike polyester glues, epoxy resins bond in three ways: mechanically by roughening up the surfaces; chemically by creating strong bonds between their constituents; and ionically, by forming atomic-level connections with the surface.

There are many different types of epoxy products on the market, including those specifically designed for gluing metals or concrete. These products typically come in a kit with equal parts of resin and hardener. Mix them well, then apply a thin coat to the surface to be bonded. A good choice for assembling and securing electrical connectors is Loctite Metal/Concrete, which can hold objects up to 50 pounds and is resistant to vibration. It’s also ideal for preventing corrosion on tools and other metallic items that would normally rust over time.

Rubber-Molded Connectors

The RM rubber molded series is one of the most inexpensive underwater connectors on the market and has been used for all types of subsea equipment for decades. It is made of vulcanized neoprene that makes it durable and watertight. It also provides a strong seal between the male and female ends of the connector. This connector does not require a lockring, which makes it faster to connect and disconnect.

The design of underwater electrical and optical connections is a complicated process that involves many precise and tiny waterproof connector manufacturer parts. It is a multidisciplinary science that integrates the fields of electromagnetics, optics, mechanical engineering and material science. However, its key technologies remain confidential commercial information and have been monopolized by a limited number of companies.

iCONN Systems has introduced the first wet-mateable underwater connector that combines Northrop Grumman’s patented NiobiCon technology with a rugged rubber seal to deliver safe, reliable electrical connectivity in water. This new evolution of underwater connectors can be mated and disconnected wet, submerged while in a flooded state, and is ideal for marine, oil and gas, industrial and automotive applications.

The iCONN system is based on a molded connection that uses bullet terminals over-molded in black rubber to create an environmentally protected waterproof plug. It is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions, including vibration and shock, while maintaining high-performance electrical connections.

Ingress Protection Rating

When selecting waterproof submersible electrical connectors for a project, it’s important to consider the ingress protection (IP) rating. IP ratings are a system that classifies the degrees of protection against solid particles and liquids – with the higher the number, the more protected the connector. The first number of an IP rating represents the level of protection against solids, ranging from zero to six (which means complete protection against dust). The second number of an IP rating represents the level of watertightness, with a higher number meaning that the connector can withstand greater levels of immersion.

For example, IP68 waterproof connectors are completely dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water at up to 1m for periods of 30 minutes. These connectors are typically used in permanent or temporary installations that require a full protection against water, damp and dust. They feature mechanical coding, which simplifies the interconnection process and minimizes possible mistakes.

Hylec-APL will be displaying their connector systems at LuxLive, including the IP68 rated TeeTube range. This fully-submersible underwater connector is perfect for lighting installations and other projects in harsh environments. It is easy to use, with a push-pull design that installs up to 80% faster than other connectors. The range includes a wide selection of straight through, T-splitter and Y-splitter versions in 2 – 4 poles, as well as chassis mount options.