Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors
Electrical connectors can easily be damaged by moisture ingress, disrupting signals or corroding connections. Waterproof connectors protect against these environmental contaminants to prevent costly downtime and ensuring uninterrupted functionality.
Harsh environment connectors are commonly used in outdoor and marine technologies exposed to varying degrees of moisture. These specialty connectors are waterproof and can withstand submersion in water, making them ideal for harsh industrial applications.
Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
Moisture poses a significant risk to electrical connectors, resulting in short circuits and equipment failures. It also causes oxidation and corrosion, ultimately reducing the lifespan of the device. Fortunately, waterproof connectors are available to help mitigate these issues in environments prone to moisture. Waterproof connectors are typically rated for IP ratings. IP ratings, as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), are a standardized system used to determine the level of protection offered by electrical enclosures and connectors against solid objects and liquid ingress.
There are different levels of waterproofing, ranging from splash-proof to fully submersible. The first number of the IP rating indicates the degree of protection against solid objects, while the second number identifies the level of protection against liquid ingress. Ideally, waterproof connectors should be rated at least IP66. This rating ensures that the connector is dust-tight and can withstand full immersion in water for extended periods of time, making it an ideal choice for environments prone to condensation and water infiltration.
The IP68 rating, on the other hand, provides waterproof submersible electrical connectors the highest level of protection against both dust and water ingress. In addition to providing protection against solids and liquids, the IP68 rating allows for equipment interconnection in a quick and safe manner. It is important to understand the meaning of each IP rating so that you can choose the right waterproof connector for your specific application and environment.
Applications
Waterproof connectors are essential for any equipment that needs to be used in harsh, outdoor environments. They prevent moisture from seeping into a device, which can cause performance losses and system failures. These connectors have a tight seal that keeps water and dust out of the device, ensuring electrical continuity. They also provide an extra layer of protection against corrosion and other environmental influences.
The waterproof characteristics of these connectors make them perfect for use in a wide range of applications, including military, marine, oil and gas, and industrial applications. They are ideal for marine environment electronics, such as navigation systems and communication devices, as well as oil-field equipment like pumps, motors, and seismic-evaluation instruments. They can even be used in deep-sea applications, such as underwater vehicles and pipeline-inspection tools.
In the case of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and commercial diving equipment, waterproof connectors are vital for transferring power, data, and signals between the UUV and other onboard devices. These devices need to communicate with each other and the surface for accurate monitoring and control of a vessel’s performance, safety, and functionality. Waterproof connectors ensure that this communication can happen seamlessly, even when the UUV is submerged for extended periods of time. These connectors are also necessary for yacht racing, as they can withstand prolonged exposure to saltwater and other natural hazards found in the ocean.
Materials
Electrical connectors connect wires and cables to power and signal devices, but if they are exposed to water or moisture, they can interrupt signals and lead to performance losses or failures. Waterproof connectors protect against moisture damage and allow users to safely operate equipment in harsh environments.
These waterproof connectors are made with high-quality materials that provide durable protection from moisture and water. In some cases, the seal is hermetically sealed waterproof quick disconnect wire connectors to ensure a water-tight fit and prevent moisture ingress. In other cases, the connectors have a removable insulator that makes it easy to mate and unmate components.
Waterproof connectors are critical in automotive applications, where exposure to moisture can disrupt critical signals and damage devices. They also enable continuous electrical connections in marine equipment, such as navigation systems and communication devices, ensuring seamless operations and increased safety for crew members.
Waterproof connectors are used in a variety of other industries, including oil and gas, military/defense, oceanographic research, and more. Many of these connectors are designed for deep water offshore drilling and other challenging subsea applications, which requires a combination of high-density signals and standard power. In these applications, it’s important to use waterproof connectors that are rated for varying levels of immersion and operating conditions. The right IP rating is critical to preventing moisture ingress and protecting the electrical system.
Sealing
Electronics and water are not naturally compatible, and this incompatibility can result in costly malfunctions. Engineers have devised various means to protect devices from liquids, and waterproof electrical connectors are essential for many applications. Waterproof connectors safeguard connections in wet environments, including humidity, rain, snow and saltwater, as well as dripping or splashing and high-pressure water jets.
Fischer Connectors offers a wide range of waterproof electrical connectors with a variety of IP ratings, ranging from 67 to 68. These waterproof connectors are sealed to resist water, dust and dirt. The sealing is achieved by filling a space between the male and female connector ends with an immiscible liquid that prevents contact.
The waterproof seals used in our Fischer Connectors products are either silicone, PTFE or Viton. The silicone provides a reliable and durable solution, while the PTFE and Viton provide high-temperature resistance and anti-corrosive properties. Depending on the application, we can also offer hermetic (total) sealing in addition to IP68-rated waterproof connectors.
For unmanned underwater vehicles, for example, a waterproof connector ensures that power and control signals can be transmitted from the vehicle to the rest of the system or to other external devices. This allows the UUV to perform tasks such as monitoring, recording and transmitting data from the ocean’s surface. This data can then be processed and analysed to improve the performance of the UUV and enable future improvements.
