Many harsh environmental conditions that involve electrical connectors will, at some point, come in contact with moisture. Whether through humidity, rain, or snow, conductivity and potential corrosion are of significant concern for engineers. Fortunately, waterproof connectors on the market today are engineered to be rugged and durable in severe conditions where water exposure can cripple performance.
Waterproof connectors join electrical devices in wet environments by forming an extremely tight seal. These wet environments can include humidity, rain, snow, saltwater, and pressurized water used for purposes such as cleaning.
Common industrial connectors create a waterproof seal by compressing either a gasket or an o-ring (commonly made from a rubber material, like silicone) against the surface of either a panel or the mating connector. This compression creates a tight seal that prevents moisture from passing through the connectors themselves or the enclosure to which the connector could be mounted.
Rubber works exceptionally well in these applications because of its sealing integrity and electrical insulating properties.
Typical applications for waterproof connectors include outdoor systems, lighting, watercraft, and machinery. For example, there is a high demand for waterproof connectors in marine technology, where potential risks include saltwater vapor and submersion. Other industries include offshore oil exploration, data communication installations, transportation, and military equipment.
Waterproof connectors have a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating, including dust and water submersion resistance and protection from high-pressure water flow. Different IP-rated protection levels are based on operating conditions that involve exposure to dust, short- and long-term immersion in liquids, and exposure to high-temperature water or steam.
Selecting a connector with the correct IP rating is extremely important: if connectors are incorrectly specified, water and debris can disrupt critical signals, corrode contacts, or damage equipment. The aftermath of such issues can lead to many problems and usually requires replacing electrical components.
IP ratings have two digits: the first digit (0 through 6) represents the solids rating, while the second digit (0 through 8 and 9k) is the liquids rating. Most waterproof connectors are rated either IP67 or IP68, which means they are dust-tight and protected against 30 minutes of submersion in water at either 1 m or 1.5 m, respectively. PEI-Genesis recommends working with your local PEI Sales Representative to determine the correct IP Rating for your application. For further information, please contact techsupport@peigenesis.com.
Several effective waterproof electrical connectors on the market today are produced by industry-leading manufacturers like Souriau by Eaton, Amphenol, and LEMO.
TRIM TRIO® connectors are designed for demanding applications in harsh industrial environments and are available in plastic, circular, metal circular, high mating cycle, mixed power/signal, and plastic rectangular styles. All connectors in the TRIM TRIO® series use the same design of contacts, simplifying your supply chain and reducing the complexity of production.
Souriau UTL, UTS, and UTO TRIM TRIO® Series' are all IP68/IP69 rated, making them susceptible to water. Each series offers its own benefits and features to support various industrial applications, including automation and control, stage lighting, energy, off-road, mining, and railway.
Amphenol Air LB VG95234 circular waterproof connectors are power and signal connectors compliant with the VG95234 German military standard. They are similar to MIL-DTL-5015 connectors and work well in military, industrial, and transportation designs.
In addition to sealing against fluids, Amphenol VG95234 waterproof connectors also offer excellent vibration protection to further ensure the integrity of connections through reverse bayonet coupling. They are designed for easy locking and unlocking and utilize large solder contacts ranging from 0 to 16.
The LEMO K-Series offers an IP68 rated connector solution with push-pull latching explicitly designed for harsh outdoor environments. They are used in various medical, industrial control, military, and aerospace applications.
The LEMO K Series has an operating temperature range of -55°C to +200°C and are available in 2 to 64 contacts in high-density arrangements, which are ideal for highly space-constrained applications. PEI-Genesis custom assembles the K-Series from components which means thousands of different solutions can be developed.
Whether you are looking for a rugged push-pull IP68 connector for a testing laboratory or a waterproof connector intended for use in industrial environments, PEI-Genesis has the solutions you need. Our massive inventory and knowledgeable connector experts can ensure you have a connector solution to meet your design specifications and constraints.