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Understanding Waterproof Connectors for Harsh Environments

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. Get more news about Waterproof Connector,you can vist our website!

What Are Waterproof Connectors?
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.

IP Ratings for Waterproof Connectors
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.