Everything You Should Know About Underwater Connectors

Underwater connectors refer to something that can connect underwater passages and equipment to forge a pressure-sealing system. It is a vital component of the underwater connection system, considering its multidisciplinary features in design and manufacture.

The underwater connector is made to endure various levels of water infiltration as well as other environmental factors, including high salinity levels and subfreezing temperatures. They are graded according to the IEC standard 60529 or European standard 60529 Ingress Protection Code (IP Code) scale.

The Market for Waterproof Connectors is Vast and Growing

For usage in harsh environment applications, a wide range of underwater connectors are available, from consumer goods subjected to rough use to medical technology, infrastructural technologies, and industrial equipment exposed to cleaning procedures or environmental conditions. A specific market niche is occupied by connectors made for subsea and underwater applications.

There are many more needs for underwater connectors than just watertight connectivity. These specialized connectivity solutions are designed to withstand harsh circumstances, including galvanic corrosion, 300 atmospheres of pressure, and subfreezing temperatures.

The development of subsea operations, or the “blue economy,” will depend heavily on underwater connectors. Military equipment, Datacom infrastructure, and offshore oil and gas exploration are some markets where undersea power connectors are used.

These applications require waterproof underwater connectors with various cutting-edge characteristics, including rubber over molding, inductive coupling, fluid-filled chambers, and rigid or bulkhead shells. Frequently, they are hermetically sealed.

l Underwater connector: Effective data transfer

• Data transfer at high speeds and multi-protocol control
• Signal integrity with a non-magnetic locking mechanism and 360° EMC shielding
• Plug-and-play technology enables quick device installation and simple, secure data & power transmission
• Operating depth tested to 60 bar at 300 m/1,000ft (870 PSI)

l Ultra-rugged and portable solutions

• Extreme sealing grades, hermeticity, and pressure resistance for preventing water infiltration
• Corrosion protection appropriate for situations with salt and water
• Up to 10,000 mating cycles and mechanical endurance with securely locked connections
• Reducing the size and weight of equipment
• Choices that are specific to tethered or untethered UUVs

Typical Applications of Underwater Connector

• Unmanned underwater vehicles

In order to communicate data from sonar, sensors, and HD video back to the surface in deep-sea conditions down to 300 m (1000ft), autonomous underwater vehicles need tough, dependable connectivity with secure locking.

• Underwater scientific instrumentation

Small, tethered, or untethered unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are used for inspection duties requiring reliable, compact connectivity solutions that allow for precise connector alignments. Diver-held equipment includes lightweight underwater connectors and cables that enable quick and secure connections as well as simple mating, such as dive computers, diving GPS, ultrasonic thickness gauges, and photo and video systems for scientific investigation. Underwater connectors also play a critical role in the following aspects:

1. Lighting (external and internal)
2. Industrial equipment
3. Sea transport
4. Underwater devices

Therefore, to maintain successful underwater work, choosing a reliable underwater connector is necessary. Now the question turns to who can offer waterproof electrical connectors with top-end quality?

Why Should You Choose WEIPU Connectors?

As the world’s leading connector provider, WEIPU is able to provide top-notch underwater connectors for liquid-related industries. SP series is the most popular among the connectors they provide.

Typically, WEIPU connectors come with excellent features designed to bear harsh indoor and outdoor environments. Its shell is made of PC, Nylon66, possessing impeccable fire-resistant features. Moreover, the waterproof electrical connector contact material has brass with gold plating. Its capability to endure extreme weather is another important feature.

Such connectors are widely used in underwater and surface equipment of water vessels and motor vehicles, as well as for various equipment that works underwater, in high humidity conditions, or chemically active environments. Generally, they are suitable for connecting electrical construction equipment and power tools, machine tools, and other industrial equipment. Here are the more detailed features of the WEIPU SP series:

1. salt spray test passed
2. made of materials that are more resilient than PA
3. high endurance of the extreme temperatures: from -40°C to 85°C

Conclusion

The choice of connectors for connecting systems is one of the most important tasks in the development of a particular device. WEIPU underwater connector provides a reliable connection in harsh operating conditions. The connectors are designed for use in the sea and freshwater.

For more information about WEIPU and their reliable underwater connectors, please visit their website.