Types of Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors
Electrical connections must withstand harsh environments, such as rain and saltwater. This is why waterproof connectors are so important.
Newark, An Avnet Company, stocks a variety of waterproof wire connectors that are easy to install and hold up to moisture. These products are ideal for marine electronics, datacom/telecom infrastructure, and more.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealants are an extremely versatile adhesive that can be used in a variety of applications. They are typically used for home repairs, maintenance, construction sealing and adhesion, glass and plastic bonding in craft or pet projects (such as aquarium and terrarium seals) and manufacturing or production waterproof submersible electrical connectors uses across a wide range of products including electrical appliances, automobiles, and more.
Silicone has good electrical insulating properties and is resistant to water, so it can be used for waterproofing electrical connectors. This will help prevent corrosion and reduce the risk of electrical shock. Adequate insulation and protection of electrical connections will also ensure their reliability.
There are several types of silicone sealants available for waterproofing electrical connectors. Some have a gel-like consistency that cures to a tough rubber-like material. This allows them to withstand moisture, heat, and other harsh environmental conditions. They can be purchased in small squeeze tubes or in large cartridges suitable for inserting into a caulking gun.
If you want to use a silicone sealant for waterproofing electrical connectors, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and curing times. Some silicone sealants can dry to the touch in 30 minutes, but others may take 24 hours or more to fully cure. If you’re not sure which type of silicone sealant to use, consult an expert or an electrician.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a thick, durable polymer that is widely used for bonding, coating, and sealing. It has many valuable properties, including water resistance and heat resistance. It can also be infused with conductive materials to allow it to carry electrical currents. It can be used to create a waterproof seal around electrical connectors to protect them from moisture and water ingress.
There are several different types of epoxy resins, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, fast-setting epoxies are designed to cure quickly and are ideal for projects that require a short working time. These epoxies typically have a lower viscosity and are ideal for coating tumblers, filling voids in river tables, and other applications that require quick results.
Rubber modified epoxies have finely ground elastomer particles that improve toughness and shock capacity. These epoxies are often used for connecting and bonding electrical components in dynamic systems.
Another type of epoxy resin is Loctite metal/concrete adhesive, which is specially formulated to bond concrete and metal surfaces. It is water-resistant and has high tensile strength, compressive strength, and impact resistance. It also contains a UV stabilizer to protect the bonding surface from discoloration and deterioration over time. It is important to follow proper handling procedures and safety precautions when using epoxy resin. It can be hazardous if not properly handled and should only be used in well-ventilated areas with protective equipment, such as nitrile gloves, plastic apron, and safety goggles.
Heat Shrink Tubing
Designed for insulating wires and providing moisture resistance, heat shrink tubing comes in a variety of sizes and colours. Usually made of polyolefin, it features an outer layer that expands as it shrinks and an inner lining of adhesive. Once heated, the lining melts and bonds with the surface of the cable, creating a waterproof and moisture-resistant seal.
It’s important to consider the specific electrical requirements of your project before choosing a particular tubing size. To do this, make sure you carefully measure the largest and smallest areas that the sleeve must fit over. If your measurements are not circular, use a non-circular diameter calculator to convert the perimeter into a radius for searching spec sheets and finding an appropriate tubing diameter.
Insulation is essential to protecting your cabling from electrical shock. It also prevents abrasion and corrosion caused by contact with other materials, including water. This makes it ideal for electrical applications in outdoor environments.
To insulate your electrical connectors, simply slide the heat-shrinkable tubing from a splice kit over the connections and apply heat to ensure it covers and protects them. It’s also important to use high-temperature terminals that can withstand elevated temperatures. These are a good choice for connecting wires in hot environments like industrial ovens and automotive engine compartments. They’re also easier to work with than conventional metal-based crimp connectors.
NiobiCon
We’re taught at a young age that electricity and water don’t mix. Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped people from putting wires in the ocean and connecting them to electronics that need power. This is where a new type of waterproof connector comes in handy.
Developed by engineers at Northrop Grumman, the new technology lets electrical currents be connected in wet and corrosive environments without corroding or risking shock to people handling them. The secret is an oft-overlooked element on the periodic table. It’s niobium, element number 41.
When exposed to water, niobium “grows” an extraordinarily thin, self-insulating passive film of approximately 150 nanometers on its transition metal waterproof 3 way wire connector contacts. The film prevents electricity from escaping into the water and keeps the contacts corrosion-free. When the mated connector halves are separated, the small areas where this film has been displaced re-form within milliseconds.
As a result, the connector doesn’t need seals or oil. It also doesn’t need to be mated and unmated under power, meaning it can withstand the rigors of deep sea applications with no limitations on depth, operating temperature or mating cycles. This means it can be used for anything from recharging an unmanned underwater vehicle’s batteries to passing high-definition video across a network of sensors in the ocean. It’s an improvement over existing technologies that use elastomers or dielectric bladders as insulation and have limited mating cycles.
