Waterproof Submersible Electrical Connectors
Waterproof connectors are built with harsh environments in mind. They help ensure that electrical equipment remains safe from moisture damage caused by rain, humidity or pressurised water used for cleaning.
Protecting electrical connections against water ingress is critical to ensuring their safety and reliability. There are several ways to do this, including using silicone sealants and epoxy resin.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone is a popular choice for sealing and adhering components to many types of surfaces. This is because it is typically heat-resistant, flexible and durable, and can be used in a variety of conditions, including wet environments. Silicone also has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it a great option for protecting electrical connections from water damage and short circuits.
There are many different silicone adhesives waterproof submersible electrical connectors and sealants on the market, each with a unique blend of flexibility, durability and resistance. They are normally categorised by what they are suitable for, which makes choosing the right product easy.
In addition to being waterproof, silicone is highly tolerant of extreme temperatures and UV exposure. It is also able to adhere well to a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, glass and rubber. It is also resistant to bacteria, which makes it ideal for use on medical devices and components.
When selecting the best waterproof silicone sealant, ensure that it has a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating. IP ratings are determined based on a variety of factors, including the ability to resist dust ingress and to withstand immersion in liquids. It is also essential to assess the resilience of the silicone against varying environmental conditions, including temperature changes and vibrations. A thorough testing protocol is recommended, including immersion tests and a pressure test.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resins are very strong, making them a good choice as an electrical sealant. They can hold up to moisture and most chemicals, and they’re great for bonding. They also have high tensile strength and compressive strength, which makes them ideal for use in structural applications. They’re also known for their resistance to oil and vapors, which is useful in chemical processing and storage applications.
These epoxies can be polymerized using UV-stimulated catalysts, thermal-triggered catalysts or even moisture-cured processes. They’re available as gels, liquids and solids, depending on the application. They often require a special mixing ratio for the resin and hardener, and they must be mixed together in the proper proportion to achieve the right results.
They’re used for a wide range of projects, including coating artwork, casting river tables and coating countertops. They’re also a popular option as an adhesive, and they can be used to repair or encapsulate materials like concrete, wood, glass and metal.
Many DIYers turn to epoxy resin for material repairs and maintenance. They’re an especially popular choice for repairing glass, ceramic and china. They’re also easy to use, and they offer quick adhesion with little wait time. It’s important to note that epoxy resins and their curing agents are considered primary skin irritants, so you should avoid contact with them whenever possible.
Waterproof Connection Boxes
A waterproof junction box is a great solution for outdoor electrical wiring. They come in various sizes and are made of a durable water-resistant material, such as polycarbonate plastic or aluminum. The boxes are also rust-resistant and stay looking brand new. They can hold a large amount of electrical wires and provide them with maximum protection from rain and other weather conditions.
Waterproof junction boxes can be used for permanent and temporary installations that require a high degree of protection against damp or water. They are perfect for use with marine deep cycle batteries and can also be installed on boats for connecting power to Swamp Eye LED lighting. These junction boxes are easy to install and do not need additional casings or resins. They can be plugged in or unscrewed with ease and feature a molded waterproof gasket to protect against ingress of water, dust, or dirt.
Waterproof NEMA connectors are available in a variety of shell styles, contact insert layouts, and wire gauge ratings. They offer a quick, secure bayonet coupling with tactile mating confirmation and IP68/69k protection when mated. They are ideal for harsh-environment applications including marine electronics, datacom/telecom infrastructure, industrial and medical equipment in washdown environments, and off-road vehicles. They are available from several manufacturers and include DIN rail and mounting accessories, terminal connections, crimp and solder connectors, and other components to create a custom solution for your project.
Waterproof Electrical Tape
Many harsh environmental conditions that involve electrical devices require waterproof connectors. This includes wet environments such as humidity, rain, snow, and pressurized water used for cleaning purposes. Electrical tapes and other adhesives can work in these environments if they’re rated for wet conditions, but they will degrade over time with exposure to water.
A more durable solution is a liquid electrical tape, which forms an extremely thick protective seal over stripped wire ends that are then spliced together. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes for easy identification of wiring connections, and it’s formulated to resist corrosion and chemical damage. It’s also resistant to heat, abrasion, and varying weather conditions.
Alternatively, you can use an IP68 waterproof cable connector to create a secure electrical connection in any wet environment. These waterproof connectors have a lift-and-lock lever terminal that requires no screws and makes it waterproof 3 way wire connector easy to insert and lock in your wires. They’re also crimpless and solderless, so they save you time and effort during the installation process.
Heilind Electronics offers waterproof connectors from TE Connectivity that provide space-saving, dust- and waterproof connections for wet-environment applications such as outdoor lighting, digital signage, parking garages, public transportation stations, commercial refrigeration equipment, and other wire-to-board or wire-to-wire applications. They feature a press-to-release spring latch that prevents accidental unmating and can be installed up to 80% faster than competitive waterproof connectors. They also offer a wide range of environmental protection features including individual-component and mated-connection IP67 dust- and waterproof sealing, shock and vibration resistance, and EMI/RFI suppression.
