Types of Waterproof Plug and Socket Connector

Power cable connectors are an essential component of the wiring harness. Depending on their assembly method, materials and electrical properties, they can be classified as different types.

More advanced outlets frequently incorporate a reset circuit called a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI). These prevent dangerous shocks by detecting an uneven current and shutting off the outlet.

What is a connector?

A connector is a key component that serves as an electrical current or signal connection. Connectors can be large like aircraft and rockets or small such as inkjet printers and mobile phones. They come in a variety of forms and sizes, but all connectors have the same basic design: they form bridges between circuits or other components.

A waterproof plug and socket connector is a type of connector that allows electricity to pass through it, ensuring the device is safe from water. It also protects the cable from damage or short circuits. This type of connector is a common choice for outdoor use.

A waterproof connector can be a terminal block, molded cable connector or even metal connector. Terminal blocks, for example, allow individual wires to be connected to a printed circuit board without having to be spliced or physically joined. They are available in a range of configurations and accept waterproof plug and socket connector a number of different wire sizes and terminal quantities. They can be either permanent, as with a chassis connector, or removable, as with a jack connector.

Types of connectors

There are a number of different types of connectors, each optimized for a specific purpose. They all feature a housing, also known as a plug or socket that holds the terminals. Often this is made of an insulating material to protect the terminals from damage and corrosion. Some housings are permanently fixed to a device, while others can be undone and reconnected.

Waterproof plug and socket connectors are used in a range of applications including indoor and outdoor lighting, LED screens, audio visual equipment, industrial and testing machines. They can be connected to either power or signal circuits.

The waterproofness of a connector depends on the size of the connection holes in the connector and in the wire insulation. The diameters of these should be closely matched so that liquid cannot enter. This is usually achieved by using soft rubber parts that can fill the gap between the wire insulation and the inner connector hole. These are then plugged with a blind plug to prevent liquid from entering. The spliced wire is then covered with a waterproof tape to provide further protection.

Plating

There are a variety of different plating options for waterproof plugs and socket connectors. These can include nickel, zinc, and silver. These materials can help protect the wire from corrosion and ensure that it stays watertight in harsh environments. They also offer high resistance to abrasion and vibration.

The selection and application of sealing plugs in the car wiring harness assembly process directly affects the quality of the wiring harness, especially the waterproof performance. The size of the sealing plug, the inner diameter of the connector hole, and the outer diameter of the wire insulation should be closely matched.

The power cable connector, related to the power plug, is used for outdoor power supply traction and indoor lighting wiring. The waterproof connector can prevent the circuit seepage. The design of the power connector is usually male, except rare usage of female connector for special purpose.

Rear potting

The back of a connector is sealed using a liquid epoxy compound which hardens to form a solid in-fill or barrier. This process is commonly known as back-potting, and it is particularly common in cable connectors. This can provide additional strain relief to the contacts and cables, by preventing them from being pulled on at an angle which could damage or loosen them.

Back-potting is normally done on a fully assembled connector, but it can also be applied to a completed hood or backshell. A temporary wall may be created around the rear of the connector to retain the back-potting whilst it sets, and this can be as simple as masking tape.

The potting compound is mixed to the manufacturer’s specifications, often by dispensing through a nozzle onto the connector assembly. The assembly is then placed somewhere safe while the potting compound sets. If necessary, heat can be used to speed up the curing process. Once set, the protective layer provides a permanent seal which prevents water from entering the back of a panel mount connector.

Hybrid connectors

A range of specialised hybrid connectors offer the benefits waterproof light socket of power and fibre optic capability on one cable connection, maximising high quality data transfer whilst reducing size and weight on a vehicle design. This is particularly important on vehicles where electrical noise could compromise the performance of a high band width data communication system.

Hybrid connectors can connect multiple electrical and fluid/gas lines with a single connector assembly, simplifying the user interface and improving device functionality and durability. This makes them a great choice for medical devices, UAV applications, oil & gas equipment, and transportation systems.

When selecting waterproof plugs and sockets, the size of the wire insulation and connector hole should be closely matched to prevent liquid leakage. It is also important to wrap the connections with a layer of waterproof tape, and to seal any cracks or openings in the housing with silicone sealant. This will protect the connectors and wires from water, dust, and other contaminants. It will also increase the life of the connectors by protecting them from environmental damage.