FEATURE CABLES & CONNECTORS WATERPROOF SOLUTIONS
Andy Hatter from Hylec-APL looks at how selecting the right waterproof connector system not only keeps
electrical systems functioning but can help provide years of maintenance- and trouble-free service
E
lectrical installations need protecting from the elements, with few
applications providing more challenges than those that need to be waterproof. Waterproof connectors, for example, often protect the most vital functions within a system; and where environmental aspects can be variable, it’s sensible to opt for a specification to suit the worst case scenario the installation is likely to encounter. Connectors designated IP68 are
suitable for continuous immersion in water, generally up to a depth of 1m or more, with no ingress of harmful moisture. Successful in a wide variety of applications, the Tee range of waterproof products from Hylec is re- useable as it does not require gel and accommodates a wide range of cable sizes. In addition, TeeTube connectors have a screw clamp termination that removes the need for bespoke tooling. So let’s take a look at some
applications where the Tee range has proven its reliability.
FLOOD PREVENTION IP68 TeePlug connectors play an important part in flood prevention around the towns of Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead. At Taplow Weir, located at the head of the man-made Jubilee River which diverts water away from the Thames and prevents flooding, three sluice gates control water levels, increasing the flow during heavy prolonged rainfall.
Transducers are used to monitor the position of the gate rams and any failures need to be repaired as quickly as possible. To assist routine maintenance at the weir, the decision was made to upgrade the transducers with TeePlug inline plug and socket connectors. Now, maintenance teams can quickly connect and disconnect transducers for testing. This means that the weir can be monitored at all times and ensures that the surrounding towns are protected from flooding. Of benefit here, not only is the TeePlug TH384 series compact and quick to install, while offering IP68 protection but, unlike many waterproof
18 SEPTEMBER 2016 | INSTRUMENTATION
sealing forms part of the external housing and can be directly screwed to the connector’s entry points, so no secondary housing is required. The range is very comprehensive and
includes straight through, T splitter and Y splitter models for two and three cable entry in a variety of sizes. There are also dual terminal versions available for easy fitting and looping of conductors (2+2 and 3+3pole). Standard Series TTK20 TeeTubes have a diameter of 26.5mm for cables of between 5mm and 13 mm and suit 32A max current. For really tight spaces, there are Micro TeeTubes which are a mere 23mm in diameter, while larger cables between 8mm and 17mm diameter can be accommodated in the slightly larger 32mm diameter TTK25 Series.
For flood prevention, transducers are used to monitor the position of the gate rams. To assist routine maintenance at Taplow weir, the decision was made to upgrade the transducers with TeePlug inline plug and socket connectors
connectors, it uses a simple cable gland design to facilitate quick wire entry that is completely water-tight. Ten units were ordered for use at the weir and they have been used successfully since the initial installation. Other TeePlug Series are available,
including panel mounting versions; and, where space is tight, IP68-rated Micro TeePlugs (TH387 Series) that measure just 23mm across by 52mm long.
ROAD SAFETY In another application, Dawes Highway Safety needed waterproof connectors for DawesGuard, a safety curtain that attaches to heavy vehicles and prevents cyclists or pedestrians getting caught under and run over by the rear wheels. This needs to operate with 100% reliability despite the harsh environmental conditions faced beneath vehicles. So, the electrical components used need to be completely protected from fluid ingress – not only from standing water but also from heavy hosing down. Here, three TeeTube connectors are used in each DawesGuard to extend the vehicle wiring harness into the safety system. They ensure vital electrical connections remain waterproof and maintain system integrity and reliability. TeeTube connectors were selected as
they provide a completely water-tight seal to IP68 at up to 5bar. In addition to being exceptionally hardwearing and robust, these have a space-saving design - the terminal block with secure
KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON Let’s move on to the Cannes Film Festival. Team Air Express transports and fabricates equipment at the Festival for a number of UK-based international film agents. Often, the seafront apartments are converted into offices during the festival period and large advertising displays which are lit up at night are set up on the terraces. Team Air Express designs and builds the lighting rigs, transports them to the event and then has a tight time frame of a few days in which to install them. The project is quite challenging as
some displays need up to 20 individual spotlights, they all have to run from domestic sockets and the rigs have to withstand heavy rain. So, Team Air Express used a product
from the Teebox TH630/TH361 series, which features a one in, two out, T design, perfect for daisy-chaining multiple lights from a single power source. Rated to IP68, the compact Teebox distribution connector is extremely compact and quick to install. Cable entry points on each connector are protected thanks to a dome-topped cable gland with high integrity TPE-V seals. Each connector is keyway protected and has a double O ring seal, features that prevent incorrect connector assembly to the hub and ensure the IP rating once the locking ring is securely closed. The connectors improved the aesthetics of the lighting rigs, but also helped to reduce the volume of material during transportation. They can also be re-used.
Hylec-APL
www.hylec-apl.com
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