DS-AUG26-PG54+55_Layout 1 30/07/2026 11:52 Page 2
55thanniversary
electrical & electronics
ronmental sealing: onneCtor proteCtion
through IP ratings. IP66 indicates protection against powerful water jets, IP67 and IP68 relate to immersion under defined conditions, and IP69K indicates protection against high pressure, high temperature washdown.1,3
These ratings
allow engineers to select a connector according to the conditions it is expected to face, rather than relying on broad assumptions about what constitutes a ‘harsh’ environment.
Building reliaBility into connector design Reliable connector design depends on matching the sealing method to the demands of the application. In many cases, environmental sealing offers the most practical balance of protection, durability and cost. It safeguards electrical contacts from moisture and dust ingress, ensures long-term operation and avoids the additional complexity of hermetic sealing where it is not needed. However, in high- precision pressurised environments, nothing short of hermetic sealing will do. Understanding
the difference between hermetic and environmental sealing allows engineers to make more precise specification decisions. Choosing protection that reflects the true operating conditions will ultimately reduce risk, control cost
and ensure that each connection performs reliably throughout its intended service life.
Bulgin
www.bulgin.com
“Reliable connector design depends on matching the sealing method to the
demands of the application”
References 1
Tristan Stubbs . International Electrotechnical Commission. (n.d.). Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Accessed online 6 June 2026.
. ASTM International. (2022). ASTM E498/E498M-11(2022): Standard Practice for Leaks Using the Mass Spectrometer Leak Detector or Residual Gas Analyzer in the Tracer Probe Mode. Accessed online 11 June 2026.
https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings 2
. International Electrotechnical Commission. (2017). IEC 60068-2-18:2017 Environmental testing – Part 2-18: Tests – Test R and guidance: Water
https://www.astm.org/e0498_e0498m-11r22.html 3
. Accessed online 6 June 2026.
https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/29728
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For more information, visit
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JUlY/aUgUst 2026 DesiGn sOLUtiOns 1971-2026 55
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