Interconnection Waterproof industrial connectors By David Phillips, managing director, binder UK
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rotecting electromechanical interfaces against liquids is one of the basic requirements for industrial electronics in automation and process technology. However, the term ‘waterproof’ is a matter of interpretation. Depending on the respective application, for electrical connection technology, different degrees of resistance to liquids are required. Waterproof: the colloquial term suggests the total resistance of an object to the effects of humidity – for example in the form of fog or rain – and to immersion in liquids. However, it is already known from everyday experience that there is usually only relative protection, for example of a watch, a camera or a smartphone, whose specifications only permit submersion to a limited depth or a maximum hydrostatic pressure. For users of industrial electrical connectivity products, it is obvious to transfer this experience to the application scenarios for connectors, for example in process technology. Protection of the interfaces against liquids is an essential requirement here, both from a functional and a safety point of view.
30 March 2023
In the world of process technology, the protection of electromechanical connections against humidity and water is an essential requirement.
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In order to ensure the tightness of the overall electromechanical system, connectors are of particular importance in industrial electronics. On the one hand, they must be able to be plugged and unplugged several times; on the other hand, depending on the particular application, the connection must reliably prevent the ingress of liquid media when plugged in.
The degree of resistance required – and thus the correct interpretation of the attribute ‘waterproof’ – is inseparably linked to the circumstances of the application in question: While connectors are not in direct contact
Components in Electronics
with humidity in many automation tasks, there are special applications where they are exposed to splash water or even have to withstand temporary submersion. Particularly in hygienically demanding environments, connectors may be treated under high pressure for cleaning purposes. In such cases, special design considerations are essential to ensure reliable signal and power transmission.
Standardised labelling: protection degree and IP code
The degree of resistance to humidity and liquids is indicated in the product data sheets
of the connector manufacturers. The relevant technical specification refers to the so-called protection degree; it determines under which environmental influences – physical touch as well as ingress of particles and water – the respective connector can be used. In accordance with the DIN EN 60529 and ISO 20653 standards, the protection degree is specified by means of an IP code (International Protection), which for connectors is generally valid only when these are mated. The above examples therefore correspond to the protection degrees IP67 – protection against temporary immersion – and IP68/69K – protection against permanent immersion or exposure to high pressure. Since the standards do not define criteria such as ‘temporary’ or ‘permanent’ in a clear and mandatory manner, it is advisable for manufacturers to provide more precise information in practice.
In practice, insufficient knowledge of DIN
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