Outdoor or wet indoor environments can destroy electronic equipment. The ubiquitous HD15 VGA dsub connector was never intended to withstand contaminants such as water and dust, but client demand for A/V everywhere is carrying such connectors into less tolerant environments. So what connectors can you use for installations in saunas, wet rooms, indoor poolsides, bathrooms, outdoor CCTV and security systems or even super yachts ~ where anything from moisture through to water deluge might be encountered?
In the Home Install world, waterproofing of components is arguably the first major add-on to the existing features of an indoor interconnect and it it’s clear that most installers don’t want to reinvent interconnects, they want manufacturers to adapt products that they’re already well used to.
Weather-protected, weather-resistant, weatherproof, all-weather, water-resistant, and waterproof. For the systems integrator are these terms interchangeable – or confusing?
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) code can be used to interpret. The ingress protection (or IP) code defined in IEC’s international standard 60529 classifies the level of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, water, and accidental contact. The first digit of an IEC IP rating indicates the level of protection the enclosure (connector) provides against access to hazardous parts and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second indicates equipment protection levels inside the enclosure against harmful water ingression. Breaking down an IP67 rating then, the “6” indicates total protection against dust ingress and complete protection against electrical contact. The “7” means protection against the effect of immersion between 15cm and 1metre: whilst IP68 and 69 connectors can offer protection against longer periods of immersion under pressure ~ of course this is always dependant upon proper installation following manufacturer’s guidelines, but even then we’re not talking continuous immersion at any great depth, although the UTS Hi seal connector is claimed to ensure stable characteristics on immersion at a depth of 10m and during high-pressure cleaning at up to 140 bar.
To achieve IP67 or higher most protected connector designs work on the same principle as the waterproof D-sub connector where the aim has been to reduce the number of components that make up the connector, hence remove all possible leakage paths, and manufacturers have generally added a mounting plate with a silicone O-ring to create a watertight seal at the panel interface and back potted screw machined contacts to prevent water ingress through the connector body.
https://www.in2connect.uk.com/waterproof-d-connector-ip67
The use of USB, FireWire and HDMI connectors has grown considerably and is no longer limited to just the home entertainment market. These interfaces are being found more and more in audio systems that require computer-based equipment, such as super yachts and commercial shipping. Entertainment systems on the external decks are one of the greatest sound and lighting challenges on a boat. To offer suitable water resistant solutions connector manufacturers have extended their offerings to encompass D-Subs, RJ45 for Ethernet, USB 2.0, M12 Circular Sensor and Actuator connectors, Fibre Optic LC (ODVA), Firewire and HDMI. Applications will include indoor and outdoor on board cinema, IT, communication, security, lighting and automation systems on luxury motor boats, sailing ships and super yachts; onboard waterproof TVs or on board digital signage and advertising systems for cruise ships, ferries and public service vessels.
Basically the discerning yacht owner wants to be as connected at sea as they are in their office so given the huge expense of cabling large yachts and cruise liners, optical fibre cable with its inherent EMC resistance and super wide bandwidth (hence future proofing) is increasingly being used. Conec’s IP protected dual LC interface is ideal for use in deck or bridge situations. The IP67-rated LC product family features a 1/6th turn bayonet coupling for fast and secure mate/unmate, even with gloved hands. To optimize chemical resistance, UV resistance, and tolerance to physical abuse, In2Connect offer these connectors in two different housing materials: black plastic and nickel-plated, zinc die-cast. All connectors are duplex LC type, in single-mode, multi-mode, and APC types. The product line includes panel-mounted receptacles, mating plugs, and protective caps. Pre-assembled jumper cables including cables suitable for outdoor use and direct burial, in standard lengths from 1 metre to 300 metres are also available.
https://www.in2connect.uk.com/fibre_optic_lc_ip67.html
