n the industrial environment, such as LED lighting, city outdoor lighting project, lighthouse, cruise ship, aviation, industrial equipment, cable, sprinkler and so on, all the water-proof power connectors are needed. In the military field, due to strict application requirements, a large number of waterproof connectors are used, such as submarine connectors, submarine missile connectors, etc.
At present, there are many brands and kinds of waterproof power connectors on the market, but in real sense, the waterproof power connector with excellent sealing performance and safe and reliable quality is still relatively small on the market. The main criterion for evaluating the waterproofing performance of waterproofing power connectors is based on the IP protection level. The protection level of outdoor connector should reach IP67 at least. The protective level of connectors for underwater use should reach IP68. Different types of connectors are selected according to the time and depth of the connector underwater.
The common environmental performance indexes of waterproofing power connectors include temperature resistance, moisture resistance, salt fog resistance, vibration resistance and impact resistance.
(1) temperature resistance.
The highest working temperature of the connector is 200oC (except for high temperature special connector), the lowest temperature is -65oC. As the connector is working, the current generates heat at the contact point, resulting in temperature rise. Therefore, it is generally considered that the working temperature should be equal to the ambient temperature plus the contact temperature.
(2) dampness.
The intrusion of moisture has great influence on the insulation performance of the connector and is easy to corrode metal parts. The condition of constant humidity and heat test is 95% relative humidity (up to 98% by product specification) and temperature +40 + 20oC. The test time is at least 96h according to the product requirements. The alternating humid heat test is more severe.
3. Salt resistant fog.
When the connector works in the environment of moisture and salt, the electroplating of the metal structure and contact surface of the connector produces electrochemical corrosion, which affects the physical and electrical properties of the connector. The salt spray test is to hang the connector in the temperature controlled test box, and spray the compressed air with the prescribed concentration of Sodium Chloride Solution to form the salt fog atmosphere. The exposure time is specified by the product specification, at least 48h.
4. Vibration and shock resistance.
Vibration and shock resistance are the important properties of electrical connectors, especially in the special application environment, such as aviation and space, railway and highway transportation. It is an important indicator of the robustness and electrical contact reliability of electrical connectors.
Other environmental performance.
In accordance with the requirements, the other environmental properties of the electrical connector are also sealed (air leakage, liquid pressure), liquid impregnation (resistance to specific liquids) and low pressure.
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