Waterproof connectors are critical in a variety of outdoor and underwater applications, where they ensure the safe operation of electronic devices in wet or underwater environments. These connectors need to be designed to meet specific waterproofing  ratings such as IP67 or IP68, which define how well the connector protects against water and dust.

Globally recognised connector brands such as TE Connectivity, Amphenol, JST, Hirose and Molex offer RF connectors 

with waterproofing features to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

TE Connectivity's M12 series 

            TE Connectivity's M12 series connectors are popular in the industrial automation and medical device sectors for their compact size and excellent waterproof performance. These connectors feature a special sealing design to ensure reliability in underwater or high humidity environments.

            Amphenol's waterproof RF connectors, such as the SMA and N-type series, are well known for their use in marine and military communications. These connectors are designed with the corrosive nature of seawater in mind, using corrosion-resistant materials and sealing technology to provide long-term durability.

JST's waterproof connectors, such as the WJ series, are recognised for their wide range of applications in outdoor lighting and traffic signalling systems.JST's products incorporate multiple sealing mechanisms to ensure the connectors' stability in a wide range of harsh weather conditions.

           Hirose's waterproof RF connectors, such as the BMCA series, are popular for their use in mobile communication base stations. These connectors are designed with the transmission characteristics of high-frequency signals in mind, while providing excellent waterproof performance.

           Molex's waterproof connectors, such as the Micro-Fit 3.0 series, are recognised for their use in automotive and consumer electronics applications.Molex's products incorporate advanced injection moulding and sealing technologies to ensure the reliability of the connectors in underwater or high humidity environments.

            In waterproof connector terminology, the ‘seal’ is a key component that fills the gap between the connector and the cable, preventing the ingress of moisture and dirt. The ‘insertion and extraction force’ describes the force required to insert or remove the connector, which is essential to ensure the connector's mechanical stability and waterproof performance.

The ‘Ingress Protection Rating’ (IP rating) is an international standard that measures a connector's ability to withstand water and dust, e.g., IP67 and IP68 rated connectors can be submerged underwater or exposed to water for long periods of time without damage.

              Case 1: Industrial Robot

In the application of industrial robots, waterproof connectors are the key link to achieve efficient robot work. For example, DH series RJ45 signal connectors and HDMI data connectors are used for force sensing, torque control and real-time interaction with peripheral equipment and environment of the robot to ensure efficient and reliable transmission of signals and data.

Brand model example: DH series RJ45 signal connector, HDMI data connector

              Case 2: Outdoor security monitoring

In the outdoor security monitoring system, waterproof connectors are used for the transmission of data collected by monitoring equipment and power supply connection. Such as DH series optical fibre connectors and RJ45 connectors, HDMI connectors, and 4-core power connectors, together constitute a stable and reliable monitoring network.

               Through these examples of well-known brands, we can see the high standards of design, material selection, performance testing and environmental suitability of waterproof connectors. The use of specialised terms such as ‘sealing ring’, ‘insertion and extraction force’, ‘protection level’ and ‘corrosion resistance’ not only reflects the professionalism of the waterproof connector industry, but also helps equipment manufacturers and users to more accurately assess the performance of waterproof connectors. not only reflects the professionalism of the waterproof connector industry, but also helps equipment manufacturers and users to more accurately assess the performance and technical requirements of connectors.