Is there a 'standard' for outdoor IP67/68 connectors? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: philbx1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2011, 08:09:24 am
content: Hi all,I've built up a few solar projects recently, and have (to borrow the funny saying)'the full 6-pack, but lack the plastic thingy to hold it all together' :-)What I mean is that I don't yet have a 'standard' connector for panels, batteries etc.and am wondering which way to go. These connectors would have to be fairly good at handlingwater, dust and UV rays.A few options:1. Solar panel connectors. Good, but not cheap. Also I may need a special 'crimper'?Also $7.50 for each side BTW2. DIN type 'AMPHENOL' connectors - expensive also, and not for higher currents.3. IP67/68 rated 2.5mm DC plugs (with screw-on covers) - Maybe not UV capable though (again, low current).4. 'Merit' - New ciggie plug standard for cars.5. Special Automotive connectors like Jaycar PP2110Ideally also able to handle up to 20 amps as I'm looking at bigger solar panels in future.Also, I'd probably need to bring the battery inside to 'top it up' with a SLA charger sometimes- therefore my need for a common connection type.Any good ideas on a 'standard' I should use guys?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2011, 08:33:57 am
content: You get what you pay for.Making something reliable outdoors is a hard problem due to the combination of water, UV, icing and a wide temperature range, so if you want it to last for years, improvising is false economy. More so where there is a significant cost involved in accessing and replacing failed parts.There's a reason they make connectors specifically for solar applications.

author: ngkee22
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2011, 07:18:10 pm
content: You might try Deutsch Connectors by Ladd, inc. They worked well for keeping water out, but they are more expensive. But when I need to make a connection that is important, I always went with them. I have seen very few issues with their products. You could also go with Amphenol. They are more mil-spec, so they will cost you more too.

author: DaveW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2011, 08:18:35 pm
content: Deutch 38999 Series 3 connectors every time! Or if price matters, the Lumberg IP68 connectors are good, have had good results with them in salt fog environments, underwater, although low current.Ideal for you though I think would be waterproof Anderson PowerPole connectorshttp://www.andersonpower.com/products/spec-pak-connectors.htmlYou can put up to 30A per contact through them, but if that isn't enough, you can parallel several connectors

author: philbx1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2011, 08:12:19 am
content: Hey thanks guys for the good info. Much appreciated.And yes, the Deutsch connectors look very 'military-spec' ngkee22. I think I've seenthe high pin count ones things like racing car steering wheel connections.I wasn't aware there were waterproof Anderson connectors though, and thanks for the tip DaveW.I'll probably go with them.Again, thanks much.

author: haxby
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2011, 11:22:15 am
content: Rockby has a 20A 2 pin male and female set of connectors for $5 at the moment.These are similar to many modern automotive connectors making their way into japanese cars and motorbikes, so they look good for the job.There is a waterproof grommet for the plug, and each cable entry point has a waterproof sleeve. I have used plugs similar to these on a motorbike and I have found the quality of these connectors to be superb. But I have not tried the Rockby ones specifically.http://www.rockby.com.au/Rockby/Mailer/WEEKE167_3.htm(towards the middle of the page)

author: ngkee22
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2011, 12:57:11 pm
content: There is a waterproof grommet for the plug, and each cable entry point has a waterproof sleeve. I have used plugs similar to these on a motorbike and I have found the quality of these connectors to be superb. But I have not tried the Rockby ones specifically.Deutsch and several others have this option depending on the connector. There are cavity plugs for any unused terminal locations. Deutsch uses a rubber seal on the entry of the terminal that seals around the wires, if you use the correct wire size. Others like Delphi and Tyco, have wire seals to seal around the wires.It depends a lot on what manufacture you go with, you may need to buy the connector, terminals, cavity plugs, and wire seals. In some cases, there are even additional locking feature parts that must be added to the connector shell to secure all of these parts.Here are the manufactures I can think of that offer sealed connectors that I have used.Deutsch, Delphi, Tyco, Amphenol, ITT Cannon. If I remember right, Amp has an issue with terminals being current overrated so that can't carry the current they are saying and it is melting the connectors. Might want to stay clear of them for a little while.

author: philbx1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2011, 11:11:40 am
content: Quote from: haxby on May 22, 2011, 11:22:15 amHey, excellent find haxby. I went to the Rockby site before posting my messageand it's not the best shopping setup I must say, thus didn't find them.At least the prices make up for it!Also went to ozautoelectrics.com who had the 'genuine' (maybe extra sticker) Narva ones on specialfor $9.00 - Jaycar also have them at $7.50Tried to order some plus a few other things from Rockby, but their shopping cart broke!Oh well, will try again.Thanks much for the suggestion.

author: philbx1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2011, 09:27:38 am
content: Hey all, me again.Now that I've found these great connectors thank to haxby it seemsI'm still at a loss - given that there seems to be no info on the net (nor from Rockby)about the 'standard' way these actually connect.I would have thought that the 'female' side of the connector would hold the femalecrimp connector, but on visiting the local auto-electrician, he says it's female in the male side.Of course it may be alternating opposites, and if so, which way?Here's an image thinking that this is the way to go.Maybe it's totally wrong, but who knows...

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2011, 09:40:58 am
content: Many connectors are designed to take male or female pins in either end, so you can create your own unique combinations to avoid mis-mating if you have different functions on different connectors.