Waterproof connectors: Sealed &protected for rugged applications, harsh environments | Global Sources

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

In permanent or temporary installations, waterproof connectors ensure stable performance of components and equipment in harsh environments, protecting them from damage from dust, moisture and liquid, including water and chemicals. They are used in outdoor LED lights, vehicles, ships, aircraft, medical, industrial and military equipment, and marine applications, including undersea exploration and data transmission.

These connectors offer varying degrees of protection, usually with a rating ranging from IP65 to IP68. Some are IP69K-rated, the highest standard, which means they can also endure jets of steam and high water pressure even at close range, as well as elevated temperatures of up to 80 C. These rugged connectors are typically used in heavy equipment and the food processing sector not only due to exposure to harsh elements but also for cleaning and sanitation purposes.

For buyers sourcing waterproof connectors, manufacturers in China offer comparatively high product reliability and stability but at prices lower than their foreign counterparts.

Shenzhen Indus-connector Ltd, one of the suppliers interviewed by Global Sources, markets M12 connectors that have an IP69K rating and are compliant with IEC 61076-2-101 standard. These units are available in versions with three, four, five, eight, 12 and 17 pins and rated current of up to 4A at 250V.

Shenzhen CNT, meanwhile, has IP68-rated CNTS connectors with a special structure that ensures fast locking and prevents false connection. Mainly designed for electric vehicles and automatic equipment, these products can withstand vibration of 10 to 2,000Hz at 196m/s2 acceleration and shock at 980m/s2, and have a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 105 C. They undergo 48-hour salt fog testing and can last up to 500 mating cycles.

The BD-24-3 waterproof connectors from Shenzhen Linco features a one-piece snap design, which won a Red Dot Design Award in 2021. This streamlined construction ensures solid connection, as well as fast plugging and unplugging. In IP65, IP67 and IP68 ratings, these M24 connectors are made of zinc alloy for enhanced corrosion and impact resistance. They have 500V rated voltage and 25A rated current, and meet CE, CQC, RoHS and UL standards.

Further R&D is being undertaken by Chinese suppliers to boost product competitiveness and take advantage of growing demand.

Globally, the connectors market rose by $15.264 billion in 2021, registering YoY growth of 24.3 percent, and reached $77.99 billion, according to Bishop & Associates. Key drivers are the telecom and datacom, automotive and industrial fields, consumer electronics, and computers and peripherals. This product category also performed well in China, increasing to $24.978 billion in 2021 from $20.184 billion the previous year.

In waterproof connectors, there is steady expansion thanks to rising demand in the automotive, LED lighting, industrial and military spheres. Many Chinese manufacturers in this subcategory have already seen sales rise by 10 to 15 percent in recent months compared to 2021, according to companies interviewed by Global Sources. They will continue to bolster production in 2023, confident of this upward trend. Shenzhen Indus-connector, for instance, did so by 10 percent in past months and will try to keep the momentum to meet rising demand domestically and overseas.

China is one of the largest production bases for waterproof connectors, with hundreds of suppliers that include global players Tyco, Molex and Amphenol, and large homegrown companies UTL and Top-Link. Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan are where many are based, with others in Changzhou, Suzhou, Ningbo, Yueqing, Xi’an and Chengdu.

Most Chinese manufacturers have a range of interconnects, including cable assemblies, and waterproof connectors account for 10 to 40 percent of their shipments. They export 20 to 80 percent of products mainly to Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region.