Connector Care and Handling

Connectors should be handled with care and inspected and cleaned regularly. Always follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for connector care. The following general guidelines are provided to help extend the life of the connectors.

1. Apply a light coating of silicone lubricant before connecting to its mate (unless the connector has explicit instructions to the contrary)
2. Do not allow dirt or debris to get into the female sockets.
3. Do not allow the male pins to suffer from abrasion.
4. Make sure the connector is clean before mating. Do not use an abrasive cleaner.
5. Make sure the connector is dry before mating unless the connector is designed to be wet mate-able or rated to be connected underwater.
6. Make sure to align the pins with sockets carefully to prevent damage while mating.
7. Make sure any sealing O-rings are in good condition and installed properly.
8. Make sure the connection is completely sealed when connected.
9. Use the connector locking devices when they are supplied for the connector.
10. Use the appropriate strain relief if applicable for the connection and make sure the strain relief is connected properly to ensure there is no strain on the connector.
11. For underwater connectors, rinse the connector in fresh water any time is has been disconnected from its mate.
12. Periodically, disconnect the connector and inspect each side for corrosion or damage and inspect the sealing surfaces or O-rings.

Specific Instructions from the Manufacturer for IE55 Connectors (used on the BluePrint Sonar, Manipulators, USBL)

1. Lubricate mating surfaces with 3M Silicone Lubricant or equivalent.
2. DO NOT GREASE! Connectors must be lubricated on a regular basis.
3. Lubricate o-rings with Dow Corning #111 Valve Lubricant or equivalent
4. Use dust caps and keep connectors clean to prevent damage in storage and service.
5. Keep o-ring grooves clean and avoid cuts, nicks and tears on rubber surfaces
6. Elastomers can be seriously degraded if exposed to direct sunlight or high ozone levels for extended periods of time.
7. Clean plugs and receptacles with soap and fresh water.
8. Rinse out with alcohol, allowing connector to air dry.
9. Replace o-rings when re-using connectors.

Connectors on Potted Modules

VideoRay Mission Specialist Systems contain a variety of module that are potted with a soft epoxy. Although these soft epoxy potted modules are durable enough to withstand pressures at a 1km depth, it is important to avoid twisting and turning of the connectors which are potted directly into the module as it could cause the internal components of the module to shift and lift the epoxy.

Modules with potted connectors, include the Mission Specialist (MS) Defender Communications Module, MS Defender Power Module, and MS Pro 5 Power/Communications Module.

Proper Connector Greasing/Lubrication

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the correct use of your 5, 8, and 9-pin connectors.

• Connectors must be greased with Molykote 44 Mediumbefore every mating
• Always grease O-rings on BH, BCR and FCR connectors with Molykote 111
• Disconnect by pulling straight out, not at an angle
• Do not pull on the cable and avoid sharp bends at cable entry
• When using a bulkhead connector, ensure that there are no angular loads
• Make sure to apply the recommended torque when tightening bulkhead nuts
• SubConn® connectors should not be exposed to extended periods of heat or direct sunlight. If a connector becomes very dry, it should be soaked in fresh water before use

For additional information on connector cleaning and greasing, click here.

How to Prevent Connector Seizing

How to Remove a Stuck Connector