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Water tight DC power jack?

Hello, I am trying to locate a barrel style connector, SMT or right angle that is sealed from the inside so that if water enters the barrel it will not leak to the rest of the electronics module. I will seal the outside of the connector by using a gasket between it and the plastic enclosure. It would be ideal to be as small as possible (less than

5mm x 5mm desired), but any and all ideas will be helpful. This will be used on a small device which will be exposed to water while running off battery, but not while the charge port is mated (connector inserted). If you have some alternative suggestions, any other 2 pin connector will be possible so long as it is sealed as described above. Thank you. Chris
Reply to
chrisaotto
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snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com hath wroth:

An IP6x rated connector is minimally waterproof.

For example, at IP68 rating:

There are plenty more to chose from. Just search Google for "IP68 power connector".

Be careful you don't turn the enclosure into a water pump. Going from warm air, to cold water, will cause the air inside the enclosure to drop in pressure, thus creating a partial vacuum. That will suck water into the enclosure even through the best rubber seal.

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Jeff Liebermann     jeffl@cruzio.com
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Jeff Liebermann 

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http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=waterproof+bulkhead+connectors
Reply to
John Fields

I'd suggest a more complicated alternative, but it may not suit you as it's more complicated. Connectors and water (particularly salt water, but this may not be your use) are a combination that makes for may headaches in long term use. For a actual DC connection, seek out a style of connector which has a "blank-off-plug" or cap to keep the electrical contacts dry when the connector is not inserted - or, for your described situation, simply provide a port or plug to cover your connector and use any old connector, with the port or plug sealing it off. However, seals can and do fail, as an underwater photographer knows only too well.

What I would prefer (based on my experience as an underwater photographer) is an arrangement with a totally sealed case, where your power is supplied as AC by "half a transformer" outside the case, and magnetically coupled through the case to half a transformer inside the case, then rectified to DC. This has no seals or contacts to fail, other than the seal or weld of the entire case.

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Reply to
Ecnerwal

I'm kind of surprised that no one has suggested filling the enclosure with oil, such that there's no air to compress to let the water in.

Of course, that depends on the equipment being able to be submerged in oil.

Good Luck! Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

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