IP67 for connectors:

What does IP67 mean?

The IP rating is a standard measure of how well an enclosure is protected against the ingress of foreign objects and water.

In the case of IP67, the two digits represent different levels of protection:

6: It is dust-tight and fully protected against dust ingress.

7: Protection against temporary submersion is guaranteed under defined test conditions.

Therefore, the protection rating is an essential factor in selecting a connector.

However, it does not provide answers to all the questions relevant to the subsequent application.

The reasons why IP67 alone is not sufficient will be explained herewith.

While a connector may meet the required protection rating, it may not be suitable for a specific application.

The reason for this is that, in real-world use, multiple stresses often act simultaneously.

Temperature fluctuations, vibrations, chemical exposure, or frequent mating and unmating can put a connection under stress over the course of years.

Therefore, it is essential to consider factors other than the IP protection rating.

1. Mechanical Stresses

Vibrations and movements are a common occurrence in many industrial applications.

Machines, motors, or moving assemblies can subject connectors to continuous mechanical stress.

When selecting a connector, it is therefore important to consider the extent of the stress on the connection and whether the latch, cable exit, and strain relief are suitable for these conditions.

2. Temperature Ranges

Please note that not all connectors are designed for every temperature range.

Applications involving very low or high temperatures, as well as frequent temperature changes, are of particular relevance.

These conditions have the potential to place long-term stress on materials, seals and cables.

It is therefore essential to compare the permissible temperature ranges of the components used with the actual conditions of the application.

3. Chemical Effects

It is important to note that oils, coolants, cleaning agents and other chemicals can have an adverse effect on plastics and seals.

A high IP rating does not necessarily indicate the level of resistance of the materials used to specific substances.

Therefore, especially in industrial environments, it is worthwhile to consider potential chemical exposure as early as the selection phase.

4. Connection Cycles

Could you please clarify the frequency at which the connection is mated and unmated?

A connection that is installed once and then remains closed for years has different requirements than a connector that must be disconnected regularly.

The specified number of mating cycles and the mechanical design should therefore be appropriate for the actual application.

5. Consider the entire connection

It is important to note that the reliability of a connection is not solely determined by the connector itself.

The wire, cable gland, seal, installation, and the specific installation conditions also play a role.

It is important to note that a reliable connection is the result of the interaction of all components.