What are the pros and cons of ordering wet-pluggable connectors?
Wet-pluggable connectors are available as an option on all of our underwater instruments. Wet-pluggable connectors may be mated in wet conditions. Their pins do not need to be dried before mating. By design, water on the connector pins is forced out as the connector is mated. However, they must not be mated or un-mated while submerged. Wet-pluggable connectors have a non-conducting guide pin to assist pin alignment & require less force to mate, making them easier to mate reliably under dark or cold conditions, compared to our standard (Impulse XSG/RMG) connectors. Like standard connectors, wet-pluggables need proper lubrication & require care during use to avoid trapping water in sockets. Prior to 2005, the wet-pluggable connectors available had a rubber-to-metal seal that could break down with prolonged use (3 – 5 years); seal breakdown will lead to instrument flooding. Sea-Bird recommended frequent inspection of the connectors for damage. We also discouraged the use of wet-pluggable
