Waterproof bulkhead socket (waterproof both sides)

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gregcope

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Hi

I want a bulkhead socket where the "inside" is waterproof. The belgin one I have has just exposed wire connectors on the "inside" which does not make it suitable for bridge deck or other uses as the "inside" could get wetish.

The "outside" needs to have a water proof socket for a waterproof plug. Two pole is all I need presently.

Any ideas?
 
I've used what I thought were Index Marine but apparently don't supply them any more according to their website. It's a plastic plug either 2 or 3 pole with a siameter of about 32mm. The plug seals on an O ring on the outside of the socket and from memory has a rubber seal onto the bulkhead but possibly not waterproof enough for your purpose. Index Marine now seem to supply a new screw up version or the Bulgin type but have no experience with them.
 
I had the same concerns with the Bulgin connector for my autopilot and I used the Bulgin in line connector which I mounted in a nylon IP67 gland. From memory a 32mm gland gripped the parallel back of the connector firmly. The standard plug can then be plugged into it. This provided a waterproof connection and strain relief for the cable. The only downside is the connector is rather high so it needs to be in a position where it won't be knocked.
 
andsarkit said:
I had the same concerns with the Bulgin connector for my autopilot and I used the Bulgin in line connector which I mounted in a nylon IP67 gland. From memory a 32mm gland gripped the parallel back of the connector firmly. The standard plug can then be plugged into it. This provided a waterproof connection and strain relief for the cable. The only downside is the connector is rather high so it needs to be in a position where it won't be knocked.
Click to expand...

I think I know what you mean, but struggling to find a 32mm gland that looks like it would fit.
 
gregcope said:
Hi

I want a bulkhead socket where the "inside" is waterproof. The belgin one I have has just exposed wire connectors on the "inside" which does not make it suitable for bridge deck or other uses as the "inside" could get wetish.

The "outside" needs to have a water proof socket for a waterproof plug. Two pole is all I need presently.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

What about the glands on this page http://www.force4.co.uk/department/electrical/plugs-sockets-deck-glands/deck-glands.html

Anything there likely to do the job? One of the smaller Scanstrut ones or even the side entry Index Marine one ?
 
What about heatshrink? I think there's enough material on the connection base for the tube to grip on to it. You might need a couple of thicknesses of a smaller diameter to go on the cable first.
 
Would it be possible to use a small waterproof terminal box on the inside of the bulkhead, socket fastened through and sealed, cable then can exit with normal waterproof cable gland. This is how we install connections on industrial equipment in harsh environments. The terminal cable connections are always the hard bit otherwise
 
Daverw said:
Would it be possible to use a small waterproof terminal box on the inside of the bulkhead, socket fastened through and sealed, cable then can exit with normal waterproof cable gland. This is how we install connections on industrial equipment in harsh environments. The terminal cable connections are always the hard bit otherwise
Click to expand...

Love the idea ...

but probably not in this application - the reverse side is quite cramped, being a bridge deck instrument binnacle.

Thanks for the tip.
 
MikeCC said:
What about heatshrink? I think there's enough material on the connection base for the tube to grip on to it. You might need a couple of thicknesses of a smaller diameter to go on the cable first.
Click to expand...

Yes... coming to that idea.... A cascade of progressively smaller ones.
 
Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it mentioned Bulgin plugs. I'm about to drill a hole in my deck to mount a Bulgin socket. The socket comes with a rubber gasket but will this be "watertight" enough or should I go made with sikaflex too (or not use the gasket at all and just sikaflex)? Area of the socket will get rained on but is necessary for my solar connection to below deck (the underside is hidden behind a panel so I am not concerned about that side).

Thanks all
 
If it helps my solar deck connections are often wet as they sit in a low point. Not leaking yet (gasket+silicone).
 
dune16 said:
Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it mentioned Bulgin plugs. I'm about to drill a hole in my deck to mount a Bulgin socket. The socket comes with a rubber gasket but will this be "watertight" enough or should I go made with sikaflex too (or not use the gasket at all and just sikaflex)? Area of the socket will get rained on but is necessary for my solar connection to below deck (the underside is hidden behind a panel so I am not concerned about that side).

Thanks all
Click to expand...

They don't usually leak, especially with some sealant. I would use CT1 or Screwfix OB1, both are vastly superior to silicon but not as permanent as some of the Sikaflex types.

If you are fitting in a place where water ingress could cause some damage inside the boat i would fill the entire hole with sealant on the inside.

Also, be aware of the special care needed if the deck is cored, make certain the core is sealed.
 
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