Industrial plug and socket connectors that offer high ingress protection are historically awkward and cumbersome to install. The sockets are often bulky and once the connection has been made protective outer casings often need to be secured. This often means that connections cannot be made and broken quickly and that the components will not fit into tight spaces to form a discrete connection. Fortunately Hylec-APL has launched a new IP68 plug and socket connector whose diameter is smaller than a 50p piece.

Hylec-APL, a leading UK manufacture and supply specialist of electrical components, is well known for its innovative TEE family of weatherproof products; including the TEETUBE, TEEBOX and TEEPLUG. With the launch of its latest product the patented mini-TEEPLUG, it has expanded this range to provide IP68 protection to electrical connections in tight spaces.

The mini-TEEPLUG, which has a diameter of only 23mm, uses an innovative design that incorporates the wire terminals for both the plug and socket components as part of the external housing. Both the male and female cable entries feature a dome topped cable gland and seals which enable a wide cable diameter range and ensures the high IP rating upon cable entry.

Once inserted the wire can be quickly secured to the plug and socket terminals, the cable entries secured and the mating halves plugged together and locked using the central locking ring. The IP68 seal between the glands and the connector body is achieved using innovative co-moulded sealing rings – this only requires a spanner to tighten the glands sufficiently.

To ensure absolute safety during use the earth pole is the first to make contact between the male and female end which allows installers to use the product with absolute confidence in the field. Accessories including dust caps for the female end and chassis/panel mount options are available upon request.

Terry Spriggs, Product Marketing Manager for Hylec-APL, comments: “The design of the product allows the user to install a compact plug and socket style of waterproof connection without needing a secondary housing to protect the terminal. This reduces the product size and allows for quick installation in tight spaces.”

The mini-TEEPLUG is available with 4 pole connection and can be supplied with quick installation, wire piercing screw terminals which makes it possible to secure the connection to IP68 standard in less than a minute.