MCBH16M 16-Pin Male Bulkhead Underwater Connector for Deep-Sea Applications
The
MCBH16M 16-pin male bulkhead underwater connector from
HYSF SUBSEA is a compact, high-reliability electrical connector designed for subsea equipment that requires multiple electrical connections through a pressure-resistant enclosure. Featuring 16 male electrical contacts, a corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing, and a robust waterproof sealing structure, the MCBH16M provides a practical connection solution for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), oceanographic instruments, underwater monitoring equipment, and marine research systems.As part of the HYSF SUBSEA Micro Circular connector series, the MCBH16M is designed for installation on equipment housings, pressure vessels, and underwater electronic enclosures. Its panel-mount configuration creates an electrical interface between internal equipment wiring and an external subsea cable assembly.The connector is designed to mate with the
MCIL16F 16-pin female inline underwater connector, forming a detachable electrical connection for subsea applications.With a standard depth capability of up to
6,000 meters of seawater, equivalent to approximately
60 MPa, the MCBH16M is suitable for demanding deep-water applications when correctly installed and used as part of a qualified connector assembly.
Key Features of the MCBH16M Underwater Connector
The MCBH16M combines a compact mechanical design with the electrical connectivity required by modern subsea equipment.Key features include:
- 16-pin male contact configuration: Provides 16 individual electrical circuits within one compact connector interface.
- 316L stainless steel housing: Offers mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments.
- Deep-sea pressure capability: Designed for applications reaching approximately 6,000 meters of seawater depth.
- Micro Circular design: Suitable for equipment where connector installation space is limited.
- Bulkhead mounting configuration: Allows installation through underwater housings and pressure-resistant enclosures.
- Gold-plated electrical contacts: Supports stable electrical connections and corrosion resistance at the contact interface.
- Wet-mateable connector design: Supports underwater mating operations under the applicable operating and handling conditions.
- Standard 0.3-meter wire leads: Provides internal wiring for convenient equipment integration.
- SubConn-compatible interface: Designed for compatibility with corresponding Micro Circular connector configurations, subject to interface verification.
- Custom configuration options: Cable specifications, internal wire lengths, and selected mechanical features may be adapted to project requirements.
These characteristics make the MCBH16M a practical choice for engineers seeking a
16-pin underwater bulkhead electrical connector for ROVs and subsea instrumentation.
Especificaciones técnicas
| Parámetro | Specification |
|---|
| Brand | HYSF SUBSEA |
| Model Number | MCBH16M |
| Connector Series | Micro Circular |
| Tipo de conector | Male Bulkhead / Panel-Mount Receptacle |
| Número de contactos | 16 |
| Contact Gender | Male |
| Material de la carcasa | Acero inoxidable 316L |
| Contact Finish | Gold-Plated |
| Rated Current | 5 A per Contact |
| Voltage Rating | Up to 550 V AC/DC, subject to configuration |
| Maximum Design Pressure | 60 MPa |
| Approximate Depth Rating | 6,000 m Seawater |
| Standard Internal Wire Length | 0.3 m |
| Recommended Mating Connector | MCIL16F |
| Protective Dummy Connector | MCDC16F |
| Installation Method | Bulkhead / Panel Mount |
| Intended Environment | Seawater and Subsea Applications |
| Garantía | 12 Months |
Note: Electrical ratings, dimensional details, thread specifications, and pressure performance should be confirmed against the approved drawing and the complete connector assembly configuration.
16-Pin Electrical Interface for Multi-Signal Subsea Systems
Modern underwater systems often require numerous electrical connections between the internal electronics of a pressure housing and external subsea equipment.For example, a single underwater vehicle may need separate circuits for sensors, control signals, low-power electronic devices, monitoring channels, and auxiliary equipment.Using multiple small connectors can increase the number of enclosure penetrations and complicate cable management.The MCBH16M addresses this challenge by providing
16 electrical contacts within one Micro Circular bulkhead connector.This contact arrangement offers design flexibility for systems requiring multiple independent circuits.Possible applications include:
- Sensor power and signal connections
- Underwater instrument control circuits
- Low-voltage auxiliary power distribution
- Subsea actuator monitoring
- Environmental data acquisition
- Communication and control wiring
- Oceanographic measurement equipment
- Underwater equipment diagnostics
The actual number of power and signal circuits depends on the electrical architecture of the equipment.For mixed power-and-signal systems, engineers should verify conductor sizes, current loading, voltage drop, electromagnetic interference, and the proposed pin assignments.The 16-pin configuration does not automatically guarantee compatibility with a particular Ethernet standard or communication protocol. Applications involving high-speed digital communication should be evaluated using the complete connector and cable assembly.
316L Stainless Steel Housing for Marine Environments
The standard MCBH16M uses a
316L stainless steel housing, making it suitable for a wide range of marine equipment installations.Underwater connectors must withstand environmental challenges that differ significantly from those encountered by ordinary industrial connectors.These challenges may include:
- Continuous exposure to seawater
- High hydrostatic pressure
- Mechanical vibration
- Repeated deployment and retrieval
- Handling loads during maintenance
- Long-term contact with marine equipment surfaces
316L stainless steel is widely used in marine engineering because of its mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion.The housing provides structural support for the connector and helps protect its internal electrical interface.For installations involving aluminum equipment housings, galvanic corrosion should also be considered. Appropriate isolation, sealing arrangements, and material compatibility should be evaluated during mechanical design.Alternative material configurations may be considered for projects with special requirements relating to weight, corrosion resistance, or enclosure compatibility.
Deep-Sea Waterproof Performance up to 6,000 Meters
The MCBH16M belongs to the HYSF SUBSEA Micro Circular connector family, which is designed for demanding underwater pressure environments.The standard series is specified for pressure conditions of up to
60 MPa, corresponding to approximately
6,000 meters of seawater.This makes the connector relevant to deep-sea instrumentation, offshore inspection systems, underwater robotics, and oceanographic monitoring equipment.However, pressure performance depends on more than the connector body alone.A complete underwater electrical connection must also account for:
- Correct mating of the male and female connector interfaces.
- Proper installation of the bulkhead connector into the equipment housing.
- Appropriate sealing surfaces and O-ring compression.
- Compatible locking and retention arrangements.
- Cable assembly construction and termination quality.
- Operating pressure and environmental conditions.
For critical deep-sea projects, the complete connector installation should be verified against the applicable mechanical drawings and qualification requirements.
Bulkhead Installation for Pressure Housings and Underwater Enclosures
Unlike an inline underwater connector, the
MCBH16M male bulkhead connector is designed to be mounted directly through a wall or panel.This configuration is commonly used on:
- ROV electronic housings
- AUV pressure vessels
- Subsea sensor modules
- Underwater camera enclosures
- Marine data acquisition units
- Offshore monitoring instruments
- Underwater control boxes
- Oceanographic research equipment
The external connector interface remains accessible for mating with an appropriate female subsea cable connector.The internal side is supplied with approximately
0.3 meters of wire leads in the standard configuration, allowing connection to the equipment’s internal electrical system.Mounting hardware and sealing components are provided according to the specified connector configuration.During installation, engineers should confirm the required panel cutout, mounting thread, enclosure wall thickness, sealing arrangement, and available internal clearance.The precise mounting dimensions should always be taken from the approved MCBH16M technical drawing.
Compatible Mating Connector: MCIL16F
The recommended mating connector for the MCBH16M is the
HYSF SUBSEA MCIL16F 16-pin female inline underwater connector.The MCIL16F is a cable-mounted connector containing 16 female electrical contacts.When the MCIL16F is correctly mated with the MCBH16M, the assembly provides a detachable electrical interface between the external underwater cable and the internal equipment wiring.A typical system configuration is:
MCIL16F Female Inline Connector → MCBH16M Male Bulkhead Connector → Internal Equipment WiringThis arrangement is useful for equipment that must be disconnected during transportation, installation, maintenance, or servicing.HYSF SUBSEA Micro Circular connectors are also designed for compatibility with corresponding SubConn and SEACON-style connector interfaces.For cross-brand replacement applications, engineers should confirm the relevant contact arrangement, mechanical interface, keying, and locking configuration before ordering.Compatibility should not be assumed solely from the number of contacts.
Protective Dummy Connector: MCDC16F
When the MCBH16M is disconnected from its mating cable connector, its exposed male contact interface should be protected.The recommended protective accessory is the
MCDC16F female dummy connector.A correctly matched dummy connector helps protect the interface during storage, transportation, maintenance, and periods when the external cable is disconnected.Using a compatible protective dummy connector can help reduce exposure to contamination and mechanical damage.A dummy connector is not an electrical mating connector and does not provide a functional electrical connection.For underwater installations, always verify that the selected dummy connector is suitable for the intended pressure and sealing conditions.
Applications of the MCBH16M 16-Pin Subsea Connector
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
ROVs commonly require compact, reliable electrical interfaces for external instruments and onboard electronics.The MCBH16M can be installed on an ROV pressure housing to connect external sensor cables, monitoring circuits, and auxiliary devices.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
AUV systems frequently integrate navigation electronics, scientific sensors, and monitoring equipment within space-constrained pressure vessels.The compact 16-pin bulkhead design provides a convenient connection point for multiple electrical circuits.
Oceanographic Research Equipment
Marine research instruments may require electrical interfaces for temperature sensors, conductivity sensors, pressure transducers, and other measurement devices.The MCBH16M can form part of a sealed electrical connection between externally mounted sensors and internal acquisition electronics.
Underwater Monitoring Systems
Long-term underwater observation platforms often use multiple electrical circuits for environmental measurement, control, and diagnostic functions.A 16-pin underwater bulkhead connector can simplify the design of these interfaces.
Subsea Industrial Equipment
The connector is also suitable for selected subsea inspection, monitoring, and instrumentation applications where a compact multi-contact electrical interface is required.
Customization Options for OEM Projects
HYSF SUBSEA supports customization for underwater connector projects with specific installation and wiring requirements.Depending on the application and engineering review, available options may include:
- Customized internal wire lengths
- Alternative lead-wire specifications
- Project-specific wire identification
- Custom pin assignments
- Connector and cable assembly configurations
- Selected housing material options
- Mechanical adaptations for particular equipment installations
- Matching female inline cable assemblies
- Compatible protective dummy connectors
For example, a customer developing an underwater sensor housing may require longer internal wire leads to reach a circuit board located farther from the enclosure wall.Another project may require a fully assembled cable terminated with an MCIL16F connector at one end and open wire leads at the other.Such requirements can be reviewed as part of an OEM underwater connector solution.
Quality Control and Testing
Reliable performance is especially important for electrical connectors used in subsea environments.HYSF SUBSEA applies quality-control processes that may include:
- Hydrostatic pressure testing
- Electrical continuity checks
- Insulation resistance testing
- Dielectric withstand testing
- Mechanical inspection
- Connector mating checks
- Visual inspection of sealing and molding features
Additional environmental or project-specific testing may be arranged according to the applicable technical requirements.For applications involving continuous deep-sea operation, engineering teams should establish suitable acceptance criteria for the connector and the complete installed assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCBH16M connector?
The MCBH16M is a 16-pin male Micro Circular underwater bulkhead connector manufactured by HYSF SUBSEA. It is designed for panel mounting on subsea equipment housings.
Is the MCBH16M a male or female connector?
The MCBH16M is a
male connector with 16 male electrical contacts.
Which connector mates with the MCBH16M?
The recommended mating connector is the
MCIL16F, a 16-pin female inline underwater connector.
How deep can the MCBH16M operate?
The standard Micro Circular series is designed for pressure conditions up to approximately
60 MPa, equivalent to 6,000 meters of seawater. Actual performance depends on proper installation, mating, sealing, and assembly qualification.
Is the MCBH16M compatible with SubConn connectors?
HYSF SUBSEA Micro Circular connectors are designed to be compatible with corresponding SubConn-style interfaces. The exact 16-pin contact layout, mechanical configuration, and mating arrangement should be checked before use with an existing SubConn connector.
Does the MCBH16M include wires?
The standard configuration includes approximately
0.3 meters of internal wire leads. Customized lead lengths can be considered for specific projects.
What is the protective dummy connector for MCBH16M?
The corresponding protective dummy connector is the
MCDC16F, which has a female interface suitable for protecting the male bulkhead connector.
Can the MCBH16M be used for both power and signals?
Yes, different contacts may be assigned to appropriate power and signal circuits, provided the electrical ratings, wiring design, and application requirements are respected.
Reliable 16-Pin Bulkhead Connectivity for Subsea Equipment
The
HYSF SUBSEA MCBH16M 16-pin male underwater bulkhead connector provides a compact, durable, and configurable electrical interface for subsea equipment.Its 316L stainless steel housing, 16-contact arrangement, deep-water pressure capability, and compatibility with the MCIL16F female inline connector make it a suitable choice for underwater robotics, oceanographic research, marine monitoring, and subsea instrumentation.For engineers searching for a
SubConn-compatible 16-pin male bulkhead connector, a
deep-sea waterproof panel-mount connector, or a
stainless steel underwater electrical receptacle for ROV systems, the MCBH16M offers a practical solution within the HYSF SUBSEA Micro Circular connector family.
