BH3F 3-Pin Female Bulkhead Underwater Connector – SubConn Compatible Standard Series

Reliable 3-Pin Female Bulkhead Connector for Subsea Equipment

The HYSF SUBSEA BH3F 3-Pin Female Bulkhead Underwater Connector is a pressure-resistant, panel-mounted electrical connector designed to provide a reliable interface between subsea equipment and external underwater cable assemblies.As part of the HYSF Standard Circular Series, the BH3F features three female electrical contacts, a corrosion-resistant metal housing, and a sealed bulkhead mounting configuration suitable for demanding marine environments.This connector is designed for applications requiring three electrical circuits through a watertight equipment enclosure, including power distribution, sensor connections, underwater instrumentation, and control systems.The BH3F is compatible with corresponding SubConn Standard Circular 3-pin connector interfaces and mates with the IL3M 3-Pin Male Inline Underwater Connector.With a standard operating depth rating of up to 6,000 meters, the BH3F provides a compact and dependable solution for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), oceanographic equipment, and other subsea systems.

Key Features of the BH3F Underwater Connector

1. Three Female Electrical Contacts

The BH3F contains three recessed female electrical contacts designed to establish a secure electrical connection when mated with a compatible 3-pin male connector.Its three-circuit configuration is suitable for applications such as:

• Positive and negative power supply with a separate control line
• Three-wire underwater sensor connections
• Low-voltage equipment power and monitoring
• Industrial control and instrumentation circuits
• Custom three-conductor electrical systems

The female contact configuration also provides a defined mating interface for equipment requiring an external male cable connector.The electrical function of each contact can be assigned according to the customer’s system design, subject to the connector’s electrical ratings and cable specifications.

2. SubConn Compatible Standard Circular Design

The HYSF BH3F is designed as a compatible alternative to corresponding SubConn Standard Circular 3-pin female bulkhead connectors.Its mating interface allows integration with compatible Standard Circular underwater connector assemblies, making it suitable for new equipment development and replacement projects.The BH3F can be used with the following HYSF products:

• IL3M: 3-pin male inline connector for the electrical connection
• DC3M: 3-pin male dummy connector for protecting the unmated BH3F interface
• IL3M cable assemblies: Customized underwater cables with specified lengths and wiring configurations

For existing subsea equipment, mating compatibility should be verified against the exact connector model, contact arrangement, and installation requirements.

3. Designed for Deep-Sea Operation

The BH3F belongs to the HYSF Standard Circular underwater connector series, designed for subsea applications at operating depths of up to 6,000 meters.This corresponds to approximately 60 MPa of hydrostatic pressure.A properly installed bulkhead connector helps maintain electrical continuity while supporting the pressure boundary of a subsea enclosure.Typical applications include:

• Deep-sea research equipment
• ROV electrical systems
• AUV instrumentation housings
• Underwater monitoring stations
• Marine scientific instruments
• Offshore inspection equipment

The complete assembly’s pressure capability depends on the connector configuration, mating condition, bulkhead installation, sealing arrangement, and overall system qualification.

4. Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel Housing

The standard BH3F bulkhead connector is manufactured with a 316L stainless steel housing, providing mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion in marine operating environments.316L stainless steel is commonly selected for underwater equipment because of its durability and suitability for seawater exposure.The metal housing supports the connector’s mechanical integrity during installation and service.Alternative housing materials may be evaluated for projects involving specific weight, corrosion, or equipment integration requirements.When mounting the connector on an aluminum subsea enclosure, the complete design should account for potential galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.

5. Wet-Mateable Connector Interface

The BH3F is part of HYSF’s wet-mateable Standard Circular connector family.The mating interface is designed to accommodate the underwater connection requirements of compatible wet-mateable connector assemblies.This capability can be useful for applications where external cables may need to be connected or disconnected during underwater operations.However, wet-mateable does not mean the connector should be connected or disconnected while electrically energized.Before underwater mating or unmating, the system should be de-energized and the manufacturer’s operating procedures followed.

6. Standard 0.3-Meter Internal Wire Leads

The BH3F bulkhead connector is normally supplied with approximately 0.3 meters of internal wire leads.These leads extend from the rear of the bulkhead connector into the equipment enclosure, allowing integration with internal electrical components.They can be connected to:

• Power distribution boards
• Electronic control modules
• Sensor acquisition systems
• Terminal blocks
• Internal wiring harnesses
• Printed circuit board assemblies

Alternative wire lengths and termination arrangements can be specified for custom projects.

7. Gold-Plated Electrical Contacts

The connector utilizes gold-plated electrical contacts to support stable electrical conductivity and reliable mating performance.Gold plating helps reduce contact oxidation and provides a suitable contact surface for repeated connector engagement.The connector should be maintained according to recommended inspection and cleaning procedures to avoid unnecessary wear or contamination.

BH3F Technical Specifications

パラメータ	仕様
Manufacturer	HYSF SUBSEA
Model Number	BH3F
Connector Series	Standard Circular
コネクター・タイプ	Female Bulkhead Connector
コンタクト数	3
Contact Gender	Female
Housing Material	316Lステンレス鋼
Contact Finish	Gold-Plated
Rated Voltage	550 V AC/DC
Rated Current	10 A
Maximum Rated Operating Depth	6,000 m
Approximate Pressure Rating	60 MPa
取付ネジ	7/16-20 UNF-2A
Nominal Thread Length	19 mm
Standard Internal Wire Length	0.3 m
Mating Inline Connector	IL3M
Compatible Protective Dummy	DC3M
Mating Type	Wet-Mateable Series
Compatibility	Corresponding SubConn Standard Circular Interface
Warranty	12 Months

Specifications apply to the relevant standard configuration. Final cable, mounting, and operating requirements should be confirmed using the approved product drawing.

Standard Wiring Identification

The three electrical contacts are individually numbered to support consistent wiring and assembly.The Standard Circular 3-pin series uses the following standard wire color identification:

Contact Number	Standard Wire Color
Pin 1	Red
Pin 2	Black
Pin 3	Brown

Bulkhead wire identification can vary with the selected manufacturing configuration. Some assemblies may use numbered wire markers instead of individual conductor colors.For installation, the electrical pin numbers and approved wiring drawing should always take priority over assumptions based on wire color.Custom pin assignments and wiring arrangements can be considered when specified before production.

Bulkhead Installation and Mounting

The BH3F is designed to be mounted through the wall of a subsea pressure housing or watertight electrical enclosure.Its standard bulkhead mounting thread is 7/16-20 UNF-2A, with a nominal threaded length of 19 mm.During equipment integration, the following details should be considered:

1. Panel opening: The housing opening must match the approved connector installation drawing.
2. Sealing arrangement: The specified O-ring and mounting surface must be clean, undamaged, and correctly positioned.
3. Panel thickness: The available thread engagement must be suitable for the enclosure wall thickness.
4. Mounting hardware: Appropriate retaining hardware should be installed according to the approved assembly instructions.
5. Cable routing: Internal leads should be routed without excessive bending or pulling forces.
6. Electrical inspection: Verify contact identification and circuit continuity before final installation.
7. Pressure testing: The completed housing assembly should be tested according to the application’s required pressure qualification procedure.

Correct installation is essential because the overall underwater sealing performance depends on both the connector and the equipment housing.

BH3F Mating Connector and Accessories

IL3M – 3-Pin Male Inline Underwater Connector

The IL3M is the corresponding male inline connector for the BH3F female bulkhead receptacle.It is normally supplied with a 1-meter underwater cable, with alternative cable lengths available for specified assemblies.When mated, the BH3F and IL3M create a three-contact electrical connection between the subsea enclosure and external equipment.

DC3M – 3-Pin Male Dummy Connector

The DC3M is the corresponding male dummy connector used to cover the BH3F female interface when the electrical cable connector is disconnected.A properly installed dummy connector helps protect the mating interface from contamination and mechanical damage and can support sealing requirements for the applicable configuration.The DC3M does not provide an electrical connection and should not be confused with a functional shorting plug.

Customized Underwater Cable Assemblies

HYSF SUBSEA can support underwater cable assemblies with specified lengths, conductor arrangements, and compatible connector configurations.A typical assembly may use an IL3M at one end and stripped wire leads or another connector at the opposite end.Cable construction and conductor sizing should be selected to match the required electrical current, voltage, mechanical loading, and installation conditions.

Typical BH3F Applications

ROV Electrical Systems

ROVs often require multiple electrical connections through watertight electronic enclosures.The BH3F provides a three-contact bulkhead interface for appropriately rated power, control, and sensor connections.

AUV Instrumentation

Autonomous underwater vehicles use compact electrical systems where reliable pressure-boundary connections are essential.The BH3F can support connections between internal electronic modules and external underwater instruments.

Underwater Sensors

Three-wire sensor systems may require dedicated connections for power, ground, and signal transmission.The BH3F can be used as an enclosure-mounted interface for compatible underwater sensor assemblies.

Oceanographic Research Equipment

Marine research equipment often operates in seawater for extended deployment periods.The BH3F can provide a reliable connector interface for underwater data collection instruments, monitoring systems, and scientific platforms.

Underwater Cameras and Lighting Systems

For equipment within the connector’s electrical rating, the BH3F can serve as a compact three-contact interface for underwater cameras, lighting equipment, and related controls.

Offshore Inspection and Monitoring

The BH3F can also be used in offshore equipment requiring sealed electrical connections for monitoring, inspection, and instrumentation applications.

Quality Control and Testing

HYSF SUBSEA manufactures underwater connectors with attention to electrical reliability, mechanical integrity, and sealing performance.Depending on the product and project requirements, quality verification can include:

• Electrical continuity testing
• Insulation resistance testing
• Dielectric withstand testing
• Hydrostatic pressure testing
• Mechanical inspection
• Contact and wiring identification checks
• Visual inspection of sealing surfaces

Additional testing documentation can be arranged according to agreed project specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does BH3F mean?

BH3F identifies a 3-pin female bulkhead underwater connector in the HYSF Standard Circular series.The letters BH refer to the bulkhead configuration, the number 3 identifies the contact count, and F indicates female contacts.

Q2: Which connector mates with BH3F?

The BH3F mates with the IL3M 3-Pin Male Inline Underwater Connector.The mating connector must have the corresponding Standard Circular interface and matching contact arrangement.

Q3: Which dummy connector should be used with BH3F?

The corresponding protective dummy connector is DC3M, which has a male interface suitable for the BH3F female bulkhead.

Q4: Is BH3F compatible with SubConn?

The HYSF BH3F is designed to be compatible with the corresponding SubConn Standard Circular 3-pin connector interface.For replacement projects, confirm the original connector series and model before ordering.

Q5: What is the rated current of the BH3F?

The catalog-rated current is 10 A for the standard configuration.Actual permissible current must also account for the wire specification, ambient conditions, and complete electrical assembly.

Q6: What is the voltage rating?

The standard catalog voltage rating is 550 V AC/DC.The equipment design must maintain appropriate electrical protection and insulation requirements.

Q7: What is the standard wire length?

The standard bulkhead pigtail length is approximately 0.3 meters.Other lengths can be specified for customized assemblies.

Q8: Can the BH3F be used at a depth of 6,000 meters?

The Standard Circular product family is designed for operation at depths of up to 6,000 meters.Actual suitability depends on the complete connector assembly, installation conditions, and required pressure qualification.

Q9: Is BH3F the same as MCBH3F?

No. BH3F belongs to the Standard Circular Series, while MCBH3F belongs to the Micro Circular Series.These series use different connector interfaces and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Q10: Can the BH3F be connected underwater?

The connector belongs to a wet-mateable series and can be used for underwater mating applications when operated according to the applicable instructions.It should not be mated or unmated while electrically energized.

Q11: Can the connector be installed on an aluminum housing?

Yes, integration into an aluminum enclosure may be possible, provided the mechanical installation, sealing design, and potential galvanic corrosion are properly evaluated.

Q12: Are customized configurations available?

Customized internal wire lengths, selected housing materials, cable assemblies, and wiring configurations can be evaluated according to project requirements.

A Dependable Female Bulkhead Connection for Subsea Systems

The HYSF SUBSEA BH3F 3-Pin Female Bulkhead Underwater Connector combines a compact three-contact electrical interface with a robust bulkhead design for demanding underwater environments.Its SubConn-compatible Standard Circular interface, 316L stainless steel housing, 550 V / 10 A catalog rating, and 6,000-meter rated depth make it suitable for a broad range of subsea electrical applications.When paired with the IL3M male inline connector and protected with the DC3M male dummy connector when disconnected, the BH3F provides a practical connection solution for ROVs, AUVs, underwater sensors, marine research instruments, and industrial subsea equipment.