BH3M 3-Pin Male Bulkhead Underwater Connector
SubConn-Compatible 3-Pin Male Bulkhead Connector for Deep-Sea Equipment
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HYSF SUBSEA BH3M 3-Pin Male Bulkhead Underwater Connector is a high-performance watertight electrical connector designed for reliable electrical connections through the walls of underwater equipment housings, pressure enclosures, and subsea junction boxes.As part of the HYSF Standard Circular Watertight Connector Series, the BH3M combines a durable metal bulkhead housing, three gold-plated male electrical contacts, and an engineered sealing interface for demanding marine environments.It provides a detachable connection between the internal electrical system of an underwater device and an external subsea cable.The BH3M is designed to mate with the corresponding
IL3F 3-Pin Female Inline Underwater Connector, creating a watertight electrical connection for suitable power, control, and signal circuits.Its standardized interface is designed for compatibility with corresponding SubConn, SEACON, and Burton Standard Circular connector configurations.With a rated voltage of
550V AC/DC and a rated current of
10A, the BH3M is suitable for appropriately specified three-conductor electrical applications.The standard configuration includes a
316L stainless steel bulkhead housing, a
7/16-20 UNF-2A mounting thread, and approximately
0.3 meters of internal wire leads.The BH3M is suitable for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), underwater cameras, marine sensors, oceanographic instruments, offshore equipment, and subsea electrical enclosures.
Key Features and Advantages
1. Three-Pin Male Electrical Interface
The BH3M features three male electrical contacts designed to connect with a corresponding three-pin female connector.Its three-conductor configuration provides flexibility for different underwater electrical applications.Depending on the connected equipment, the contacts can be assigned to functions such as:
- Positive power supply
- Negative or return conductor
- Sensor signal output
- Control signal
- Common reference connection
- Other application-specific electrical circuits
For example, a three-wire underwater sensor may require connections for power, ground, and analog signal output.The actual pin assignments must follow the electrical requirements of the equipment.
2. Panel-Mount Bulkhead Design
Unlike an inline cable connector, the BH3M is designed to be mounted through the wall of an underwater enclosure.The bulkhead configuration provides an electrical interface between the equipment’s internal wiring and an external mating cable.This allows equipment manufacturers to create detachable electrical connections without permanently routing an external cable through the enclosure wall.The BH3M is suitable for properly designed pressure housings, subsea instrument enclosures, and underwater electrical junction boxes.
3. SubConn-Compatible Standard Circular Interface
The BH3M belongs to the HYSF Standard Circular underwater connector family.Its mating interface is designed for compatibility with corresponding SubConn, SEACON, and Burton Standard Circular connectors.This makes the BH3M a practical option for replacement projects, equipment upgrades, and new subsea system designs.Compatibility should be confirmed using the exact connector model, contact configuration, locking arrangement, and applicable dimensional drawings.
4. High-Pressure Watertight Performance
The HYSF Standard Circular series is engineered for demanding underwater environments.The series is designed for operating pressures up to
60 MPa, corresponding to approximately
6,000 meters of seawater depth, when the connector and complete installation are appropriately configured and qualified.The bulkhead sealing arrangement helps prevent water ingress into the equipment enclosure.Actual pressure capability depends on the connector configuration, O-ring sealing arrangement, mounting surface, enclosure design, and installation quality.
5. Corrosion-Resistant 316L Stainless Steel Housing
The standard BH3M configuration uses a
316L stainless steel bulkhead housing.316L stainless steel provides good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength for many marine applications.It is widely used in subsea electrical connectors, marine instrumentation, and offshore equipment.Alternative housing materials may be available for specific projects, subject to engineering confirmation.Material selection should consider seawater exposure, enclosure material, galvanic compatibility, weight, and operating conditions.
6. Gold-Plated Male Contacts
The BH3M incorporates gold-plated electrical contacts designed to support dependable electrical conductivity.Gold plating helps protect contact surfaces and maintain stable electrical performance.These characteristics are valuable in marine systems where connector reliability is important for continuous operation.Proper cleaning and inspection are necessary to preserve the mating interface.
7. Standard 0.3-Meter Internal Wire Leads
The standard BH3M configuration includes approximately
0.3 meters of internal wire leads.These leads are intended for integration with the electrical system inside the equipment housing.The wire leads may be connected to suitable terminal blocks, circuit boards, power distribution equipment, or other internal components according to the system design.Customized wire lengths and termination configurations may be available.
8. Wet-Mateable Connector System
The BH3M belongs to the HYSF Standard Circular wet-mateable connector series.The external mating interface is designed for underwater connection and disconnection under the applicable operating procedures.However, wet-mateable does not automatically mean that the connector is suitable for mating or demating while energized.Unless the specific assembly has been approved for energized operation, electrical power should be disconnected before mating or demating.
BH3M Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Spesifikasjon |
|---|
| Brand | HYSF SUBSEA |
| Model Number | BH3M |
| Produktserie | Standard Circular Watertight Connectors |
| Product Type | Bulkhead Receptacle |
| Connector Gender | Male |
| Antall kontakter | 3 |
| Rated Voltage | 550V AC/DC |
| Rated Current | 10A |
| Contact Surface | Gold-Plated |
| Standard Housing Material | 316L rustfritt stål |
| Mounting Configuration | Threaded Bulkhead |
| Montering av gjenger | 7/16-20 UNF-2A |
| Nominal Thread Length | 19 mm |
| Standard Internal Wire Length | 0.3 Meter |
| Depth Capability | Up to 6,000 m for Qualified Assemblies |
| Pressure Capability | Up to 60 MPa for Qualified Assemblies |
| Mating Design | Wet-Mateable Series |
| Compatible Female Inline Connector | IL3F |
| Protective Dummy Plug | DC3F |
| Brand Compatibility | Corresponding SubConn, SEACON, and Burton Standard Circular Interfaces |
| Customization | Available |
| Typiske bruksområder | ROV Housings, Subsea Sensors, Cameras, Oceanographic Instruments |
Important: Final electrical, mechanical, and pressure performance depends on the complete connector installation. Panel dimensions, mounting tolerances, sealing surfaces, and the specified O-ring arrangement must follow the approved technical drawing.
BH3M Mounting Thread and Installation Requirements
The BH3M belongs to the Standard 2–5 Pin connector family.According to the HYSF series technical catalog, the corresponding bulkhead installation specifications include:
| Installation Parameter | Spesifikasjon |
|---|
| Montering av gjenger | 7/16-20 UNF-2A |
| Nominal Thread Length | 19 mm |
| Mounting Surface Roughness | Ra 1.6 |
| Catalog Base Mounting Radius | 18.5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Threaded Bulkhead |
| Sealing | O-Ring-Based Bulkhead Sealing |
The mounting dimensions must be checked against the actual connector drawing before machining the equipment housing.The enclosure design must provide sufficient clearance for the connector body, mounting hardware, internal wire leads, and external mating connector.The sealing surface must be properly machined and free from scratches, burrs, or other defects that could affect watertight performance.
Standard Internal Wiring
The HYSF Standard 3-Pin series specifies the following default wire color identification:
| Pin Number | Standard Wire Color |
|---|
| Pin 1 | Red |
| Pin 2 | Black |
| Pin 3 | Brown |
The actual internal wire identification should be verified against the supplied assembly drawing and wiring documentation.For example, in a suitable three-wire sensor application, the contacts may be assigned to positive supply voltage, ground, and signal output.These functional assignments are examples only.The connector does not impose a universal electrical function on each contact.Customized wiring arrangements may be specified for different equipment requirements.
Compatible Connectors and Accessories
IL3F – 3-Pin Female Inline Underwater Connector
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IL3F is the corresponding female inline cable connector.When the IL3F is connected to the BH3M, the two components form a detachable electrical connection between the external underwater cable and the equipment’s internal electrical system.This arrangement is suitable for ROV housings, subsea instruments, underwater camera enclosures, and marine monitoring equipment.
DC3F – 3-Pin Female Dummy Plug
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DC3F is the corresponding female protective dummy plug.It is designed to protect the exposed male mating interface of the BH3M when the operational female cable connector is disconnected.The dummy plug helps reduce contamination and accidental contact damage.It is a protective accessory rather than an electrical connector.
Typiske bruksområder
Remotely Operated Vehicle Housings
ROVs contain electrical systems that must connect to external sensors, cameras, and auxiliary equipment.The BH3M provides a panel-mounted electrical interface for suitable three-conductor circuits.Its detachable mating design helps simplify equipment maintenance and replacement.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
AUV systems often require electrical connections through pressure-resistant enclosures.The BH3M can be used in appropriately designed housings to connect internal electrical components to compatible external devices.
Underwater Cameras
Underwater camera systems frequently require watertight power or control connections.The BH3M can provide a male bulkhead connection on a camera housing, allowing a corresponding IL3F female cable to be attached externally.
Marine Sensors
Many underwater sensors require electrical connections through sealed equipment housings.The BH3M can be integrated into suitable sensor enclosures and monitoring equipment where three electrical contacts are required.
Oceanographic Research Equipment
Oceanographic instruments are frequently deployed in seawater for extended periods.A reliable bulkhead connector provides a serviceable interface between the instrument electronics and external cables.The BH3M is suitable for appropriately specified subsea instrumentation and research equipment.
Offshore Electrical Systems
Offshore installations may require durable electrical feedthrough connections for monitoring equipment, subsea control devices, and marine junction boxes.The BH3M can be incorporated into suitable offshore electrical assemblies within its specified ratings.
Why Choose the HYSF BH3M Connector?
Standardized Interface Compatibility
The BH3M is designed for corresponding Standard Circular connector systems, supporting integration with compatible existing subsea equipment.
Reliable Bulkhead Mounting
Its threaded bulkhead design provides a practical electrical interface through underwater enclosure walls.
Corrosion-Resistant Construction
The standard 316L stainless steel housing provides mechanical strength and corrosion resistance for many marine applications.
Flexible Electrical Integration
Three contacts support suitable power, signal, and control configurations.
Convenient Equipment Maintenance
The detachable external mating interface allows cables and connected equipment to be serviced or replaced.
Customization Options
Alternative housing materials, internal wire lengths, and assembly configurations may be available for specific engineering requirements.
Installation and Maintenance Recommendations
Correct installation is essential for maintaining underwater sealing and electrical reliability.Before installing the BH3M:
- Verify the mounting hole dimensions and thread specifications against the approved drawing.
- Inspect the enclosure mounting surface for scratches, burrs, and contamination.
- Confirm that the sealing components are suitable and undamaged.
- Check that the selected housing material is appropriate for the equipment enclosure and marine environment.
- Install the connector using the specified mounting hardware.
- Apply the correct tightening procedure and torque specified for the configuration.
- Route and secure the internal wire leads to prevent excessive mechanical strain.
- Verify electrical continuity and wiring assignments.
- Inspect the external mating interface before attaching the IL3F connector.
- Confirm watertight performance using the appropriate assembly-level testing procedure.
Do not exceed the recommended tightening torque.Incorrect installation may damage the bulkhead housing, sealing surfaces, or enclosure threads.When the external cable is disconnected, a compatible
DC3F female dummy plug can help protect the male connector interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BH3M underwater connector?
The BH3M is a
3-pin male bulkhead underwater electrical connector designed for installation through the walls of marine equipment housings.
What does BH3M stand for?
“BH” identifies the bulkhead connector configuration, “3” indicates three electrical contacts, and “M” identifies the male contact gender.
Is BH3M compatible with SubConn?
The HYSF BH3M is designed for compatibility with corresponding SubConn Standard Circular mating interfaces.Exact mating compatibility should be verified before installation.
Which connector mates with BH3M?
The primary corresponding female cable connector is
IL3F.
What is the BH3M mounting thread?
The Standard 2–5 Pin series catalog specifies
7/16-20 UNF-2A for the corresponding threaded bulkhead installation.
What is the standard wire length?
The standard BH3M includes approximately
0.3 meters of internal wire leads.Customized lengths may be available.
What is the rated voltage?
The listed electrical rating is
550V AC/DC, subject to the complete connector assembly and operating conditions.
What is the rated current?
The catalog current rating is
10A.The complete electrical system must also be designed for the intended operating current.
Can BH3M be used at 6,000 meters?
The Standard Circular connector family is designed for subsea applications up to approximately
6,000 meters (60 MPa).The complete installed assembly must be appropriately configured and qualified for the intended operating depth.
Which dummy plug protects BH3M?
The corresponding protective accessory is
DC3F, a 3-pin female dummy plug.
Is BH3M the same as MCBH3M?
No.BH3M belongs to the
Standard Circular series, while MCBH3M belongs to the
Micro Circular series.The two connector families have different mating interfaces and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Konklusjon
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HYSF SUBSEA BH3M 3-Pin Male Bulkhead Underwater Connector provides a reliable electrical interface for underwater equipment housings, marine instruments, and subsea junction boxes.Featuring a standardized SubConn-compatible mating interface, 316L stainless steel housing, gold-plated male contacts, threaded bulkhead installation, and standard 0.3-meter internal wire leads, the BH3M supports integration into a wide range of marine systems.Its compatibility with the IL3F female inline connector and DC3F protective dummy plug makes it a practical choice for ROVs, AUVs, underwater cameras, marine sensors, offshore equipment, and oceanographic instrumentation.
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