55P1-1508 Burton 55 Series Compatible 8-Pin Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) Subsea Connector
Product Overview
The
HYSF SUBSEA 55P1-1508 Burton 55 Series Compatible 8-Pin Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) Connector is a specialized subsea electrical connector designed for ROV systems, deep-water equipment, subsea instrumentation, and offshore applications requiring pressure-compensated electrical connections.Featuring a Shell Size 15 configuration and eight female socket contacts, the 55P1-1508 provides an electrical interface compatible with the Burton 5500 Series receptacles.Unlike standard 5501 cable plugs, the 55P1-1508 is a modified 55A1 attachable cable plug incorporating a special stainless steel backshell with an integrated oil fill port and hose barb connection.The Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) design allows the connector to be integrated into an oil-filled pressure compensation system. This arrangement helps equalize internal and external pressure, reducing the differential pressure acting on the connector’s internal components and sealing structures during deep-water operation.The original Burton contact arrangement specifies eight 18 AWG conductors for the 1508 configuration.The connector uses a robust metal shell, an integrally molded elastomer body, and high-conductivity copper-alloy electrical contacts.An optional JIC hydraulic fitting is available for applications requiring a hydraulic hose instead of standard clear tubing.The 55P1-1508 is suitable for deep-water ROV systems, subsea umbilicals, pressure-compensated electrical assemblies, underwater instrumentation, and offshore monitoring equipment.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Eight-Pin Electrical Configuration
The 55P1-1508 features eight female socket contacts in a Shell Size 15 configuration.The eight-contact arrangement provides multiple independent electrical circuits within a compact subsea connector interface.Typical applications include:
- Multi-channel electrical connections
- ROV power and control systems
- Underwater sensor connections
- Subsea monitoring equipment
- Marine instrumentation
- Auxiliary equipment connections
- Subsea communication systems
- Multi-conductor cable assemblies
- Combined power and signal distribution
The eight female socket contacts are designed to mate with compatible male pin contacts in Burton 5500 Series receptacles.
2. Burton 55 Series Compatibility
The 55P1-1508 follows the Burton 5500 Series mating interface.The 5500 Series is widely used in subsea equipment, ROV systems, offshore installations, and underwater electrical assemblies.The PBOF configuration maintains the compatible electrical mating interface while introducing a modified backshell for oil filling and pressure compensation.It can be considered for applications requiring a pressure-balanced alternative to conventional 5500 Series cable plugs.Compatibility should be confirmed against the exact shell size, contact arrangement, keyway, and mating dimensions.
3. Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) Design
PBOF stands for Pressure Balanced Oil Filled.The design incorporates an oil-filled connector assembly connected to an external pressure compensation system.As the equipment operates at increasing water depth, the oil-filled system helps balance internal pressure with the surrounding hydrostatic pressure.This reduces the differential pressure acting on internal connector components.Potential benefits include:
- Reduced differential pressure across internal sealing structures
- Pressure compensation for deep-water operation
- Protection of electrical connection components
- Improved suitability for pressure-compensated subsea assemblies
- Integration with external oil compensation systems
- Support for demanding underwater operating environments
The complete pressure compensation system should be designed and qualified as an assembly, including the connector, oil tubing, compensation reservoir, fittings, and cable termination.
4. Modified 55A1 Attachable Cable Plug
The original Burton 55P1 configuration is based on the 55A1 Attachable Cable Plug.The standard 55A1 connector is designed for customer cable termination rather than factory-molded cable attachment.For the PBOF version, the connector shell is modified to accommodate a special backshell.This configuration allows customers to integrate their own cables and pressure compensation systems.The attachable construction is particularly useful for specialized subsea cable assemblies and customized ROV installations.
5. Special Stainless Steel Backshell
The 55P1-1508 incorporates a special stainless steel backshell designed for pressure-balanced oil-filled applications.The backshell provides mechanical protection for the cable termination and accommodates the oil filling and hose connection interfaces.Its construction includes:
- Stainless steel backshell
- Oil fill port
- Hose barb connection
- Mechanical cable termination interface
- Connection to the external oil compensation system
The original Burton design specifies a stainless steel backshell for the PBOF configuration.
6. Integrated Oil Fill Port
The PBOF backshell incorporates an oil fill port for filling the connector and associated compensation system with the specified dielectric oil.The oil filling process should follow the approved engineering procedure.The oil type, filling method, air removal, tubing arrangement, and compensation reservoir requirements must be confirmed according to the complete system design.Proper oil filling is important for achieving the intended pressure compensation performance.
7. Hose Barb Connection
The 55P1-1508 features a hose barb connection on the special backshell.This connection allows the PBOF assembly to be connected to an external oil compensation line.The original Burton documentation illustrates the use of clear tubing for the oil compensation arrangement.The tubing and compensation system should be selected according to the required operating pressure, temperature, oil compatibility, and installation conditions.
8. Optional JIC Hydraulic Hose Fitting
For particularly demanding applications, the original Burton catalog offers an optional JIC-type fitting on the backshell.This configuration allows a hydraulic hose to be used instead of standard clear tubing.The JIC option is particularly useful for installations requiring a more robust hose connection.The exact JIC fitting size and thread specification should be confirmed against the approved mechanical drawing.
9. Eight 18 AWG Conductors
The original Burton technical catalog specifies the 1508 contact arrangement as:
8 × 18 AWG conductorsThis configuration provides eight independent electrical contact positions within the Shell Size 15 connector body.It is suitable for appropriately designed power, control, instrumentation, and signal circuits.Actual current capacity must be determined according to conductor size, cable construction, operating temperature, conductor bundling, and electrical loading.The 18 AWG conductor specification should not be interpreted as a fixed current rating for every contact.
10. Robust 5500 Series Electrical Construction
The 55P1-1508 retains the electrical contact architecture of the Burton 5500 Series.The standard 5500 Series uses:
- High-conductivity copper-alloy contacts
- Passivated 316L stainless steel shells
- Integrally molded elastomer bodies
- Crimp-connected electrical contacts
- Recessed male pins in compatible receptacles
- Face-type mating seals
The 5500 Series architecture is designed for demanding subsea electrical applications.
11. 600V Standard Voltage Rating
The standard Burton 5500 Series voltage rating is 600 V.The 55P1-1508 uses the 1508 contact arrangement, with eight 18 AWG conductors.The original Burton high-voltage availability table does not list the 1508 arrangement among its specified 1000 V, 2000 V, and 3000 V contact patterns.The 55P1-1508 should therefore be specified according to its standard 600 V configuration unless a separately engineered and approved alternative is confirmed.
12. High-Pressure Subsea Applications
The Burton 5500 Series catalog specifies a general pressure rating of 10,000 psi.The PBOF configuration adds an oil-filled pressure compensation arrangement for demanding subsea applications.However, the actual operating pressure capability of a complete PBOF assembly depends on the connector, cable, oil compensation reservoir, tubing, fittings, and installation.The pressure rating should therefore be confirmed for the complete qualified assembly rather than inferred from the connector part number alone.
13. Standalone Connector or Cable Assembly
The original Burton catalog specifies that PBOF connectors may be ordered separately or supplied as cable assemblies.The connector can therefore be integrated into customer-specific subsea cable systems.However, Burton notes that shipping complete cable assemblies filled with oil is difficult and leaves the final oil filling of such assemblies to the customer.This arrangement provides flexibility for customers who prefer to carry out final oil filling and pressure compensation integration at their own facilities.
14. Suitable for Deep-Water ROV and Offshore Applications
The 55P1-1508 is particularly suitable for applications requiring pressure-compensated electrical connections.Potential applications include:
- Deep-water ROV systems
- ROV tooling and manipulators
- Subsea umbilical assemblies
- Pressure-compensated cable systems
- Subsea control modules
- Underwater instrumentation
- Subsea monitoring systems
- Marine research equipment
- Offshore inspection equipment
- AUV and underwater robotic systems
- Deep-water sensor assemblies
- Subsea electrical distribution
55P1-1508 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Brand | HYSF SUBSEA |
| Model | 55P1-1508 |
| Full Ordering Reference | 55P1-1508-0000 |
| Connector Series | Burton 5500 Series Compatible |
| Product Type | Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) Plug |
| Shell Size | 15 |
| Number of Contacts | 8 |
| Contact Gender | Female Socket |
| Contact Arrangement | 8 × 18 AWG |
| Connector Configuration | Modified Attachable Cable Plug |
| Base Design | Burton 55A1 |
| Backshell | Special Stainless Steel |
| Oil Filling | Integrated Oil Fill Port |
| Hose Connection | Hose Barb |
| Optional Hose Fitting | JIC Hydraulic Fitting |
| Shell Material | Passivated 316L Stainless Steel |
| Contact Material | High-Conductivity Copper Alloy |
| Connector Body | Integrally Molded Elastomer |
| Standard Voltage Reference | 600 V |
| Current Capacity | Refer to Ampacity Appendix |
| Series Pressure Rating | 10,000 psi |
| Pressure Compensation | Oil-Filled System |
| Cable Termination | Customer-Attachable |
| Tubing | Clear Tubing or Optional Hydraulic Hose |
| Connector Type | 5500 Series Dry-Mate Interface |
| Compatible Receptacles | 5507-1508 BCR / 5506-1508 FCR |
Engineering Note: The original Cooper Interconnect Burton 5500 Series catalog identifies the PBOF configuration as a modified 55A1 attachable plug with a special backshell incorporating an oil fill port and hose attachment.The 1508 contact arrangement specifies eight 18 AWG conductors. The 5500 Series standard voltage rating is 600 V, while current capacity is determined using the Ampacity Appendix.The series catalog lists a 10,000 psi pressure rating. The complete PBOF assembly requires separate verification of its oil compensation system, hose, fittings, cable, and operating conditions.
Eight-Pin Contact Configuration
The 55P1-1508 features eight female socket contacts.The original Burton contact arrangement identifies the 1508 configuration as:
8 × 18 AWGThe connector follows the standard Burton 5500 Series contact architecture, with sockets in plugs and male pins in receptacles.Before cable assembly or equipment integration, engineers should verify:
- The eight contact positions.
- The mating-face orientation.
- The conductor identification.
- The pin-to-wire assignment.
- Electrical continuity.
- Insulation resistance.
- Cable termination requirements.
- Oil filling and pressure compensation requirements.
Important: The exact contact numbering and conductor colors should follow the approved 55P1-1508 production wiring diagram.
PBOF Backshell and Oil Compensation Configuration
The defining feature of the 55P1-1508 is its special pressure-balanced oil-filled backshell.Unlike a conventional 55A1 attachable plug, the PBOF configuration incorporates additional mechanical components for oil filling and pressure compensation.The main components include:
| Component | Function |
|---|
| Connector Plug | Provides the eight-pin electrical interface |
| Stainless Steel Backshell | Houses and protects the rear termination |
| Oil Fill Port | Allows filling of the PBOF system |
| Hose Barb | Connects the oil compensation tubing |
| Optional JIC Fitting | Allows hydraulic hose connection |
| Oil Compensation Line | Connects to the external compensation system |
| Compensation Reservoir | Accommodates oil volume changes and pressure compensation |
The oil compensation arrangement should be designed according to the operating depth, temperature range, oil properties, and system volume.The complete assembly must be checked for oil compatibility, trapped air, leakage, and pressure compensation performance before deployment.
PBOF Dimensions – Shell Size 15
The original Burton PBOF catalog provides the following reference dimensions:
| Dimension | Shell Size 15 |
|---|
| A | 3.80 in |
| B | 2.75 in |
| C | 1.12 in |
| D | 0.67 in |
These are original catalog reference dimensions for the PBOF configuration. The dimensional drawing should be consulted to identify each dimension and confirm the required installation envelope.
Compatible Connectors and Accessories
5507-1508 – 8-Pin Bulkhead Receptacle
The Burton 5507-1508 is a threaded bulkhead connector receptacle with eight male pin contacts.It provides a compatible mating interface for the 55P1-1508 PBOF plug.It is suitable for installation through subsea pressure housings and equipment enclosures.
5506-1508 – 8-Pin Flange Receptacle
The Burton 5506-1508 is a four-bolt flange-mounted receptacle with eight male pin contacts.It provides an alternative mounting configuration for equipment requiring a fixed flange interface.
5501-1508 – Standard 8-Pin Cable Plug
The Burton 5501-1508 is a standard factory-molded cable plug with eight female socket contacts.Unlike the 55P1-1508, it does not use the special PBOF backshell and oil fill port.
55A1-1508 – 8-Pin Attachable Cable Plug
The Burton 55A1-1508 is the customer-attachable version of the standard cable plug.The 55P1-1508 is derived from this configuration and incorporates the special PBOF backshell.
Optional JIC Hydraulic Fitting
The original Burton catalog lists an optional JIC-type fitting for extreme applications.This fitting allows the use of a hydraulic hose instead of clear tubing in the pressure compensation system.The fitting size and connection specification should be confirmed against the approved engineering drawing.
Note: Confirm the exact mating interface, shell size, contact arrangement, and oil compensation configuration before ordering accessories.
Typical Applications of 55P1-1508
1. Deep-Water ROV Systems
Pressure-balanced electrical connectors can be used in ROV systems requiring electrical connections integrated with an oil-filled pressure compensation arrangement.
2. Subsea Umbilical Assemblies
Subsea umbilicals may require electrical connectors connected to pressure-compensated cable systems.The 55P1-1508 provides an eight-contact interface for compatible cable configurations.
3. Subsea Control Modules
Pressure-compensated electrical assemblies can be considered for selected subsea control and monitoring applications.
4. Deep-Water Instrumentation
Underwater sensors and instruments may require electrical interfaces that operate within pressure-compensated housings and cable systems.
5. Subsea Monitoring Equipment
The eight-pin configuration provides multiple electrical circuits for suitable monitoring and control equipment.
6. Offshore Inspection Systems
ROV-mounted inspection cameras, sensors, and auxiliary tools may use pressure-compensated electrical cable assemblies.
7. AUV and Underwater Robotics
Autonomous underwater vehicles and underwater robotic systems may use PBOF electrical connections in specialized pressure-compensated configurations.
8. Marine Research Equipment
Deep-water research systems can incorporate PBOF connectors where pressure compensation is required for electrical cable assemblies.
Installation and Maintenance Guidelines
Step 1: Inspect the Connector
Inspect the connector shell, female socket contacts, molded body, special backshell, oil fill port, and hose barb for visible damage.
Step 2: Verify Electrical Compatibility
Confirm the Shell Size 15 configuration, eight-contact arrangement, keyway, and mating interface of the corresponding receptacle.
Step 3: Prepare the Cable
Prepare the customer cable according to the approved termination instructions.Verify conductor size, cable compatibility, conductor identification, and pin-to-wire assignments.
Step 4: Assemble the Attachable Plug
Install the cable into the 55P1-1508 according to the approved assembly procedure.Ensure that the electrical termination and mechanical cable retention meet the design requirements.
Step 5: Connect the Oil Compensation Tubing
Connect the specified oil compensation tubing to the backshell hose barb.For specialized installations, use the approved optional JIC fitting and compatible hydraulic hose.
Step 6: Fill the PBOF System
Fill the connector and compensation system using the approved dielectric oil and filling procedure.Ensure that trapped air is removed according to the system design.
Step 7: Verify the Oil Compensation System
Check the oil fill port, hose connections, tubing, reservoir, and backshell for leakage.Verify that the pressure compensation arrangement functions correctly.
Step 8: Perform Electrical Testing
Verify continuity, insulation resistance, contact resistance, and conductor identification.
Step 9: Mate the Connector
Mate the 55P1-1508 with the compatible Burton 55 Series receptacle.Follow the manufacturer’s alignment and coupling procedure.
Step 10: Perform System Qualification
Test the complete PBOF assembly according to the required pressure, temperature, electrical, and environmental acceptance criteria.
Important: The 5500 Series uses a dry-mate electrical interface. The PBOF pressure compensation design does not automatically make the connector suitable for live underwater mating or unmating.
Quality Control and Testing
Depending on the ordered configuration and project requirements, HYSF SUBSEA quality-control procedures may include:
- Visual inspection
- Dimensional verification
- Contact inspection
- Electrical continuity testing
- Insulation resistance measurement
- Contact resistance measurement
- Cable termination inspection
- Oil fill port inspection
- Hose connection inspection
- Oil leakage testing
- Pressure compensation verification
- Hydrostatic pressure testing
- Mating compatibility verification
The applicable test procedures and acceptance criteria should be established according to the complete PBOF assembly and intended operating environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the 55P1-1508 underwater connector?
The 55P1-1508 is an eight-pin Pressure Balanced Oil Filled (PBOF) connector from the Burton 5500 Series, featuring Shell Size 15 and a modified attachable cable plug design.
Q2: What does PBOF mean?
PBOF stands for Pressure Balanced Oil Filled. It describes a connector assembly incorporating an oil-filled pressure compensation arrangement to reduce differential pressure during subsea operation.
Q3: How many contacts does the 55P1-1508 have?
It features eight female socket contacts.
Q4: What is the shell size?
The connector uses Shell Size 15.
Q5: What is the conductor specification?
The original Burton contact arrangement specifies eight 18 AWG conductors.
Q6: Is the 55P1-1508 a male or female connector?
The 55P1-1508 is a cable plug with eight female socket contacts. It mates with compatible receptacles containing male pin contacts.
Q7: What is the difference between 55P1-1508 and 5501-1508?
The 55P1-1508 is a pressure-balanced oil-filled attachable plug with a special backshell, oil fill port, and hose connection.The 5501-1508 is a conventional factory-molded cable plug without the PBOF oil compensation arrangement.
Q8: What is the difference between 55P1-1508 and 55A1-1508?
The 55A1-1508 is a standard attachable cable plug designed for customer cable termination.The 55P1-1508 is a modified version of the 55A1 with a special backshell for oil filling and pressure compensation.
Q9: What is the standard voltage rating?
The standard Burton 5500 Series voltage rating is 600 V.The 1508 contact arrangement is not listed among the original catalog’s standard high-voltage contact patterns.
Q10: What is the current rating?
The original Burton catalog directs users to its Ampacity Appendix rather than assigning a universal current rating to the 1508 contact arrangement.
Q11: What is the pressure rating?
The Burton 5500 Series catalog specifies a general pressure rating of 10,000 psi.The complete PBOF assembly must be separately evaluated, including its tubing, fittings, compensation reservoir, and installation.
Q12: What is the purpose of the oil fill port?
The oil fill port allows the PBOF connector and associated pressure compensation system to be filled with the specified oil.
Q13: What is the purpose of the hose barb?
The hose barb connects the connector backshell to the external oil compensation tubing.
Q14: Is a hydraulic hose available?
Yes. The original Burton catalog offers an optional JIC-type fitting that allows a hydraulic hose to replace standard clear tubing.
Q15: Can the 55P1-1508 be supplied with a cable?
The original Burton documentation allows PBOF connectors to be ordered separately or made up as cable assemblies.However, due to the difficulty of shipping oil-filled cable assemblies, final oil filling is left to the customer.
Q16: Which connectors mate with the 55P1-1508?
The compatible receptacles include the 5507-1508 threaded bulkhead receptacle and the 5506-1508 flange receptacle, both featuring eight male pin contacts.
Q17: Is the 55P1-1508 a wet-mate connector?
No. It retains the Burton 5500 Series dry-mate electrical interface. The oil-filled pressure compensation design does not change the mating interface into a wet-mate system.
Why Choose HYSF SUBSEA 55P1-1508?
The
HYSF SUBSEA 55P1-1508 Burton 55 Series Compatible 8-Pin PBOF Connector provides a specialized electrical connection solution for pressure-compensated subsea applications.Its principal advantages include:
- Burton 55 Series compatible interface
- Shell Size 15 configuration
- Eight female socket contacts
- 8 × 18 AWG conductor arrangement
- Pressure Balanced Oil Filled design
- Modified 55A1 attachable plug construction
- Special stainless steel backshell
- Integrated oil fill port
- Hose barb connection
- Optional JIC hydraulic hose fitting
- 600 V standard series voltage rating
- 10,000 psi series pressure rating
- Customer-specific cable termination
- Suitable for deep-water ROV and subsea applications
For ROV manufacturers, subsea engineering companies, offshore equipment suppliers, and marine research organizations, the 55P1-1508 provides a pressure-balanced electrical connection option for specialized deep-water cable systems.
