BH8F 8-Pin Female Bulkhead Underwater Connector – SubConn Compatible

Product Overview

The HYSF SUBSEA BH8F is a high-performance 8-pin female bulkhead underwater connector designed to provide reliable electrical connections through subsea pressure housings, underwater equipment enclosures, and marine instrument panels.As part of the HYSF Standard Circular Series, the BH8F features eight gold-plated female electrical contacts, a corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel housing, and a precision-engineered watertight sealing system.Designed for underwater operating depths of up to 6,000 meters (60 MPa), the BH8F provides a dependable electrical interface between internal equipment wiring and external subsea cable assemblies.The connector supports an electrical rating of 550V AC/DC and 10A per contact, making it suitable for multi-channel signal transmission, electrical control circuits, underwater instrumentation, and appropriate power distribution applications.Its standard configuration includes approximately 0.3 meters of internal wire leads and a 5/8-18 UNF-2A mounting thread for installation in compatible underwater equipment housings.The BH8F is designed to mate with the IL8M 8-pin male inline underwater connector and is compatible with corresponding SubConn and SEACON Standard Circular connector interfaces.Typical applications include remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), subsea sensors, oceanographic instruments, underwater cameras, marine monitoring equipment, and offshore inspection systems.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Eight Gold-Plated Female Electrical Contacts

The BH8F incorporates eight precision-manufactured female electrical contacts within a compact circular interface.This design supports multiple independent electrical circuits through one bulkhead installation point.The eight-contact configuration is suitable for:

• Underwater sensor connections
• Multi-channel signal transmission
• Electrical control systems
• Marine instrumentation
• Auxiliary power circuits
• Subsea monitoring equipment
• Underwater cable assemblies

Gold-plated electrical contacts help maintain stable conductivity and reduce contact-surface oxidation.The female contact configuration is designed to mate securely with the corresponding IL8M male inline connector.

2. Marine-Grade 316L Stainless Steel Housing

The standard BH8F features a precision-machined 316L stainless steel housing, selected for its mechanical durability and corrosion resistance in marine environments.Key benefits include:

• Good resistance to seawater corrosion
• High mechanical strength
• Durability under hydrostatic pressure
• Reliable threaded mounting
• Suitability for deep-water equipment
• Long-term structural stability

The stainless steel housing protects the internal contact assembly and provides a secure mechanical interface with the equipment enclosure.For installations involving dissimilar metals, such as aluminum pressure housings, appropriate galvanic corrosion protection should be considered.

3. Designed for 6,000-Meter Water Depth

The BH8F is designed to operate at external hydrostatic pressures of up to 60 MPa, equivalent to approximately 6,000 meters of seawater depth.This capability makes it suitable for demanding subsea environments, including deep-sea research, offshore monitoring, and underwater vehicle applications.The connector’s watertight design helps maintain electrical isolation between the external seawater environment and internal equipment circuits.The complete installation must use the appropriate mounting geometry, sealing components, and assembly procedures to achieve the intended pressure performance.

4. SubConn and SEACON Compatible Interface

The BH8F is designed for compatibility with corresponding SubConn and SEACON Standard Circular underwater connector configurations.This compatibility allows the BH8F to be considered for:

• Replacement underwater bulkhead connectors
• Subsea equipment maintenance
• Marine instrumentation upgrades
• New underwater enclosure designs
• OEM subsea equipment
• Standardized underwater connection systems

The exact connector series, pin configuration, gender, and mating dimensions should be verified before replacing an existing connector.

5. Wet-Mateable Underwater Connection

The BH8F belongs to HYSF SUBSEA’s wet-mateable Standard Circular connector family.When paired with the corresponding IL8M male inline connector, the mating interface is designed to support connection and disconnection in underwater environments.This is useful for subsea equipment requiring periodic maintenance, cable replacement, or modular integration.Electrical power should normally be disconnected before mating or unmating unless the complete connector assembly has been specifically qualified for energized operation.

6. Precision 5/8-18 UNF-2A Mounting Thread

The BH8F uses a 5/8-18 UNF-2A mounting thread for secure installation through compatible equipment housings.The standard series mounting configuration includes:

• Mounting Thread: 5/8-18 UNF-2A
• Nominal Thread Length: 19 mm
• Installation Type: Threaded Bulkhead
• Standard Housing: 316L Stainless Steel

The threaded mounting structure allows the connector to be mechanically secured to a suitable panel or enclosure wall.Before installation, the equipment designer should verify the required mounting hole dimensions, wall thickness, sealing surface, and installation clearance using the applicable technical drawing.

7. O-Ring Sealing System

The BH8F incorporates a bulkhead sealing arrangement intended to prevent seawater ingress at the mounting interface.O-ring sealing provides a barrier between the connector housing and the equipment panel.Depending on the selected configuration, single or dual O-ring sealing options may be available.Proper sealing performance depends on:

• Correct O-ring dimensions
• Suitable sealing material
• Proper groove geometry
• Clean contact surfaces
• Correct O-ring compression
• Appropriate mounting procedures

The sealing components should be inspected before installation and replaced if damaged.

8. Standard 0.3-Meter Internal Wire Leads

The standard BH8F configuration includes approximately 0.3 meters of internal wire leads.These leads allow the bulkhead connector to be electrically connected to internal equipment electronics, terminal blocks, or other suitable terminations.Customization options may include:

• Extended internal wire lengths
• Alternative conductor specifications
• Customized wiring assignments
• Numbered wire identification
• Specialized termination arrangements
• OEM bulkhead assemblies

Actual wire identification and conductor assignments should be confirmed using the corresponding wiring drawing.

9. Optional Anodized Aluminum Housing

In addition to the standard 316L stainless steel construction, the BH8F may be supplied with an anodized aluminum housing for projects requiring reduced weight or different material compatibility.Anodized aluminum can be useful for underwater equipment with aluminum pressure housings.Material selection should consider:

• Housing compatibility
• Operating depth
• Weight requirements
• Corrosion protection
• Surface treatment
• Mechanical strength
• Long-term seawater exposure

Customized housing materials and sealing configurations are subject to engineering review.

BH8F Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Brand	HYSF SUBSEA
Model	BH8F
Product Series	Standard Circular
Connector Type	Bulkhead Receptacle
Number of Contacts	8
Contact Gender	Female
Contact Finish	Gold-Plated
Standard Housing Material	316L Stainless Steel
Optional Housing Material	Anodized Aluminum
Mounting Style	Threaded Bulkhead
Mounting Thread	5/8-18 UNF-2A
Nominal Thread Length	19 mm
Rated Voltage	550V AC/DC
Rated Current	10A per Contact
Maximum Operating Depth	6,000 m
Pressure Rating	60 MPa
Mating Capability	Wet-Mateable
Standard Internal Wire Length	0.3 m
Custom Wire Lengths	Available
Sealing System	O-Ring Sealing
Optional Sealing	Single/Dual O-Ring Configurations
Mating Inline Connector	IL8M
Protective Dummy Connector	DC8M
Interface Compatibility	Corresponding SubConn and SEACON Standard Circular Connectors
Warranty	12 Months

Note: The dimensions and sealing arrangement of customized aluminum or dual O-ring versions may differ from the standard stainless steel configuration. Always verify the approved technical drawing before machining the equipment housing.

Standard 8-Pin Wiring Reference

The HYSF SUBSEA Standard Circular 8-pin series uses the following standard cable wiring color sequence:

Pin Number	Wire Color
1	Red
2	Black
3	Yellow
4	Blue
5	Orange
6	Brown
7	Purple
8	Green

This table is a reference for the standard eight-contact wiring arrangement.Bulkhead connectors may use numbered internal leads or alternative wire identification methods. The actual pin-to-wire mapping should be checked against the supplied wiring diagram.

Compatible Mating Connectors and Accessories

IL8M – 8-Pin Male Inline Underwater Connector

The IL8M is the corresponding male inline underwater cable connector for the BH8F.It features:

• Eight male electrical contacts
• Molded neoprene rubber construction
• Gold-plated contact surfaces
• Standard 1-meter underwater cable
• Wet-mateable interface
• 6,000-meter depth rating

When connected, the BH8F and IL8M form a detachable electrical interface between external underwater equipment and internal electronics within a sealed enclosure.

DC8M – Male Dummy Connector

The DC8M is the corresponding male protective dummy connector for the BH8F female bulkhead interface.When the IL8M cable connector is removed, the DC8M can be installed to help protect the BH8F mating interface.The dummy connector helps prevent contamination and accidental mechanical damage during storage, servicing, or periods when the connection is not in use.The DC8M is a protective accessory and does not provide an electrical connection.

BH8M – Male Bulkhead Connector

The BH8M is the male-contact version of the Standard Circular 8-pin bulkhead connector.The standard mating relationships are:

• BH8F mates with IL8M.
• BH8M mates with IL8F.

Both bulkhead versions use the Standard Circular interface family.

Typical Applications

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

ROVs require reliable electrical connections through sealed pressure housings.The BH8F can be installed in ROV electronics enclosures to provide suitable connections for:

• External sensors
• Underwater cameras
• Auxiliary control systems
• Instrumentation
• Monitoring equipment

Its eight-contact configuration can reduce the number of separate electrical penetrations required in compatible equipment designs.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)

AUV systems often contain multiple electronic modules housed in pressure-resistant enclosures.The BH8F provides a panel-mounted electrical interface for suitable multi-channel connections between internal electronics and external equipment.

Underwater Camera Housings

The connector can be integrated into underwater cameras and observation systems requiring detachable electrical cables.It provides a watertight bulkhead connection for appropriate power and signal circuits.Compatibility with specific video or Ethernet protocols must be assessed using the complete cable and electrical system design.

Oceanographic Instrumentation

The BH8F can be used in marine research and oceanographic equipment such as:

• CTD-related instruments
• Underwater acoustic devices
• Oceanographic data acquisition systems
• Water-quality monitoring instruments
• Deep-sea observation platforms
• Subsea environmental monitoring equipment

Offshore Inspection and Monitoring

Offshore equipment frequently operates in environments involving seawater exposure, hydrostatic pressure, and mechanical stress.The BH8F can provide an electrical interface for offshore monitoring enclosures, underwater inspection systems, and subsea electronic modules.

Marine Research Equipment

Research organizations and underwater equipment manufacturers can integrate the BH8F into customized pressure housings and scientific instruments.Its standardized mating interface supports maintenance and replacement of compatible external cable assemblies.

Installation Guidelines

Proper installation is essential for ensuring reliable watertight performance.

Step 1: Verify the Technical Drawing

Check the mounting dimensions and 5/8-18 UNF-2A thread specification.Confirm that the selected BH8F configuration is compatible with the housing wall thickness and available installation space.

Step 2: Inspect the Connector

Examine the stainless steel housing, contact assembly, and sealing surfaces for scratches, deformation, or contamination.

Step 3: Prepare the Mounting Surface

Ensure the mounting hole is machined to the correct dimensions.Remove sharp edges, metal particles, oil, and other contaminants that could damage the O-ring.

Step 4: Check the O-Ring

Inspect the sealing component before installation.Use the correct O-ring specification and follow the recommended lubrication and installation procedures where applicable.

Step 5: Install the Bulkhead Connector

Position the BH8F in the equipment housing and secure it using the appropriate mounting hardware.Avoid excessive tightening or mechanical loading.

Step 6: Connect the Internal Wiring

Connect the internal wire leads according to the approved wiring diagram.Confirm the contact numbering and circuit assignments before applying electrical power.

Step 7: Mate the IL8M Cable Connector

Inspect the mating surfaces and align the IL8M connector correctly with the BH8F.Follow the recommended mating instructions and avoid excessive force.

Step 8: Perform Final Inspection and Testing

Verify electrical continuity and insulation performance.Where required, conduct a hydrostatic pressure test of the complete equipment housing before deployment.

Quality Control and Testing

HYSF SUBSEA supports the manufacture of underwater bulkhead connectors through quality-control procedures that may include:

• Hydrostatic pressure testing
• Electrical continuity testing
• Insulation resistance measurement
• Dielectric withstand testing
• Contact inspection
• Dimensional verification
• O-ring sealing inspection
• Mechanical integrity checks

Additional testing and documentation can be arranged according to project-specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does BH8F mean?

BH8F identifies an eight-contact female bulkhead underwater electrical connector in the Standard Circular Series.

Q2: Which connector mates with BH8F?

The standard mating connector is the IL8M 8-pin male inline underwater connector.

Q3: Is BH8F compatible with SubConn connectors?

Yes. The BH8F is designed for mating compatibility with corresponding SubConn Standard Circular connector interfaces.

Q4: What is the mounting thread size?

The standard mounting thread is 5/8-18 UNF-2A.

Q5: What is the housing material?

The standard housing is manufactured from 316L stainless steel. Anodized aluminum configurations may also be available.

Q6: What is the maximum operating depth?

The BH8F is designed for underwater operating depths of up to 6,000 meters, corresponding to approximately 60 MPa.

Q7: What are the electrical ratings?

The connector is rated for 550V AC/DC and 10A per contact.

Q8: What is the standard internal wire length?

The standard internal wire lead length is approximately 0.3 meters.

Q9: Can the BH8F be connected underwater?

Yes. The BH8F belongs to the wet-mateable Standard Circular Series. Electrical power should normally be switched off before mating or unmating.

Q10: Does BH8F use O-ring sealing?

Yes. The connector uses an O-ring sealing arrangement. Single or dual O-ring configurations may be available depending on the selected design.

Q11: Which dummy connector protects BH8F?

The corresponding protective accessory is the DC8M male dummy connector.

Q12: Is BH8F the same as MCBH8F?

No. BH8F belongs to the Standard Circular Series, while MCBH8F belongs to the Micro Circular Series. The mating interfaces and mounting dimensions are different.

Q13: Can the internal wires be customized?

Yes. Custom internal wire lengths, conductor arrangements, and termination requirements can be reviewed.

Q14: Can BH8F be installed in an aluminum housing?

Yes, provided the mechanical design and sealing arrangement are suitable. Galvanic corrosion protection should be considered when stainless steel and aluminum components are exposed to seawater.

Why Choose HYSF SUBSEA?

HYSF SUBSEA specializes in underwater electrical connectors, subsea bulkhead connectors, marine cable assemblies, and customized underwater interconnection solutions.Our manufacturing and engineering capabilities include:

• SubConn-compatible underwater connector manufacturing
• Precision-machined stainless steel bulkhead connectors
• Customized aluminum housing configurations
• Standard and custom underwater cable assemblies
• Deep-water pressure testing
• OEM and ODM engineering support
• Technical drawings and 3D models
• Customized wiring and termination solutions
• Underwater connector accessories
• 12-month product warranty

The BH8F 8-pin female bulkhead underwater connector provides a robust, serviceable electrical interface for demanding marine applications where reliable sealing, mechanical durability, and compatibility with established subsea connector systems are essential.