Lander Lab: Selection Criteria for Underwater Cable and Connectors

Underwater connectors and mating cables provide system flexibility, ease of service, and other advantages to undersea system designers and field engineers.

They also bring their own suite of added complications and problems.

There is a lot to consider. System designers need to be conscious of the connector they select. A criteria-of-selection provides a programmatic approach to narrowing down and choosing the right underwater connector. Sales reps can provide guidance, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the engineers to write the specifications.

I’ve always held that connectors are a mechanical problem first. If the seals don’t work, then what’s inside doesn’t matter anymore. Not that it wasn’t important to begin with. I also pressure test connectors to be sure there is no production flaw with any critical step. Best time to learn of a problem is onshore, weeks before deployment. Yes, it’s extra work. Your team is counting on you. Play like a champion.

What’s your application? Determining the need.

Underwater Connector Selection Criteria

1. Will the connector transfer power or signal?
2. What is the expected operating service depth and design safety factor?
3. What is the expected deployment duration or system service life?
4. What are the expected environmental conditions (cold, anaerobic, saline, etc.)?
5. Must the connector mate