binder, a leading supplier of industrial circular connectors, is adding protective caps for the cable connectors to its NCC (Not Connected Closed) 670- and 770-series portfolio. Their task is to prevent the ingress of particles and humidity when the interface is disconnected. The protective caps are equipped with holding straps that can be easily attached to the cable connectors.

The 670- and 770-series connectors are used in handheld devices, for example. If an application requires the cable connector to be detached from the device, without a protective cap, it is exposed to the environmental influences at the place of use. The cap ensures environmental protection according to IP67 – against dust and temporary immersion – even when the connector is unmated.

NCC – flexible and space-saving

With the 670 and 770 series, binder offers compact and highly versatile 5-pin and 8-pin connectors featuring bayonet locking. They are designed for demanding environmental conditions that require the interface to be protected according to IP67. Typical applications can be found in test equipment, metrology and lighting as well as in signage and other devices that need to be washable.

The NCC series are characterized by a special design feature: Spring-loaded plastic covers protect the female panel mount parts and ensure the contacts are safely enclosed in the housing. Thus, even when unmated, the panel mount parts are protected against contact, dust, and splash water from all sides (670 series: IP54) or in addition against temporary immersion in water (770 series: IP67). Now, due to the protective caps, also the male cable connectors achieve IP67 when unmated.

Application in water level monitoring

When monitoring the water levels in wells, level sensors are used together with communication modules that send the measurement results to a central data hub. The interface between sensor and module is implemented using an NCC connector. This eliminates the need to manually measure the water level, and the data from many wells can be monitored remotely from a control center. However, the modules require periodic cleaning and maintenance. The protective cap then prevents the NCC cable connector from the ingress of water and dirt; it also keeps it safe during transportation and installation.

In addition to the filling level, state-of-the-art sensors can also measure the water quality. These devices usually work with a data logger box, and occasionally it is necessary to switch between the individual sensors. Here as well, it is important to protect the NCC cable connector from dirt and water so that a proper measurement result is achieved as soon as the connection is re-established.