SubConn® Installation Instructions¶
Quick-reference handling instructions for MacArtney SubConn® underwater connectors. Follow these carefully to ensure correct use and a reliable seal.
Source: MacArtney SubConn® handling instructions, Edition 5.1.2.
Handling¶
- Connectors must be greased with MOLYKOTE® 44 Medium before every mating.
- Always grease O-rings on BH, BCR, and FCR connectors with Molykote 111.
- Disconnect by pulling straight out, not at an angle.
- Do not pull on the cable, and avoid sharp bends at the cable entry.
- When using a bulkhead connector, ensure there are no angular loads.
- Apply the recommended torque when tightening bulkhead nuts.
- Do not expose connectors to extended heat or direct sunlight. If a connector becomes very dry, soak it in fresh water before use.
- All current ratings are based on the connector being submerged in water.
- The locking sleeve must be hand-tightened only.
Greasing & Mating Above Water (Dry-Mate)¶
- Grease with MOLYKOTE® 44 Medium before every mating.
- Apply a layer of grease corresponding to approximately 1/3 of a socket depth to the female connector.
- All sockets should be completely sealed, with a transparent layer of grease left visible on the face of the connector.
- After greasing, fully mate the male and female connector and remove any excess grease from the connector joint.
Greasing & Mating Under Water (Wet-Mate)¶
- Grease with MOLYKOTE® 44 Medium before every mating.
- Apply a layer of grease corresponding to a minimum of 1/10 of the socket depth to the female connector.
- The inner edge of all sockets should be completely covered, with a thin layer of grease left visible on the face of the connector.
- After greasing, fully mate the connectors to secure optimal distribution of grease on all contacts and in the sockets.
- To confirm sufficient grease, de-mate and check for grease on every male contact, then re-mate.
Greasing Products¶
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Molykote 44 Medium | Greasing connector contacts before every mating |
| Molykote 111 Compound | Greasing O-rings (BH, BCR, FCR connectors) |
Cleaning¶
- General cleaning: liquid soap and hot water.
- For accumulated contamination, use a spray-based contact cleaner (isopropyl alcohol).
- New grease must be applied again prior to mating.
Thread Locking¶
- All threads must be clean and free of foreign particles; ensure the threaded hole is clean too.
- For metallic connectors, use LOCTITE® 243.
- For non-metallic (PEEK) connectors, always use LOCTITE® 5910.
PEEK and acetone
Acetone creates stress-induced cracking in PEEK material. Do not use it on PEEK connectors.
Cable Bending Radius¶
- Recommended dynamic bending radius: 5 × cable OD.
- Static bending radius: 10 × cable OD.
- Avoid sharp bends at the cable entry to the connector.
Coax & Oil-Compensated Systems¶
- Coax connectors are dry-mate only — not suitable for open-face pressure or water-block applications.
- Locking sleeves are required; a dummy connector is required when coax connectors are unmated.
- When greasing coax, grease only the rubber parts — never the coax contact itself. After greasing, de-mate to confirm grease on every male contact and none on the coax, then re-mate.
- For oil-compensated / pressure-balanced systems, MacArtney recommends DC-200/350 or PMX-200/350 oil.