Electrical Connectors for Underwater Applications

Nowadays, numerous companies offer a large choice of underwater connectors and assemblies, and it can be complex to distinguish the different technologies employed for each of them. This chapter provides an overview of the types of connectors that exist for underwater and subsea electrical connections. It presents different types of commercial-off-the-shelf electrical connectors, and lists their performances and defaults, as well as typical failure modes and their known causes. Although each manufacturer has its own designs and technologies, underwater connectors can be grouped into five main categories: rubber-molded, rigid-shell or bulkhead assemblies, fluid-filled underwater mateable, inductive coupling, and assemblies (non-unmateable). The chapter contains the theory on sealing and on connectors’ thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. It provides information on connection procedures and other details about connecting subsea cables with a focus on the connection of offshore renewable energy farms.