Connector care

Nortek supplies two types of cables - SubConn and Impulse. Here, we have highlighted a set of instructions on how to take care of each connector type.

To identify which cable you have, there are two methods you can use. First, you can identify the connector sleeve color. A red sleeve indicates a SubConn connector, while a black sleeve indicates an Impulse connector.

Secondly, determine the instrument you are working with. The table below describes which instrument is equipped with which type of connector:

Impulse connector care

• Lubricate mating surface with 3M Silicone Spray or equivalent. Connectors must be lubricated on a regular basis. 
• Lubricate O-ring with Molykote (Dow Corning) 111 Valve Lubricant or equivalent. Replace O-rings when re-using connectors. 
• Avoid nicks and cuts around contacts as these are the sealing surfaces. 
• Elastomers can be seriously degraded if exposed to direct sunlight or high ozone levels for extended periods of time. 
• Do not over tighten bulkhead nuts. 
• Do not pull on cable to disconnect. 
• Avoid sharp bends at cable entry to connector.
  
  You can find further details in the Impulse supplier guide: Impulse handling instructions

SubConn connector care

• Connectors must be greased with Molykote 44 Medium before every mating. 
• A layer of grease corresponding to minimum 1/10 of socket depth should be applied to the female connector.
• The inner edge of all sockets should be completely covered, and a thin transparent layer of grease left visible on the face of the connector.
• After greasing, fully mate the male and female connector in order to secure optimal distribution of grease on the pins and in the sockets.
• To confirm that grease has been sufficiently applied, de-mate and check for grease on every male pin. Then re-mate the connector.

You can find further details in the SubConn supplier guide: SubConn® handling instructions

Greasing connectors with not recommended products or lubricants is discouraged because some grease can act as an electrical insulator, attract contaminants, chemically degrade connector materials, be difficult to remove, and interfere with sealing mechanisms. These issues can lead to poor electrical connections, equipment malfunction, and water damage. Instead, using manufacturer-recommended lubricants or sealants ensures proper connectivity and protection without these adverse effects.

When properly mated, the engaging nut on the cable plug will thread smoothly onto the receptacle shell until it rather abruptly reaches a point where it cannot be hand-tightened any further. At this point the mating surfaces of the plug and receptacle are in contact, and have formed a good seal. The amount of force required to tighten the engaging nut should stay the same throughout (up until the point where it cannot be further hand-tightened). Otherwise, the connectors are not mating properly and will not form a good seal.