SHX27 Metal-Shell Wet-Mateable Underwater Power Connectors
High-power · 6000 VAC main contacts · 4.5 MPa
SHX4 Underwater Connectors, 10 MPa Mated, up to 115 A
1000 m and deeper · 10 MPa mated · contacts up to 115 A
SHX4 is a metal-shell underwater connector for deep-water instruments and equipment, built to the Chinese shipbuilding standard CB/T 3939-2000. It is used at 1000 m water depth and deeper, withstands 10 MPa hydrostatic pressure when mated, and is supplied with molded watertight cables as a complete sealed assembly.
- Depth
- 1000 m and deeper
- Pressure rating
- 10 MPa mated
- Contacts
- 1 to 41
- Current rating
- 7.5–115 A
- Temperature
- −40 to +85 °C
- Shell sizes
- 9M, 10M, 14M, 20M
Key features
- Radial and axial sealing; withstands 10 MPa hydrostatic pressure when mated
- Contacts from size 20 (7.5 A) to size 2 (115 A), plus 50 Ω / 75 Ω coax and high-voltage contacts
- Removable mechanical backshell for field assembly and service, or vulcanized backshell for maximum sealing
- Plugs, square-flange receptacles, bulkhead feed-through receptacles and cable receptacles
- Titanium, aluminum bronze or stainless-steel shells; protective caps
- Custom contact counts, cable types and lengths on request
Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Water depth | 1000 m and deeper | |
| Hydrostatic pressure, mated | 10 MPa |
| Parameter | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation resistance | ≥ 5000 MΩ / ≥ 1000 MΩ | Room temperature / after environmental tests |
| Dielectric withstanding voltage | By insert arrangement | Tested to your requirements |
| Parameter | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 500 mating cycles | |
| Vibration | 10–500 Hz, 100 m/s² | |
| Shock | 120 g, half-sine, 6 ms | |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +85 °C | |
| Mould resistance | Grade 2, 28 days | GJB 150A |
CB/T 3939-2000 — Chinese shipbuilding industry standard for watertight connectors.
Values not listed above — for example vibration level, leak rate or other environmental tests — can be tested to your requirements, including third-party testing. Specifications are subject to change; contact us for the current datasheet.
Contact layouts
Standard layouts by shell size, viewed from the mating face of the pin insert.
| Shell | Contacts |
|---|---|
| 9M | 4 × size 16 |
| 9M | 7 × size 20 |
| 10M | 2 × size 14 |
| 10M | 3 × size 14 |
| 10M | 4 × size 16 |
| 10M | 5 × size 16 |
| 10M | 7 × size 20 |
| 10M | 1 × 75 Ω coax |
| 10M | 1 × high-voltage contact |
| 14M | 2 × size 20 |
| 14M | 3 × size 20 |
| 14M | 4 × size 20 |
| 14M | 3 × size 10 + 5 × size 20 |
| 14M | 12 × size 20 |
| 14M | 1 × size 6 |
| 14M | 3 × size 12 |
| 14M | 4 × size 12 |
| 14M | 7 × size 14 |
| 14M | 1 × high-voltage contact |
| 14M | 12 × size 16 |
| 14M | 19 × size 20 |
| 14M | 1 × 50 Ω coax |
| 20M | 1 × size 2 |
| 20M | 3 × size 6 |
| 20M | 4 × size 6 |
| 20M | 7 × size 12 |
| 20M | 16 × size 12 |
| 20M | 21 × size 14 |
| 20M | 27 × size 16 |
| 20M | 32 × size 16 |
| 20M | 41 × size 20 |
| 20M | 4 × high-voltage contacts |
Withstanding voltage depends on the layout. Size 10 and high-voltage contact ratings on request.
Versions
| Series code | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SHX4FED | Plug | Mechanical (A) or vulcanized (E) backshell |
| SHX4REC | Square-flange receptacle | |
| SHX4TEC | Bulkhead feed-through receptacle | Pin one side, socket the other |
| SHX4PCE | Cable receptacle | |
| SHX4TFG / ZFG | Protective caps for plug / receptacle |
Shell materials and finishes
| Code | Shell material | Finish | Shell conductivity | EMI shielding | Temperature | Salt spray |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ti | Titanium alloy | None | — | — | −40 to +85 °C | 1000 h |
| K | Stainless steel | Passivated | — | — | −40 to +85 °C | 500 h |
| CA | Aluminum bronze | Nickel | — | — | −40 to +85 °C | 1000 h |
Contact sizes and current ratings
| Contact size | Engaging diameter | Contact resistance | Current rating | Wire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1.02 mm | ≤ 7.3 mΩ | 7.5 A | AWG 22, 24, 26 |
| 16 | 1.59 mm | ≤ 3.7 mΩ | 13 A | AWG 20, 22, 24 |
| 14 | 1.93 mm | ≤ 2.5 mΩ | 20 A | AWG 14, 16, 18 |
| 12 | 2.39 mm | ≤ 1.83 mΩ | 23 A | AWG 12, 14, 16 |
| 6 | 5 mm | ≤ 1 mΩ | 65 A | AWG 6, 8, 10 |
| 2 | 7 mm | ≤ 0.6 mΩ | 115 A | AWG 2, 4, 6 |
| TX50 / TX75 | Coax | — | 50 Ω / 75 Ω | Contact us |
How to order
SHX4 [type] [contact] [shell] [contacts] -[size] [backshell] [cable] [shell material]
Example: SHX4FEDF9M07-20A60CA — Plug, socket contacts, shell 9M, 7 size-20 contacts, mechanical backshell, for 6 mm watertight cable, aluminum bronze
| Code segment | Options |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Contact | |
| Shell | |
| Contacts and size | |
| Backshell | |
| Cable | |
| Shell material |
Other cable diameters on request.
Typical applications
- Deep-water instruments and sensors
- ROVs and subsea vehicles
- Seafloor observation equipment
- Offshore oil and gas equipment
Frequently asked questions
How deep can SHX4 be used?
SHX4 is used at 1000 m water depth and deeper, and withstands 10 MPa hydrostatic pressure when mated.
Can I service SHX4 in the field?
Yes. The removable mechanical backshell allows field assembly and maintenance; the vulcanized backshell gives the highest sealing.
Selection guides
From sample to production
Send your requirement
Part number, drawing, pin-out or a short description of your application.
Configuration and quote
Our engineers match the configuration and reply with a drawing and quotation.
Samples
Samples are made to your order. Third-party testing to your specification is available on request.
Your approval
You test the samples in your own equipment and approve them.
Series production
Production follows the approved sample configuration.
Need a quote or a drawing?
Send your part number, pin-out or drawing. An engineer will reply by email.
Related series
SHX10 Glass-Sealed Watertight Connectors for Oil & Gas and Marine Equipment
Glass-sealed receptacles · 10 MPa mated · 116 insert arrangements