Suggestions for rain resistant PCB connector

[hal9001]

Im looking for an inexpensive, rain-resistant 4-pin (or more) PCB mountable connector suitable for outdoor enclosure use. 200mA per pin is acceptable.
Is IP65 adequate? Is there a popular connector type that fits these requirements?

[tooki]

Tons of questions:

Why does it have to be PCB-mountable? With few exceptions, waterproof connectors have to be screwed to the enclosure to clamp down on the gasket. And that, in turn, usually means that the connector needs to be attached to the housing before soldering to the PCB, so that the solder joints are not under strain (which happens if you screw it down later, unless the board is supported only by a single connector and nothing else). It’s much easier if you can make the connectors separate from the PCB.

Also, a big question is whether you need the connector to be waterproof only when mated (i.e. the connector is not waterproof when nothing is connected), or waterproof also when unmated.

How much space is available? Does it need to be connected under load? What kind of signals are being carried?

[hal9001]

Why does it have to be PCB-mountable?

For production its one less step if the PCBA has everything on it. The board has only single connector which needs waterproofing. Thought is, PCBA with connector goes in the housing and then connector can be screwed to the housing

Also, a big question is whether you need the connector to be waterproof only when mated (i.e. the connector is not waterproof when nothing is connected), or waterproof also when unmated.

Waterproof only when mated. The board will be always mated after installed

How much space is available? Does it need to be connected under load? What kind of signals are being carried?

Space is flexible. 2 pins data, 2 pins power 5v 200mA


Cheers

[lichurbagan]

Does any of these fulfill your demand?

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/discovery/ideas-and-advice/waterproof-electrical-connectors-guide

[BadeBhaiya]

O rings are your friends. If you're going to have an enclosure anyway there is nothing to gain from having the connector on the PCB instead of having it securely mounted on the enclosure with a flexible cable connecting it to the board.

The problem with having PCB mount connectors interface outside the enclosure is that you need to leave openings in the enclosure which will inevitably lead moisture in. Plus connectors on PCBs is a mechanical vulnerability, any stress or mechanical force and it's directly transferred to your PCB through the solder joints.

[Terry Bites]

IP65 is probably enough for regular windy rain but you need to go to IP66 or higher for real storm proofing.
Waterproof doesn't usually come cheap. Unless you want to buy knock-offs from Aliexpress.
(Which a I have and been pleasantly surprised.)

I'm a fan of metric circular automation connectors. Series 720 from Binder and the like. You can get all kinds of PCB versions.
Deutsch are cheaper than most, their big in the automotive realm: PCB Connectors DT, DRC and DTM Series.
Anything but bloody Waterproof XLRs, what a malarkey!

I'd avoid PCB mount types for outdoor use.
The bash potential is far higher. Board to wire to External would be preferable, sacrifice a connector not a pcb. So very right BadeBhaiya.

[sparkydonkey]

I have to agree with everyone else, use a normal wire-to-board connector on the PCB itself and then use a real weather-rated wire-to-wire sealed connector through the punchout hole (or however you're going call your opening) on the sealed enclosure itself

[squadchannel]

JST JWPF

[twospoons]

We started with connector - wire - connector -pcb and threw that out. We now have no less than 6 pcb mounted IP67 connectors (M12 and M8), which saves  a lot of assembly time, eliminates wiring errors and eliminates a set of internal connectors.  Huge cost saving.
We don't get leaks or solder fractures, because everything is bolted down properly (using a torque wrench) and sealed with o-rings. And we're operating in a marine environment, where everything gets soaked.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using pcb mounted external connectors if you do it correctly. Ignore the nay-sayers.

Note: you don't get 'cheap' and 'waterproof' in the same connector.

[tooki]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using pcb mounted external connectors if you do it correctly. Ignore the nay-sayers.

Nobody said it can’t be done, only that it’s tricky. You yourself admit this by the “if you do it correctly” qualifier.

[twospoons]

Sure. But 'correct' does not mean 'difficult'. It means don't do dumb stuff, like trying seal against a rough surface, or relying on the connector to support the board. The OP's single connector should be trivial to get right.

[Someone]

Sure. But 'correct' does not mean 'difficult'. It means don't do dumb stuff, like trying seal against a rough surface, or relying on the connector to support the board. The OP's single connector should be trivial to get right.

Depends on their teams mechanical competencies. Torquing the mounting nut/screw(s) against the solder joints only is a pretty common mistake, vs an assembly fixture or feature in the enclosure to prevent rotation of the connector body directly.