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Dry-Mate 5500 Subsea Connectors | Deep-Sea Rated Dry Mate Ci

Dry-Mate 5500 Subsea Connectors — Deep-Sea Rated Dry Mate Circular Connectors

Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. supplies the Dry-Mate 5500 series subsea connectors — high-performance dry-mate circular connectors designed for deep-sea applications where connectors are mated above water or in dry conditions before deployment. These connectors offer a cost-effective, reliable alternative to wet-mate connectors for applications where underwater mating and demating is not required.

The 5500 series dry-mate connectors feature a robust circular design with proven sealing technology, providing IP68 protection at depths of up to 7,000 metres. They are ideal for ROV system components, subsea instrumentation, underwater camera housings, junction boxes and distribution systems where connectors are installed during system assembly and remain mated throughout deployment.

Key Features

  • Dry-mate design — mated above water, reliable underwater
  • Multiple contact configurations available (2 to 25+ contacts)
  • 600V AC/DC voltage rating with 10A per contact
  • IP68 rated to 7,000 metres depth after mating
  • Robust circular shell design in anodised aluminium or stainless steel
  • PEEK insulator for high dielectric strength
  • Gold-plated contacts for low and stable contact resistance
  • Lower cost alternative to wet-mate connectors for suitable applications
  • Available as connectors only or pre-terminated cable assemblies
  • SubConn compatible interface options available

Applications

  • ROV system internal component connectors (junction boxes, distribution units)
  • Subsea instrument housings and pressure vessel connectors
  • Underwater camera housing bulkhead connectors
  • Subsea junction box and cable termination connectors
  • Offshore platform subsea equipment connection points
  • Marine renewable energy system underwater connections
  • Ocean bottom node and observatory interconnect systems
  • Diving equipment and subsea tool connectors

Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Connector Type Dry-Mate Circular Subsea Connector
Contact Count 2 to 25+ contacts
Voltage Rating 600 V AC/DC
Current Rating 10 A per contact
Depth Rating 7,000 metres (700 bar) after mating
IP Rating IP68 (after mating)
Shell Material Anodised aluminium / SS316 / Titanium
Insulator PEEK
Contact Plating Gold-plated copper alloy
Sealing O-ring + compression seal
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C

Dry-Mate vs Wet-Mate: Which Should You Choose?

Dry-mate connectors offer a cost-effective solution for subsea applications where connectors are mated before deployment and not disconnected underwater. They provide the same depth rating and reliability as wet-mate connectors at a lower cost. Wet-mate connectors are recommended when field maintenance, module replacement or reconfiguration is required underwater.

Pre-Terminated Cable Assembly Options

All Dry-Mate 5500 series connectors can be supplied as fully terminated cable assemblies. Our cable assembly service includes direct over-moulding, custom lengths and a wide range of cable types.

Customization Options

  • Custom contact configurations and contact counts
  • Alternative shell materials for specific environments
  • Customer-specified cable assembly requirements
  • Pressure testing to specified depth ratings
  • Custom packaging and labelling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry-mate connectors be used at full ocean depth?

Yes. Our Dry-Mate 5500 series connectors are rated to 7,000 metres after proper mating above water. They provide the same depth performance as wet-mate connectors in applications where underwater mating is not required.

What is the cost difference between dry-mate and wet-mate connectors?

Dry-mate connectors are generally more cost-effective than equivalent wet-mate connectors, making them an excellent choice for applications where underwater connection/disconnection is not required.

Contact Us

Email: sales@rovcable.com
Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.

Model Part Number System

Our Dry-Mate 5500 series connectors follow a systematic part numbering convention. Example: DMC-4F-SS-5500 indicates a Dry-Mate Connector with 4 contacts, female (socket), stainless steel shell, 5500 series. Contact our sales team for assistance with part number selection for your specific configuration.

Installation Instructions

Dry-mate connectors must be mated in a clean, dry environment before deployment. Inspect all sealing surfaces and O-rings before mating. Apply silicone lubricant to O-rings. Mate the connector fully until the locking mechanism engages. For bulkhead connectors, ensure panel mounting is secure and the O-ring seal between connector and panel is properly compressed. Once mated and deployed, dry-mate connectors provide the same level of underwater protection as wet-mate connectors.

Quality Assurance

Each Dry-Mate 5500 series connector is tested for electrical performance and pressure integrity before shipment. All connectors are supplied with individual test certificates and material certifications upon request.

Comparison with Wet-Mate Connectors

Dry-mate and wet-mate connectors serve different operational requirements. Dry-mate connectors are more economical and offer simpler construction, making them ideal for semi-permanent subsea installations where connectors are mated during system assembly and remain connected throughout deployment. Wet-mate connectors add operational flexibility for systems requiring periodic underwater reconfiguration. Consider your operational requirements carefully: if connectors will never be mated or demated underwater, dry-mate connectors offer the same depth performance at lower cost. If future underwater maintenance or module replacement is anticipated, wet-mate connectors provide valuable operational flexibility.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage of dry-mate connectors extends their service life. Store connectors in a clean, dry environment at 15-25°C with protective caps installed. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, ozone, and corrosive chemicals. The recommended shelf life for connectors in original packaging is 5 years for aluminium shell types and 10 years for stainless steel and titanium types. O-rings should be replaced if they show signs of compression set, cracking, or hardening before deployment.

Case Study: Offshore Platform Subsea Junction Box

In a recent project, our Dry-Mate 5500 series connectors were specified for an offshore platform subsea junction box installation. The junction box connected power and signal cables between subsea sensors and the platform control system. Dry-mate connectors were selected because all connections were made on deck before deployment and no underwater reconfiguration was required. The installation has operated reliably for over three years at a depth of 500 metres, demonstrating the effectiveness of the dry-mate approach for permanent subsea installations.