Micro Circular Underwater Connectors -- 2 to 8 Contact MCBH & MCIL Series

The Micro Circular Series from Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd covers the most widely used subsea wet-mateable connector platform in the marine and offshore industry. Available in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 contacts, in both bulkhead (MCBH) and in-line (MCIL) configurations, these connectors are fully interchangeable with the SubConn® MCBH/MCIL series and compatible with SeaCon and Burton equivalents.

Rated to 7,000 m (22,966 ft) depth with IP68 sealing, and factory hydrostatic tested to 600 psig, this series is the standard choice for ROV systems, AUVs, oceanographic sensor packages, and subsea control modules worldwide.

Available Models -- Bulkhead (MCBH) and In-Line (MCIL)

All variants mate with each other across bulkhead and in-line types within the same contact count. Mixed mating between Kabel and SubConn connectors is confirmed compatible.

Key Technical Specifications

• Contact counts available: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
• Mount types: Bulkhead (MCBH) and In-Line (MCIL)
• Depth rating: 7,000 m (700 bar hydrostatic)
• IP rating: IP68 (continuous submersion, seawater)
• Voltage rating: 600 V AC/DC per contact
• Current rating: Up to 10 A per contact
• Insulation resistance: >1,000 MOhm at 500 VDC
• Contact resistance: <5 mOhm per contact
• Shell material: Hard-anodized aluminium (standard) / Titanium Grade 5 (optional)
• Contact material: Gold-plated copper alloy
• Insulator: PEEK (polyether ether ketone)
• O-ring sealing: Dual O-ring per contact + face seal
• Locking mechanism: Threaded locking ring
• Operating temperature: -20 degC to +85 degC
• Hydrostatic test: 600 psig (41 bar) per unit, with test certificate
• Mating cycles: 500+ rated
• Compatibility: SubConn MCBH/MCIL, SeaCon, Burton equivalents

Product Features

• Wet-mateable design: Connects and disconnects underwater without tools. Spring-loaded sliding contacts displace water during mating, preventing galvanic shorts.
• Dual O-ring per contact: Each pin or socket contact is individually sealed by two O-rings in series. A single O-ring failure does not result in connector flooding.
• SubConn drop-in replacement: Identical thread form, contact pitch, and face geometry. No panel modifications required when retrofitting onto existing MCBH bulkheads.
• Titanium shell option: For mixed-metal ROV frames where aluminium-to-titanium galvanic coupling is a concern. Available on request, 2-3 weeks lead time.
• Factory pressure test certificate: Every connector is individually hydrostatic-tested and a signed certificate is included with shipment.
• PEEK insulator: Superior chemical resistance to seawater, hydraulic fluid, and cleaning agents vs. standard polyurethane insulators.

Applications

• Work-class and observation ROV umbilical terminations
• AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) payload connectors
• Subsea camera and lighting systems
• Oceanographic sensor arrays (CTD, ADCP, dissolved oxygen, PAR)
• Offshore oil & gas subsea control modules
• Tidal energy and offshore wind subsea monitoring
• Marine research landers and moorings
• Commercial diving life support and communication panels
• Underwater drone battery and thruster connectors

Mating and Compatibility Notes

The MCBH (bulkhead) and MCIL (in-line) connectors mate as a pair within the same contact count. Key compatibility points:

• MCBH Male (pin contacts) mates with MCIL Female (socket contacts)
• MCBH Female (socket contacts) mates with MCIL Male (pin contacts)
• Compatible with OEM SubConn connectors in the field -- direct plug-and-play replacement
• Dummy caps (MCDC series) protect unmated bulkheads from contamination and biofouling
• Stainless steel (SS) variants available for MCBH5M-SS / MCBH5F-SS

Ordering Information

Specify the following when ordering:

1. Contact count (2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8)
2. Type (Bulkhead MCBH or In-Line MCIL)
3. Gender (Male M / Female F)
4. Shell material (Aluminium standard / Titanium option)
5. Cable assembly required? (cable OD, length, conductor spec)

Standard stock configurations typically ship within 5-7 business days. Custom cable assemblies and non-standard shell materials require 2-4 weeks.

Contact us for a quotation:
Email: sales@rovcable.com
Website: www.rovcable.com | www.rovconnector.com
Address: No.100 Yezhuang Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, China 201415

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these connectors truly compatible with SubConn MCBH/MCIL?

Yes. Shanghai Kabel Intelligence Technology connectors use the identical thread form, contact pitch, and O-ring groove dimensions as SubConn MCBH/MCIL series. They mate directly with OEM SubConn connectors without any modification.

What is the minimum order quantity?

No minimum order quantity for standard configurations. Sample orders of 1-2 pieces are accepted. Volume pricing applies at 10+ and 50+ units.

Can I get custom cable assemblies?

Yes. We supply fully terminated cable assemblies using subsea-rated PU, PE, or FRNC cables. Specify cable OD, length, conductor count and gauge, and required connector models at each end.

Do you provide pressure test certificates?

Yes. Every connector is factory hydrostatic tested to 600 psig and supplied with a signed test certificate as standard.

What is the difference between MCBH and MCIL?

MCBH (Micro Circular Bulkhead) is the panel-mount / bulkhead receptacle -- permanently installed in a housing wall or ROV chassis. MCIL (Micro Circular In-Line) is the cable-end connector that plugs into the MCBH. Both are wet-mateable.

Applications

• ROV and underwater vehicle systems
• Subsea sensor instrumentation and data acquisition
• Underwater camera and LED lighting systems
• Oceanographic monitoring equipment
• Marine renewable energy systems

Customization Options

• Custom cable lengths and wire terminations
• Alternative shell materials: aluminum, SS316, or titanium
• Certified hydrostatic pressure testing
• Custom bulkhead thread configurations

FAQ

Is this connector compatible with SubConn?

Yes. Our Micro Circular connectors are fully interchangeable with SubConn Micro Circular series, ensuring seamless integration with existing subsea systems.

What is the maximum operating depth?

Rated to 7,000 meters depth with IP68 sealing. Optional IP69K rating available for high-pressure wash-down applications.

Applications

• ROV and AUV underwater vehicle systems requiring compact, reliable connectivity
• Subsea sensor instrumentation, oceanographic data acquisition platforms
• Underwater camera, video and LED lighting systems at varying depths
• Ocean bottom seismic systems and marine renewable energy installations
• Naval systems, diving equipment and offshore infrastructure monitoring

Customization Options

• Custom cable harness lengths, wire terminations and direct moulding services
• Alternative connector body materials: anodized aluminum, SS316, or titanium
• Certified hydrostatic pressure testing to customer-specified ocean depths
• Custom bulkhead thread lengths, O-ring configurations and locking sleeve options