Appendix G - Submersible Connectors And Cable Care - idronaut Ocean Seven 304Plus Operator's Manual

APPENDIX G – CABLE AND CONNECTORS
G.1 FOREWORD
This appendix describes the proper care of submersible connectors and cables installed in the
IDRONAUT OCEAN SEVEN 3xx series CTDs. The text refers to the IE55-12-CCP and to the
MCBH/MCIL one (detailed characteristics of these connectors can be found on
ent.com).
G.2 BULKHEAD CONNECTORS
Bulkhead connectors must be carefully inspected and cleaned: i) before every cruise, ii) during the
cruise; iii) as part of the yearly CTD maintenance procedure. Inspect connector pins for any possible
sign of corrosion. The pins must be shiny and bright. In case of any sign of corrosion on the pins,
immediately check the associated dummy plug or the submersible cable end. It may be possible that
the corrosion is present in the cable end too. Check the integrity of the connector plastic body for
cracks or other flaws that may compromise the seal. Clean the bulkhead connectors by removing all
grease, dirtiness and any other contamination. It is possible to use a soft tool or soft brush and alcohol.
In case of corrosion or damages to the pins or to the connector plastic body that may affect the
connector integrity, contact IDRONAUT to receive assistance.
G.3 SUBMERSIBLE CABLES
Cable end connectors must be inspected and cleaned: i) before every cruise, ii) during the cruise; iii)
as part of the yearly CTD maintenance procedure. Check that the cable end does not have any
problems that may compromise the seal when plugged on the bulkhead connector. Clean cable end
connectors by removing all grease, dirtiness, and any other contamination. It is possible to use a soft
tool or soft brash and alcohol. Cable end connectors may be greased before installing them in the
bulkhead connector (please see the dedicated section). A slack, not well inserted or damaged cable
end connector may cause the damaging of the bulkhead connector and malfunctioning of the OCEAN
SEVEN 3xx CTD.
G.4 DUMMY PLUGS
The purpose of the dummy plug is to protect the connector contacts from being in contact with water
during the CTD immersion. The dummy plug connector integrity is as important as the submersible
cable end connector. Always clean and inspect the dummy plug integrity: i) before every cruise, ii)
during the cruise; iii)as part of the yearly CTD maintenance procedure. Check that the dummy plug
does not have any problems that may compromise the seal when plugged on the bulkhead connector.
Clean dummy plug by removing all grease, dirtiness, and any other contamination. It is possible to
use a soft tool or soft brush and alcohol. Dummy plugs like connectors may be greased before
installing them in the bulkhead connector (please see the dedicated section). A slack, not well inserted
or damaged dummy plug may cause the damaging of the bulkhead connector and malfunctioning of
the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx CTD. Always use the locking sleeve with dummy plug.
G.5 LOCKING SLEEVE
The purpose of the locking sleeve is to secure the cable end or dummy plug to the bulkhead connector
thus preventing it from being accidentally disconnected. Locking sleeve does not help in any way to
improve the water tightness of connection. When installing the locking sleeve, it is important to
tighten it by hand (do not use a wrench tool). Over-tightening the locking sleeve may break the
threads. Furthermore, removing an over-tightened locking sleeve may results in the unthread of the
bulkhead connector from the CTD top cover. A slack connector will lead to a flooded CTD. After
immersing in seawater, always rinse the mated connection with fresh water.
G.6 IEE55-12-CCP CONNECTOR TYPE ONLY
Guidelines:
 Female and male can trap water (suggest flush with alcohol and blow dry).
 Avoid contact with noxious solvent.
IDRONAUT – Brugherio (MB) OCEAN SEVEN 304Plus CTD
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12-2015