LPDC9M Low Profile Dummy Connector 9 Pin Male
Keywords： low profile underwater connector, LPDC9M, LP series submersible connector, 9 pin low profile connector, AUV connector, glider underwater connector, low drag subsea connector, 600 bar low profile connector, oceanographic instrument connector
- IP68 waterproof
- Up to 7000m
- In-line, 1Pin, Male
- RV POWER GROUP
- [email protected]
-
- Description
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The LPDC9M is a Low Profile Dummy Connector — 9-Pin Male, designed to protect unmated LP series bulkhead or cable connector faces during storage, transit, and pre-deployment staging. The dummy connector seals the mating face at full rated depth pressure, preventing seawater ingress, contact corrosion, and debris contamination that degrade connector performance and reduce service life. Always install a dummy connector on every unmated LP connector before equipment is deployed or stored.
At a glance: Protects 9-pin LP Male connector face | Rated to 600 Bar (8,700 psi) | Chloroprene rubber body | Locking sleeve compatible | Matches LP series dimensions exactly
Key Design Features
- Face-Sealing at 600 Bar (8,700 psi): Dummy connector seals the LP connector face at full rated depth — prevents contact corrosion and water ingress during deployment without a mated partner connector.
- 9-Pin Male Match: Dimensionally identical to the live LP plug — installs with the same coupling nut and locking sleeve as the working connector.
- Chloroprene Rubber Body: Flexible, seawater-resistant body maintains seal integrity across the full temperature range (−40°C to +60°C).
- Locking Sleeve Compatible: Install the LP series locking sleeve on the dummy connector before deployment — the same procedure as for live mated connections.
- No Live Contacts: Dummy connector body contains no active contacts — safe to handle while power circuits are energised at the equipment.
- Inert Materials: Body and coupling nut materials are identical to the live connector — no galvanic difference that could cause accelerated corrosion at the mating interface.
- Matches All LP Pin Counts: Available for 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9-pin LP configurations in both male (M) and female (F) versions.
- Required for Operational Readiness: Without a dummy connector, unmated LP connectors will fail open-face pressure rating tests and risk internal water ingress that permanently damages contacts and insulation.
- Low-Cost Insurance: Always order one dummy connector per active connector as a spare — cost is minimal versus the consequence of a corroded or flooded connector on a deployed instrument.
Electrical & Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | LPDC9M |
| Series | Low Profile (LP) Series |
| Configuration | Dummy Connector (protective) |
| Number of contacts / pins | 9 |
| Voltage rating | N/A (no live contacts) |
| Current per contact | N/A |
| Maximum total current | N/A |
| Insulation resistance | N/A |
| Contact resistance | N/A |
| Mated pressure rating | 600 Bar (8,700 psi) |
| Open-face pressure rating | 300 Bar (4,350 psi) |
| Rated depth (mated) | 6,000 m (mated) |
| Wet-mate cycles | >500 |
| Temperature (water) | −4°C to +60°C |
| Temperature (air) | −40°C to +60°C |
| Body design | Low-profile flat body — minimum drag |
| Body material | Chloroprene rubber |
| Shell material | 316 Stainless Steel (Titanium on request) |
| Contacts | None (dummy) |
| Locking sleeve | POM or Stainless Steel (mandatory before deployment) |
| O-ring seals | Nitrile |
| Cable jacket | Polyurethane (PUR) — customer-specified OD |
Typical Applications
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) sensor and payload connector — minimal drag on hull fairings
- Underwater glider and profiling float instrument connections
- Compact oceanographic instrument packages — CTD, dissolved oxygen, fluorometer sensors
- Protective storage cap for unmated LP connectors — prevents contact corrosion during transit, storage, and pre-deployment staging
- Subsea camera and lighting connector on compact inspection ROVs
- Deep-sea lander and benthic observatory instrument connections
- Acoustic modem and hydrophone array cable connectors
- Diver instrumentation and scuba data logger connections
- Subsea environmental monitoring sensors — oil spill detectors, methane sensors, turbidity meters
Why Choose the LPDC9M?
Low-Profile Design for Drag-Sensitive Platforms
On AUVs, gliders, and profiling floats, connector drag directly reduces endurance and range. The LP series presents 40–60% less frontal area versus standard circular connectors of equivalent pin count — measurably improving vehicle performance on long-duration deployments.
LP Series Interoperability Across the Full Pin Range
All LP series connectors (2–9 pin, BH/IL/DC, M/F) share the same mating face. A 7-pin LP BH mates with a 7-pin LP IL from any source — simplifying spare parts inventory across multi-instrument arrays with different pin counts.
600 Bar — Covers All Science-Grade Instrument Depths
Rated to 600 Bar (8,700 psi), the LPDC9M covers the full depth range of research-class submersibles, deep-sea landers, and long-range AUVs. Pressure certificates are available on request.
Compact Science Instrument Integration
The low-profile body enables connector installation in tight instrument clusters on CTD rosettes, lander frames, and benthic crawlers where standard connectors would conflict with adjacent sensors, structural members, or electronic housings. The flat profile also reduces the risk of entanglement with mooring lines and biofouling structures.
Complete Family Supply
RV Power Group supplies the full LP range (BH, IL, DC in 2/4/5/7/9 pin, M and F) from a single source — matched sets, factory-terminated assemblies, and locking sleeves. Contact [email protected] for project quotations.
Complete Low Profile Connector Range
How to Select Your Low Profile Connector
| Criterion | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Pin count | 2 pin: single-phase power or 2-wire data; 4 pin: RS-232 + power; 5 pin: extended signal; 7 pin: multi-channel sensor; 9 pin: maximum LP density |
| Connector type | BH: bulkhead/panel mount; IL: inline cable-to-cable; DC: dummy/protective cap for unmated faces |
| Gender | M (male pins) on cable/field side — F (female sockets) on fixed/instrument side. Standard practice: male contacts on the energised side for safety |
| Series | Standard LP: 600 Bar / 6,000 m — sufficient for most science instruments; Impulse (LPMBH/LPIL-IM): 690 Bar / 7,000 m — required for Teledyne Impulse compatibility or deepest profiles |
| Dummy connectors | Always order one DC for every unmated BH or IL — mandatory for preserving connector integrity during storage and transit |
| Locking sleeves | POM standard; SS for abrasion-heavy ROV environments. Always install before deployment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the rated depth for the LPDC9M?
A: Mated pressure rating is 600 Bar (8,700 psi) (6,000 m (mated) equivalent depth). Open-face rating is 300 Bar (4,350 psi).
Q: How does the LP series differ from the Micro Circular series?
A: The LP (Low Profile) series has a flat, rectangular body profile that minimises hydrodynamic drag on AUV hulls and glider fairings. The Micro Circular series is cylindrical and rated to higher pressures (1,400 Bar mated). Choose LP for drag-sensitive platforms; choose Micro Circular for deepest-rated or highest-density applications.
Q: Are all LP series connectors cross-compatible?
A: Yes — all LP BH and IL connectors of the same pin count share the same mating face and coupling thread. A 7-pin LP BH mates with a 7-pin LP IL regardless of sub-model suffix.
Q: What voltage and current does the LPDC9M support?
A: N/A — this is a dummy/protective connector with no live contacts.
Q: How many wet-mate cycles is the connector rated for?
A: >500 wet-mate cycles. Inspect contacts and O-rings every 50 cycles or annually for oceanographic deployments.
Q: Is a locking sleeve required?
A: Yes — always install the POM or SS locking sleeve before deployment. Never deploy without it, even on short shallow dives.
Q: Why do I need a dummy connector?
A: Without a dummy connector, an unmated LP connector face is exposed to seawater pressure and biofouling. At depth, seawater can intrude past the face O-ring if the connector is not mated or dummy-capped — corroding contacts and permanently damaging insulation. Always dummy-cap every unmated connector.
Q: What cable OD can be accommodated?
A: Standard strain relief boots cover cable OD ranges from approximately 4 mm to 12 mm depending on pin count. Specify your cable OD when ordering factory-terminated assemblies for the correct boot size.
Q: Are pressure test certificates available?
A: Yes — batch or per-unit hydrostatic pressure test certificates are available on request. Contact [email protected].
Q: Are titanium hardware options available?
A: Yes — titanium coupling nut and shell hardware is available on request for weight-sensitive AUV and glider applications where buoyancy budget is critical.
Installation, Mating & Maintenance Guidelines
Pre-Deployment Inspection
(1) Inspect all contacts for corrosion, bending, or debris — clean with a dry lint-free cloth. (2) Check O-rings for cuts or permanent set — replace immediately if any damage found. (3) Apply a thin film of silicone grease to O-ring surfaces only — do not apply to contact faces. (4) Verify locking sleeve slides freely on coupling nut. (5) Remove protective caps or dummy connectors immediately before mating — do not leave contacts exposed to ambient air for more than 60 seconds offshore. (6) Confirm the locking sleeve is available and will be installed immediately after mating.
Mating Procedure
(1) Align the key/guide feature and insert the plug into the socket with a single smooth linear stroke — do not rotate the connector body during insertion. (2) Thread coupling nut clockwise until finger-tight. (3) Slide locking sleeve forward over coupling nut until the snap-lock engages (audible click or positive tactile stop). (4) Verify engagement by attempting to pull the locking sleeve rearward — it must not move. (5) On instrument systems, conduct a pre-dive electrical continuity and insulation resistance check (≥200 MΩ at 250 V) before deployment.
Storage & Maintenance
Rinse with fresh water immediately after seawater exposure — salt crystallisation on the chloroprene body accelerates degradation. Store with dummy connectors installed; remove locking sleeves during storage to avoid permanent deformation of the snap-lock mechanism. Inspect annually — replace body if chloroprene shows cracks or surface hardening. Replace O-rings every 2–3 years. Log all mating cycles and inspection dates for programme traceability.
For pricing, matched sets, factory-terminated cable assemblies, and technical support for the LPDC9M and the complete LP connector range, contact [email protected]. Our subsea engineering team responds within one business day.