IE2M-BC EO Underwater Pluggable Connector Bulkhead
Keywords： IE series EO underwater connector, IE2M-BC, electro-optical subsea connector, 2 channel fibre optic underwater plug, 300 bar EO connector, ROV optical connector
- IP68 waterproof
- Up to 7000m
- In-line, 1Pin, Male
- RV POWER GROUP
- [email protected]
-
- Description
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The IE2M-BC is a IE-Series EO (Electro-Optical) Underwater Pluggable Connector — BC Bulkhead Connector (panel-mount, 2 channel). Designed for single-mode or multimode fibre optic underwater mating in ROV tooling, oceanographic sensors, and subsea camera systems, the IE-series delivers insertion loss <0.5 dB and supports data rates up to 10 Gbit/s per channel. The compact rugged body is rated to 300 Bar (4,350 psi) for ROV and AUV operational depths.
At a glance: 2 fibre channel(s) | Insertion loss <0.5 dB | Return loss >40 dB | Mated 300 Bar | Wet matings >200
Key Design Features
- IE-Series EO Design: 2-channel fibre optic underwater pluggable connector; SM (9/125 µm) or MM (50/125 µm) fibre compatible.
- Low Insertion Loss: <0.5 dB per channel typical; return loss >40 dB — suitable for 10 Gbit/s single-mode links and 1 Gbit/s multimode links.
- 300 Bar Mated Pressure: Rated for ROV and AUV operating depths to approximately 3,000 m (9,800 ft).
- Underwater Pluggable: Wet-mate design with chloroprene wiper rings protecting optical faces during mating; >200 wet-mate cycles.
- Compact Form Factor: Smaller footprint than 55-series connectors — ideal for space-constrained instrument and camera housings.
- Bulkhead / Panel-Mount Configuration: Jam-nut panel mount for instrument housing feedthrough.
- Precision Ferrule Termination: Factory-polished zirconia ferrule ensures repeatable low-loss optical performance across the rated cycle count.
- Stainless Steel / Titanium Body: Corrosion-resistant hardware for long-term seawater service; titanium option for AUV weight budgets.
- Compatible Accessories: Mating protective caps, locking sleeves, and dummy plugs available to complete the installation.
Electrical & Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | IE2M-BC |
| Connector series | IE-Series EO Underwater Connectors |
| Configuration | EO-bcr |
| Shell size | — |
| Number of contacts / channels | 2 |
| Fibre channels | 2 |
| Fibre type compatibility | SM 9/125 µm; MM 50/125 µm; MM 62.5/125 µm |
| Typical insertion loss | <0.5 dB per channel |
| Return loss | >40 dB |
| Data rate | Up to 10 Gbit/s (SM); 1 Gbit/s (MM) |
| Voltage rating | N/A (optical only) |
| Current rating | N/A (optical only) |
| Mated pressure rating | 300 Bar (4,350 psi) |
| Open-face pressure rating | — |
| Wet / dry matings | >500 cycles |
| Temperature rating (water) | −4°C to +60°C |
| Temperature rating (air) | −40°C to +60°C |
| Connector body material | Chloroprene rubber |
| Shell / housing material | 316 Stainless Steel (Titanium on request) |
| Contacts | Gold-plated brass (female) / Gold-plated beryllium copper (male) |
| Locking mechanism | POM or Stainless Steel locking sleeve (mandatory before deployment) |
| O-ring seals | Nitrile |
| Cable jacket | Polyurethane (PUR) or Synthetic Rubber — customer-specified OD |
Typical Applications
- ROV fibre optic tether connections — high-bandwidth 4K video and sonar uplink
- Subsea camera and imaging system fibre data links
- USBL and acoustic positioning system integration via optical uplink
- AUV docking and data offload connections at subsea garages
- Subsea sensor networks requiring EMI-immune data transmission
- Oceanographic CTD and ADCP data links
- Offshore wind foundation monitoring sensor nodes
- Naval and defence underwater surveillance optical links
- Subsea observatory fibre distribution frame connectors
Why Choose the IE2M-BC?
Proven Industry Compatibility
The IE2M-BC is dimensionally compatible with the original series it references, providing direct field replacement without system redesign, re-wiring, or adapter hardware.
Factory Quality Control
Every connector is continuity-tested, insulation-tested, and visually inspected before shipment. Batch pressure test certificates are available on request for programme quality assurance.
Flexible Configuration Options
Available with customer-specified cable type, cable length, body material (SS / Ti / anodised Al), and contact plating to meet specific programme technical requirements.
Competitive Pricing with Short Lead Times
RV Power Group's manufacturing capability and strategic material inventory enable competitive pricing and short lead times versus OEM sources — particularly advantageous for spare parts, emergency replacements, and high-volume projects.
Technical Support
Our subsea connector engineers are available to advise on selection, mating compatibility, and installation — contact [email protected] for application support.
Complete 55-Series & Industry-Standard Connector Range
How to Select Your 55-Series or Compatible Connector
| Selection Criterion | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Shell size | Shell 15 (small, up to 8 pin); Shell 20 (medium, up to 21 pin); Shell 24 (large, 12+ pin); Size M (SEACON MIN-M, 26 pin) |
| Pin count | Match to cable conductor count; select next size up if adding spares |
| Connector type | CCP for cable-to-cable or cable-to-equipment; BCR/FCR for panel/bulkhead mount; PBOF for extreme pressure; RA for right-angle installations; Dummy for connector protection |
| Voltage and current | Shell 15 (2-4 pin): 10 A/contact; Shell 15 (5+ pin): 10 A/contact; Shell 20: 10 A/contact; Shell 24: 5 A/contact |
| EO connectors | Select IE-series (2 or 4 channel) for optical data links; specify SM for runs >100 m, MM for shorter runs |
| PBOF requirement | Use 55P1-1508 PBOF variant when open-face or connector boot cannot be rated for ambient sea pressure (very deep or unusual umbilical designs) |
| Dummy plugs | Always install a dummy plug on unmated bulkhead or cable connectors before deployment to protect contacts and sealing faces |
| Custom requirements | Contact [email protected] for non-standard pin counts, body materials, or pressure test certifications |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the IE2M-BC compatible with original Burton 55-series connectors?
A: Yes — it is dimensionally compatible with the referenced OEM standard for direct field replacement.
Q: What is the maximum operating depth?
A: Mated pressure is 300 Bar (4,350 psi) (approximately 30 m depth). Open-face rating is —.
Q: How many times can the connector be mated?
A: The IE2M-BC is rated for >500 wet-mate cycles. Inspect and clean contacts every 50 cycles or annually.
Q: What voltage and current does the connector support?
A: N/A (optical), — (— total connector limit). Both power and signal circuits can share the same multi-pin connector.
Q: Is a locking sleeve required?
A: Yes — always install the POM or SS locking sleeve after mating and before deployment. Never deploy without the locking sleeve engaged; it prevents accidental unmating under cable tension or sea-state vibration.
Q: Can I mix connector brands (e.g. RV Power Group plug with another brand bulkhead)?
A: Yes — within the referenced standard, connectors from compatible manufacturers mate correctly. Verify thread and contact gender before installation.
Q: What materials are available for the shell and coupling nut?
A: 316 Stainless Steel is the standard. Titanium is available on request for weight-sensitive or corrosion-critical applications. Anodised aluminium is available for above-water or shallow-water applications.
Q: Are pressure test certificates available?
A: Yes — batch or per-unit hydrostatic pressure test certificates can be provided for programme QA requirements. Contact [email protected] to include in your order.
Q: What cleaning and maintenance is required?
A: Before mating: rinse with clean water, inspect contacts for corrosion or debris, apply a thin layer of silicone grease to O-rings. After deployment: rinse with fresh water, cap unused connectors, and store in a clean dry environment. Replace O-rings if cracked or compressed permanently.
Q: Can I order custom cable assemblies with these connectors?
A: Yes. RV Power Group supplies factory-terminated cable assemblies with specified cable type, length, shielding, and lead configuration. Contact [email protected] with your requirements.
Installation, Mating & Maintenance Guidelines
Pre-Deployment Inspection
(1) Visually inspect all contacts for corrosion, deformation, or debris. (2) Check O-rings for cuts, abrasion, or permanent set — replace if in doubt. (3) Apply fresh silicone grease to O-ring surfaces. (4) Confirm locking sleeve moves freely and engages positively. (5) Remove protective caps from both connector halves immediately before mating — minimise air exposure time on flooded dummy plug sockets. (6) If using a PBOF variant, verify oil fill port is sealed and oil level is correct before deployment.
Mating Procedure
(1) Align guide pins/key and insert plug into bulkhead/receptacle with a smooth single-stroke motion. (2) Thread coupling nut by hand until finger-tight. (3) Slide locking sleeve forward until it clicks and locks over the coupling nut. (4) Verify lock by attempting to rotate coupling nut rearward — it should not move when sleeve is engaged. (5) On hybrid EO connectors, verify electrical continuity on power contacts before descent. (6) Log the mating cycle count if operating close to the rated 500-cycle limit.
Storage & Long-Term Maintenance
Store all connectors with protective caps installed in a clean, dry, UV-shaded environment. Flush with fresh water after every seawater exposure. Lubricate O-rings before storage if unit will not be deployed within 30 days. Inspect gold-plated contacts annually — light tarnish is acceptable, pitting or green corrosion requires contact replacement. Return to RV Power Group for factory refurbishment if contact resistance exceeds 0.05 Ω on any circuit. Always document the mating history for programme traceability.
For pricing, availability, custom configurations, and technical support for the IE2M-BC and all IE-Series EO Underwater Connectors products, contact [email protected]. Our subsea engineering team responds within one business day.