Fitting M12 and M8 Connectors
Correct fitting of cable connectors is vital for maximising the battery life and reliability of your Wildeye system.
Wildeye has standardised on the M12 series connectors for rugged water-proof connections to meters & sensors. Wildeyes ship with M12 series connectors if the waterproof "M" connector option is specified, and in addition, the Wildeye -R rechargable option series has a waterproof M8 series connector by default as a power connector.
Wildeye is able to supply mating connectors and splitter options upon request, or alternatively dealers can source the mating connectors and splitter options directly.
Correct fitting and placement of cable connectors is important to ensure long-term performance and optimal battery life. The following should be noted when fitting M12/M8 connectors:
1. The rubber grommet must be fully sealed on the sensor/power/meter cable
For the rubber grommet to properly seal on the cable:
- Cable diameter must be within the nominal cable diameters for the specific model of M12/M8 connector being used. It is recommended to have a cable diameter in the middle to upper end of the connector's nominal cable diameter range. Where cable diameters are less than (or near) the lower limit of the range for the connector being used, you will need to increase the cable diameter at the point at which the rubber grommet makes contact by applying one or more layers of dual-walled heat-shrink - see figure below.
- The full diameter of the cable must be available for the cable gland to make full contact. A common mistake is to remove too much of the outer insulation resulting in the cable gland being sealed around the individual cable cores rather than the outer insulation - see figure below.
- The cable needs to be round in cross-section. For cables with non-circular cross section, this may mean splicing it onto a round-section cable segment for the plug to attach to.
2. The cable(s) should be positioned such that the chances of submersion and inundation are minimised
Cables should be positioned so that:
- The connectors are above ground wherever possible. If the connectors need to be placed below ground they should ideally be placed within avoid (e.g. solenoid valve box, junction box) rather than directly into soil.
- Where possible, the connectors should be placed in a location above any likely flood level.
- The connectors should be placed where contact with direct rain or other water sources (e.g. sprinklers) is minimised.
- Cables should be placed such that there is no opportunity for water (including any condensation which may form on the cable) to run down the cable and pool in the back nut of assmebled M12/M8 connectors (see below).
3. All connections should be secure and tight.
Connectors should be secure and tight throughout the assembly to ensure seals are maintained.