What waterproof rating can the connectors achieve?

Standard board-level RF connectors, such as SMA and IPEX, are generally not waterproof by themselves. They are mainly designed for applications where the connector is installed inside the equipment or is not directly exposed to water and moisture. If waterproof and dustproof performance is required, waterproof RF connectors, sealed cable connectors, or other sealing components can be selected according to the application requirements.

With proper sealing structures, such as sealing rings, gaskets, and sealants, waterproof RF connectors can typically achieve IP65 to IP67 protection ratings. IP65 provides protection against dust and water jets, while IP66 offers enhanced protection against powerful water jets. IP67 can provide protection against temporary immersion in water, making it suitable for many outdoor communication devices, vehicle-mounted equipment, industrial equipment, security systems, and other applications requiring a higher level of environmental protection.

For applications requiring an even higher level of protection, IP68 can also be developed and customized according to the customer's specific requirements, drawings, samples, or application conditions. The final IP68 rating will depend on the overall product structure and the applicable test conditions.

It is important to note that the waterproof rating does not depend solely on the connector itself. It is also closely related to the overall structural design, sealing ring material and dimensions, connector-to-housing fit, cable exit design, assembly process, and installation method. Therefore, the connector should be designed and verified together with the equipment housing, panel, cable, and sealing structure to ensure that the required protection level can be achieved.

The final waterproof rating should be confirmed based on the actual product structure and verified through the corresponding standardized testing.