ElectroShield Blog

Are you certain your electrical connectors will hold-up during repeat F&B wash-down cycles?

Written by Jennifer Fanning | Oct 8, 2024 6:30:00 PM

Food and beverage processing is highly regulated and must adhere to strict sanitation and safety standards, at all times. Washdown cycles in production, packaging and bottling operations are non-optional and are repeated at regular intervals. This essential downtime is an acceptable operational requirement. What’s not acceptable is downtime caused by connector component failures. That’s why the precise connector components designed for your specific application and environment are critical to maximizing uptime and reducing maintenance and replacement costs. 

Connector Impact:

Prevents water ingress:

Washdown cycles are tough on equipment and their electrical components. They are wet, high-humidity environments. They use harsh cleaning chemicals and can require a thorough (i.e. rugged) scrub-down. 

So it is particularly important that the correct connector components are used to handle these challenges. 

The three most critical challenges for connector components in food processing and beverage environments are:

  1. hygienic designs
  2. liquid ingress
  3. shell material durability. 

Featured Product Solution:

Sealcon/Hummel: Stainless Steel Hygienic Cable Glands.

With food safety and cleanliness being a priority in food and beverage operations, Sealcon/Hummel now offers two specially designed hygienic cable glands to outperform the extreme demands of these harsh environments.  

Sealcon/Hummel FP and RG cable glands features include:

  • Smooth designs avoid deposits of bacteria and micro-organisms 
  • Cable glands are easily cleaned due to the lack of corners and edges
  • Both versions are halogen and phosphorous free 
  • Durable fittings using FDA compliant materials such as 316L stainless steel to sustain disinfectant and avoid corrosion
  • Operating temperature of -40°F (-40°C) to +248°F (+102°C)

 

FP Cable Gland Overview: 

A SMOOTH DESIGN FOR FOAM CLEANING

  • High-quality silicone sealing – suitable in wash-down (IP68K) applications
  • EMI ready for braided cable
  • No more water pooling
  • Temperature range -40°F to 248°F (-40°C to 120°C)

           

RG Gland Overview: 

A SMOOTH DESIGN FOR HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANING

  • Elastic membrane seal avoids cable slipping while being liquid-tight
  • EMI ready for braided cable
  • EHEDG Certified
  • High-quality silicone sealing, high-pressure IP68 IP69K

 

Note: Sealcon RG and FP cable glands are also perfect for the Pharma, Bio-technical and Chemical industries.

Sealcon: M23 Signal

The M23 signal connector is reliable and universally accepted within the connectivity industry. In particular, M23 signal connectors are available in stainless steel INOX shells which complement the hygienic cable glands featured above. Offering many pin-out configurations and housing styles, the M23 Signal has an option for your application.

M23 Signal features include:

  • EMI ready options
  • Screw and quick disconnect options
  • SLS (Spring Loaded Sockets) for vibrating environments
  • No tool needed to insert or extract contacts
  • Contact types: Crimp, Solder and Dip Solder (PCB)
  • Temperature range -40°F to 257°F (-40°C to 125°C)
  • Available in 6, 7, 9, 12, 16, 17 or 19 pole inserts 
  • Signal transmission up to 300 Volts and 20 Amps.

 

Connect with us 

Our connector experts are available to assist you in identifying the precise connector for your specific application. Work with us how you prefer…call in by phone at (800) 662-1054, email sales@electroshield.com or order at your convenience via our website.