The IL1 (In-Line) and BH1 (Bulkhead) single-contact wet-mate power connectors are engineered for high-current, high-voltage subsea power transmission in ROV systems, underwater vehicles, and offshore energy infrastructure. Rated at 1 kV / 250 A continuous or 3 kV / 90 A, these single-contact connectors deliver exceptional power density in a compact, pressure-rated body — enabling direct wet-mate connection of high-power DC bus lines, thruster motor feeds, and hydraulic pump motor supplies without requiring a dry-mate habitat.
The single-contact design eliminates the multi-pin alignment challenge of high-pin-count connectors when large-diameter power conductors must be terminated — each contact accommodates cable conductors up to 35 mm² (AWG 2), supporting the full 250 A current rating. The bulkhead (BH1) variant provides a panel or pressure housing mount for ROV TMS panels and junction boxes; the in-line (IL1) variant connects two cable runs mid-string. Both are depth rated to 6,000 m (600 bar) and constructed from anodised aluminium alloy with EPDM seals and gold-plated contacts.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rating (mode 1) | 1 kV / 250 A continuous |
| Rating (mode 2) | 3 kV / 90 A continuous |
| Contacts | 1 (single contact) |
| Contact material | Gold-plated copper alloy |
| Body material | Anodised aluminium alloy |
| Seal | EPDM O-ring face seal |
| Depth rating | 6,000 m (600 bar) |
| Max conductor | 35 mm² (AWG 2) |
Select the BH1 bulkhead variant when the connector must mount through a ROV frame panel, pressure housing bulkhead, or junction box wall — the flange provides a sealed pressure-tight bulkhead penetration. Select the IL1 in-line variant for cable-to-cable mid-run connections, such as at the ROV tether termination point or between two sections of subsea power cable. Both share identical electrical performance and depth rating.
The 1 kV / 250 A mode suits DC power systems operating at typical ROV bus voltages (48–750 V DC) with high current demands. The 3 kV / 90 A mode suits higher-voltage AC power distribution or medium-voltage DC systems where reducing cable cross-section at lower current is preferred. Confirm operating voltage and maximum continuous current with your power system designer before specifying the connector operating mode.
The IL1 and BH1 are SubConn Power Series single-contact connectors designed for high-current subsea power transmission. Two voltage versions are available: the 1kV version (inline and bulkhead) rated at 250 A, and the 3kV version (overmould and bulkhead) rated at 90 A. All models feature chloroprene rubber connector body, brass contacts, and nitrile O-ring seals for reliable wet-mate operation at depths up to 300 bar with >500 mating cycles.
| Parameter | 1kV Version | 3kV Version |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 1 kV DC/AC rms | 3 kV DC/AC rms |
| Current Rating | 250 A | 90 A |
| Configuration | Inline, Bulkhead | Overmould, Bulkhead |
| Contact Resistance | < 0.01 Ohm | < 0.01 Ohm |
| Insulation Resistance | > 200 MOhm | > 200 MOhm |
| Wet Mating Cycles | > 500 | > 500 |
| Depth Rating (PEEK) | 300 bar / 4,350 psi | |
| Pressure Tested | 800 bar / 11,600 psi | |
| Connector Body | Chloroprene rubber | |
| Contacts | Brass UNS-C36000 | |
| Inline Cable (2ft/60cm) | 1/0 AWG / 53.46 mm2 synthetic rubber | |
| O-Rings | Nitrile | |
| Temperature (Water) | -4 to +60 deg C | |
| Temperature (Air) | -40 to +60 deg C | |
| Note for 3kV version: It is recommended to mount the 3kV bulkhead in non-conductive oil (DC-200/350 or PMX-200/350). | ||
| Model | Type | Voltage/Current | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL1M | In-Line, Male | 1kV / 250A | High-current cable extension |
| IL1F | In-Line, Female | 1kV / 250A | High-current cable extension |
| BH1M | Bulkhead, Male | 1kV / 250A or 3kV / 90A | Panel feed-through |
| BH1F | Bulkhead, Female | 1kV / 250A or 3kV / 90A | Panel feed-through |
Contact our engineering team for high-power system design, voltage configuration guidance, and volume pricing. Ships within 1-2 weeks from stock.
