Hermetic Connectors: Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions
Hermetic connectors are vital components in high-performance applications where airtight, moisture-resistant, and pressure-proof connections are critical. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, medical, or industrial manufacturing, understanding these connectors can help you make better design decisions.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about hermetic connectors—answered clearly and concisely.
1. What is a hermetic connector?
A hermetic connector is an electrical connector that features a hermetically sealed interface to prevent the ingress of gases, liquids, and contaminants.
2. How do hermetic connectors work?
They work by using airtight materials—often glass-to-metal or ceramic-to-metal seals—that prevent any leakage across the barrier, maintaining the integrity of the system.
3. What is the difference between hermetic and non-hermetic connectors?
Non-hermetic connectors do not offer gas or moisture sealing, making hermetic connectors the go-to choice for critical, sealed environments.
4. What materials are used in hermetic connectors?
Typical materials include stainless steel, Inconel®, Kovar®, ceramics, and borosilicate glass for their thermal and chemical stability.
5. Are hermetic connectors waterproof or airtight?
Yes, they are designed to be both airtight and moisture-proof, ideal for high-pressure and vacuum environments.
6. What are hermetic connectors used for?
They are commonly used in aerospace, military, medical devices, oil & gas, vacuum chambers, and space technology.
7. Where are hermetic connectors commonly installed?
Applications include sensors, battery systems, vacuum systems, implantable devices, and satellite components.
8. How do you test a hermetic seal on a connector?
Common tests include helium leak detection and pressure testing to ensure airtight performance.
9. What are the temperature and pressure ratings for hermetic connectors?
Many hermetic connectors operate from -65°C to +200°C and withstand high pressures, depending on the design and materials used.
10. Can hermetic connectors be used in high-vacuum environments?
Yes, they are ideal for vacuum chambers, particle accelerators, and space applications due to their gas-tight sealing.
11. What industries use hermetic connectors?
Industries include:
- Aerospace & Defense
- Medical & Biomedical
- Energy (Nuclear & Oil)
- Industrial Automation
- Telecommunications
12. Can I get custom hermetic connectors for my application?
Yes, many manufacturers such as Complete Hermetics offer custom hermetic connector solutions tailored to your voltage, current, pressure, and mounting needs.
13. What certifications are required for hermetic connectors in aerospace or medical devices?
MIL-SPEC (e.g., MIL-DTL-38999), ISO 9001, and other industry-specific certifications are often required for regulated environments.
14. What are MIL-SPEC hermetic connectors?
These are hermetic connectors designed and tested to meet U.S. military standards for reliability and performance.
15. Are there hermetic connectors for fiber optics or coaxial cables?
Yes, hermetic feedthroughs are available for fiber optics, RF, and coaxial connections.
16. What is a glass-to-metal hermetic seal?
A glass-to-metal seal uses glass fused to metal at high temperatures to create an airtight, corrosion-resistant seal.
17. What is a ceramic-to-metal seal in hermetic connectors?
Ceramic-to-metal seals are used when higher dielectric strength or temperature resistance is needed.
18. How do I choose the right hermetic connector for my project?
Consider:
- Electrical specs
- Environment (temperature, pressure)
- Mounting configuration
- Sealing method
- Material compatibility
19. Can hermetic connectors be reused?
Some are reusable if undamaged, but many applications—especially in aerospace or medical—require new connectors for each use.
20. What are TO headers and how are they related to hermetic connectors?
TO (Transistor Outline) headers are hermetically sealed components used in packaging semiconductors and sensors—often integrated with hermetic connectors.
✅ Need Hermetic Connector Solutions You Can Trust?
Contact Complete Hermetics today to learn more about our custom hermetically-sealed connectors, circular hermetic connectors, rectangular hermetic connectors, and MIL-Spec hermetic connectors. We offer a wide range of standardized sizes and can tailor our designs to meet your most demanding requirements.