Find HS Code and trade information for waterproof plug

Waterproof Plug

A waterproof plug is an electrical connector designed to maintain a secure connection while preventing the ingress of water, dust, and other contaminants. These plugs are critical in environments where exposure to moisture is likely or unavoidable.

Material

Waterproof plugs are constructed from a variety of materials chosen for their insulating, mechanical, and sealing properties. Common materials include:

• Housing: Typically made from durable plastics like nylon, polycarbonate, or ABS, offering resistance to impact and corrosion. Some high-performance plugs utilize metal housings (aluminum, stainless steel) for increased durability and EMI/RFI shielding.
• Seals: Elastomers such as silicone, neoprene, or Viton are frequently used for sealing components. These materials provide a flexible, watertight barrier.
• Contacts: Brass, copper alloys, or nickel-plated materials are common for electrical conductivity. Gold plating is sometimes used for enhanced corrosion resistance and signal integrity.
• Coupling Mechanism: Stainless steel, brass, or plastic locking rings, threads, or quick-disconnect features are used to ensure a secure mechanical connection.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a waterproof plug is to provide a reliable electrical connection in wet or harsh environments. This prevents:

• Short Circuits: Water can cause short circuits, leading to equipment failure or safety hazards.
• Corrosion: Moisture can corrode electrical contacts, reducing conductivity and signal quality.
• Equipment Damage: Water ingress can damage sensitive electronic components.
• Safety Hazards: Electrical shock is a significant risk in wet environments.

Function

Waterproof plugs achieve their functionality through several key mechanisms:

• Sealed Housing: The plug housing is designed to prevent water from entering the connector body.
• O-Rings & Gaskets: These seals are strategically placed to create watertight barriers at connection points.
• Tight Coupling: A secure locking mechanism ensures a firm connection, preventing water from entering the interface.
• Strain Relief: Many waterproof plugs include strain relief features to prevent stress on the cable and maintain the integrity of the seal.

Usage Scenarios

Waterproof plugs are employed in a wide range of applications:

• Outdoor Lighting: Connecting outdoor lights, landscape lighting, and holiday decorations.
• Marine Applications: Connecting electrical equipment on boats, yachts, and other watercraft.
• Industrial Equipment: Connecting sensors, actuators, and control systems in harsh industrial environments.
• Automotive Applications: Connecting electrical components in vehicles, particularly in areas exposed to the elements.
• Audio/Video Equipment: Connecting external microphones, cameras, and speakers in outdoor events.
• Power Supplies: Connecting power cords and cables in wet or damp locations.

Common Types

• Straight Plugs: The most common type, featuring a straight cable exit.
• Right-Angle Plugs: Offer a 90-degree cable exit, useful for tight spaces.
• Panel Mount Connectors: Designed for mounting into enclosures or panels.
• Cable Gland Connectors: Provide a seal around the cable entry point, often used with unshielded cables.
• Quick-Disconnect Connectors: Allow for rapid connection and disconnection.
• Circular Connectors: Offer robust sealing and multiple contact configurations.
• Bayonet Mount Connectors: Feature a bayonet locking mechanism for secure connection.

IP Ratings

Waterproof plugs are often rated using the Ingress Protection (IP) code, which indicates the level of protection against solid objects and liquids. The first digit represents protection against solids (0-6), and the second digit represents protection against liquids (0-9). Common ratings include:

• IP67: Dust-tight and protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water.
• IP68: Dust-tight and protected against the effects of prolonged immersion in water.
• IP69K: Dust-tight and protected against close-range high-pressure, high-temperature washdown.

Waterproof plugs fall under the category of electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 8536610000: This HS code covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets. This is a broad category encompassing plugs, and given the "waterproof" characteristic, it likely falls within this scope if the voltage does not exceed 1,000 V.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment.
  • 36: Switchgear, relays, fuses, circuit breakers and similar apparatus for protecting electrical circuits; plugs and sockets.
  • 61: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets.

• 8536694020: This HS code covers electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits (for example, switches, relays, fuses, surge suppressors, plugs, sockets, lamp-holders and other connectors, junction boxes), for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V; connectors for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles or cables: Lamp-holders, plugs and sockets: Other: Coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors Cylindrical multicontact connectors. If the waterproof plug is a specialized type like a cylindrical multicontact connector, this code may be applicable.

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment.
  • 36: Switchgear, relays, fuses, circuit breakers and similar apparatus for protecting electrical circuits; plugs and sockets.
  • 69: Other.
  • 40: Coaxial connectors; cylindrical multicontact connectors; rack and panel connectors; printed circuit connectors; ribbon or flat cable connectors Cylindrical multicontact connectors.

Tax Information:

• 8536610000: Has a base tariff of 2.7%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 57.7%.
• 8536694020: Has a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.