Potting a Cable Penetrator

Introduction

The Wetlink Thixotropic 80A potting compound has excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials, including our anodized aluminum penetrators and polyurethane cable jackets. This, combined with a high degree of flexibility and chemical resistance, makes it the ideal compound to reliably seal penetrators and retain excellent performance over time. A high degree of thixotropy, or shear thinning property, allows it to stay where applied and minimizes dripping while still being easy to dispense and reduces bubbles. We use and recommend this compound on all of our cable penetrators. The Wetlink cartridge is designed to be used with a 2:1 ratio cartridge dispenser and bayonet lock mixing tips for simple dispensing. Potting is easy to do, and there is plenty of time to make adjustment or clean up any drips as necessary. Proper surface preparation with acetone is required to achieve proper performance. Avoid touching the inside of the penetrator and acetone prepared cable jacket at any time with anything other than gloved hands, skin oils may compromise the bond.

Safety

Parts and Tools

You Will Need

You will also need:

• Paper towels or other disposable wipes
• Small vise or clamp
• Gloves
• Syringe with luer tip (optional)

Video Guide

Step 1: Stripping the Jacket

To strip the wire jacket, please follow the Cable Jacket Stripping Tutorial.

Step 2: Prepping the Wires

Twist the conductors so they will slide through the penetrator.

Step 3: Cleaning Surfaces

Using gloves, thoroughly clean and wipe down the section of cable jacket that will be in contact with epoxy with acetone. The acetone will chemically attack the jacket surface, etching it and increasing surface roughness. This will ensure a good bond. If using Blue Robotics Acetone Cable Preparation Wipes, each wipe is good from preparing one cable.

Step 4: Bring the Cable and Penetrator Together

Insert the cable into the penetrator, stopping short and leaving the cut end of the jacket just above the penetrator head. Take care not to touch the inside of the penetrator or the prepared cable jacket surface with bare skin, oils may compromise the bond.

Step 5: Priming the Mixing Tip

Dispense and dispose of a small volume of epoxy through the mixing tip in order to ensure it is primed with clean and well mixed epoxy.

Step 6: Sealing the Penetrator

Partially fill the bottom of the penetrator hole with the epoxy, covering the bare wires. Move the cable from side to side, up and down, and twist within the hole to ensure the epoxy is evenly distributed and fills any gaps. the epoxy should completely seal the shoulder, and partially run into the throat. Push the cable jacket down into the penetrator to seat the cut end on the inner shoulder. You can also optionally dispense the epoxy into a small syringe and apply with the syringe if working in a tight space or more precise control is necessary.

Step 7: Filling the Head

Fill the rest of the penetrator head up to the top. Oscillate the cable gently to coax out any bubbles, and wipe off any drips or excess compound.

Step 8: Curing

Use a vise or other method to hold the penetrator upright while the epoxy cures. Place in a 90°C/200°F oven for 3 hours to cure, or leave for 24-36 hours at ambient temperature in a safe place.