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Pick a connector for a sealed enclosure feedthrough

Passing power or signal through the wall of a sealed enclosure without breaking the seal.

Use this when​

  • You need to get a circuit through a panel while keeping the box sealed.
  • Panel sealing, gasket compression, and internal termination all matter.

Avoid this when​

  • There is real pressure or submersion beyond an IP rating — you need a hermetic or potted penetrator, not a standard panel connector.

Families to start with​

  • MIL-DTL-38999 jam-nut or flange panel receptacles for rugged sealed I/O.
  • Sealed M12 panel receptacles for industrial sealed I/O.
  • Hermetic / potted penetrator where pressure or gas-tightness is required.

See Decision Examples.

Search terms​

  • 38999 jam nut receptacle sealed panel mount
  • M12 panel mount sealed receptacle
  • hermetic connector feedthrough

Specs to check​

  • IP rating / depth required, and for any IP68 claim the manufacturer-stated depth and duration.
  • Panel gasket / O-ring and panel thickness / cutout.
  • Coupling and jam-nut torque.
  • Internal termination — how the circuit continues inside the box.
  • Wire seal sizing and unused-cavity plugs.

Parts people forget​

  • The panel gasket / O-ring.
  • A cap for the unmated exterior connector.
  • Correct wire-seal sizing and sealing plugs for unused cavities.

See What People Forget.

Common traps​

  • Confusing IP67 with IP68 (IP67 ≈ 1 m / 30 min; IP68 = the manufacturer's stated depth/duration).
  • Using a standard IP67 part where there is real pressure.
  • Treating RTV as "sealing" instead of a rated gasket.
  • No unmated cap; undersized wire seal defeating the whole connector's seal.

Questions to ask a vendor/FAE​

  • Is the IP rating stated for the mated assembly, the unmated/capped connector, and the panel interface?
  • For IP68, what exact depth and duration?
  • What panel thickness range and cutout does the jam-nut/flange support?
  • What gasket/O-ring and torque are specified?

Example documentation bundle​

  • A selection table row with the sealing target.
  • A source-controlled pinout and the internal termination plan.
  • A cable drawing and ICD entry recording IP target, panel thickness, gasket, and torque.

Related: Decision Examples · Connector Anatomy §5.5–5.6.