JST JWPF Waterproof Connectors: IP67 Harness Solutions for Outdoor LED and Signage Systems

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JST-JWPF connectors are compressed, wire-to-wire/wire-to-board interconnects made for demanding environments. In outdoor LED and signage applications, a JST-JWPF connector with a waterproof plug, rated IP67, pairs for a fully sealed, space-saving, and bulletproof connection. This connector assembly is guaranteed to safely deliver stable power of 3 A/100 V and ultra-low contact resistance (~10 mΩ).

JST-JWPF connectors
JST JWPF Waterproof Connectors

Major technical specifications include a 2.0 mm pitch of rated 3 A contacts, molded-in rubber seals to protect against water/dust ingress (IEC IP67), and a double-spring locking mechanism to provide resistance to vibration. Furthermore, the harnesses meet the safety standards of UL and TÜV, providing OEMs and end-users with the confidence they need for risk-taking, mission-critical outdoor applications.

Compact, Waterproof JST-JWPF Connector Design

  • Compact Size: The JWPF series utilizes a 2.0 mm contact pitch with a reduced mated size (as little as ~30 mm for wire-to-wire). This compact size is well-suited for outdoor LED harness and signage cable harness applications where space is limited.
  • Sealed Design: Each JWPF connector comes with pre-assembled rubber and face seals that have been tested to IP67 (IEC 60529) for waterproofing. The connector features double-leaf spring locks and housing lance locks, which hold the contacts in place and prevent back-out in high-vibration applications.
  • Electrical Ratings: The JWPF contacts are tin-plated and rated for up to 3 A (AWG #22) and 100 V. The series will accept AWG 26–22 wires (0.13–0.33 mm²). The series is qualified for operating temperatures ranging from –55°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable performance in thermal stress environments. The contact resistance is stated to be ≤10 mΩ (initial), and the insulation resistance is ≥1000 MΩ.

IP67 Waterproof Sealing and Durability

The JWPF series offers an IP67 level seal (per JST specification, “grade 7: water immersion”), which essentially means that the connector is dust-tight and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter. All rubber seals are factory-applied to prevent assembly errors and provide reliable ingress protection. The prominent sealing features are as follows:

  • Ingress protection: Rated to IEC IP67 (water immersion and dust-proof), the JWPF series protects electronic applications from rain, snow, and spray.
  • Built-in seals: The located O-rings and face seals are pre-assembled to reduce the assembly of the completed product – no separate gasket application required.
  • Secure locks: The housing lances, combined with the inner locks (center locks), help hold the plug and receptacle together while maximizing sealing capability under shock and/or vibration.

These features make the JWPF-to-IP67 plug harnesses ideal for outdoor lighting and signage applications where moisture, debris, and other environmental factors are present, requiring sealing.

Electrical Performance and Reliability

Harnesses with JST-JWPF connectors provide dependable electrical performance in demanding B2B/OEM applications:

  • Current & Voltage: Up to 3 A per circuit and 100 V DC/AC (AWG #22).
  • Temperature Range:- 55 °C to +85°C (including current-induced heating).
  • Contact Integrity: Tin-plated contacts minimize corrosion. Initial contact resistance is ~10 mOhm, and environmental testing leaves contact resistance at ≤15 mOhm.
  • Insulation resistance: ≥1000 MOhm at 500 V, even in harsh conditions, maintains signal integrity.
  • Certifications: Conforms to UL and TÜV, and waterproofing grade of JIS grade 7 (IPX7), which instills confidence for longevity.

These specifications, together, ensure that the harness can be safely used to power outdoor LEDs, LED signage, or automotive lighting in environments with dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures.

Assembly and Overmolded Harness Solutions

JST provides comprehensive support for custom cable assemblies with JWPF connectors. For example, JST’s GAM division offers fully assembled wiring harnesses. Overmolded cable assemblies are standard: the connectors are installed to a sealed, pre-terminated cable (with strain-relief glands) to create an IP67 plug-and-play solution. The main benefits of assemblies with connectors include:

  • Pre-terminated & Sealed: The assemblies come complete with the JWPF plug/receptacle pre-crimped, sealed, and tested. This reduces the time required during installation from the OEM floor.
  • Built-in Reliability: JST’s double-leaf spring locks and inner lances help provide resistance against terminal back-out. The harnesses can also withstand vibration and mechanical stress while maintaining electrical continuity.
  • Custom Lengths & Configurations: Cables can be cut to length, utilizing options that include various AWG sizes of cable and/or connectors at each end. JST and partners can also assist with the design of the industrial cabling layout, the design of overmold tooling, and factory bundling of the cables.
  • Quality Control: The harnesses are produced in accordance with ISO guidelines (ISO 9001 and ISO 13485) and adhere to established processing and inspection controls.

At a high level, the OEM receives a “plug-and-play” harness, which eliminates the need for manual sealing operations to achieve IP67 sealing. In summary, the design may be valuable for automotive cable harnesses or industrial machine builds where IP67 sealing is critical and assembly efficiency is essential.

Outdoor LED and Digital Signage Applications

Waterproof harnesses are critical for outdoor LED light fixtures and signs. For instance, architectural and neon-style sign strips are designed to mate the LED modules to power supplies via a JST-JWPF connector. The combination of the JST-JWPF and an IP67-rated plug assembly protects the low-voltage DC wiring from rain and UV. Typical applications include the following:

  • Digital Billboards & Displays: Multi-panel LED signs use sealed cable harnesses to interconnect LED modules. A JST-JWPF harness can safely transfer power and data from a controller to the display modules, preventing moisture entry.
  • Landscape & Façade Lighting: Outdoor accent light fixtures and RGB LED strips typically connect to the driver using IP67-rated JST harnesses. The assembly provides a waterproof connection that withstands watering, hose downs, or severe weather.
  • Point-of-Sale & Guide Signs: Illuminated outdoor signs (e.g., parking garage and storefront computer modules) utilize a sealed JST harness to ensure lights remain lit and comply with safety regulations.
  • Neon-like LED Tubes: Products such as LUCOLINE RGB tubes feature “JST JWPF IP67 connectors” to connect each tube, thanks to their smaller size and waterproof seals.

In all instances, utilizing outdoor LED harnesses made with JST-JWPF to an IP67 plug assembly provides the required durability and ease of installation in the field.

Industry Applications

JST-JWPF and IP67 plug harnesses are utilized in many use cases other than signage:

  • Automotive (Vehicle Wiring): Used in external lighting for vehicles (headlights, fog lamps, taillights) and sensors. These automotive cable harnesses will be subjected to road vibration, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
  • E-Mobility & Marine: E-bikes, scooters, and electronics on boats have waterproof connectors for battery, motor, and lighting applications.
  • Industrial Equipment: Outdoor controllers, sensor networks, and robotic devices that feature sealed connectors, protecting them against dust and water. IP67 wiring harnesses are commonly used in machines with washdowns (conveyors or factory automation).
  • Consumer Electronics: Outdoor power tools, garden equipment, and solar outdoor gadgets may have connectors using JST-JWPF materials within their waterproof leads.
  • Agriculture & Machinery: Farming equipment and construction vehicles operate in harsh, wet environments, requiring rugged, sealed harnesses for their lights and electronics.
  • HVAC & Building Controls: Connect units that will be exposed to outdoor environments, such as compressors, actuators, and environmental sensors that require an IP67 harness.

All of these industrial wiring scenarios generally require a compact, reliable, and sealed connector. The variety and color-coded customizability or flexibility of JST-JWPF systems can help create a customized harness for each application while maintaining consistent IP67 protection.

Performance and Reliability for OEM Customers

For B2B and OEM customers, performance and dependability are essential. The JWPF series offers excellent quality and is backed by global certifications (UL, TÜV) and comprehensive quality processes through JST. The assemblies utilize a tested, high-quality crimp terminal and a controlled process, specifically designed for the application, to ensure it meets the specifications. JST also provides design support and testing of samples, enabling OEMs to have confidence in their final product.

JST also has a full-service cable assembly operation (GAM), providing the capability to manufacture custom harnesses with fully integrated services. In addition to manufacturing the harnesses, they offer engineering services, including overmolding, voltage drop analysis, and testing to ensure the product meets quality and functional requirements, including IP67 and electrical standards.

In summary, JWPF to IP67 harnesses provide OEMs with a certified and tested plug-and-play solution that offers consistent, long-term durability, thereby reducing field failures and maintenance for end-users and improving customer satisfaction. Brands and system integrators can specify “JST-JWPF connector” solutions with confidence, knowing they have consistent, long-term reliability.

Conclusion: Custom Harness Solutions

The JST-JWPF to IP67 waterproof plug harnesses are ideal for outdoor and industrial applications that require compact design, waterproof performance, and electrical reliability. If you’re wiring a digital billboard, street lighting network, or vehicle wiring loom, these sealed harnesses will provide reliable power and signal delivery in unforgiving conditions.

Contact us today to discuss your custom JST-JWPF harness assembly. Our engineering team can customize cable lengths and configurations, as well as offer overmold options tailored to your specific requirements. Our complete assembly (JST-GAM) and quality assurance testing guarantee your harness arrives fully assembled and IP67 rated. Improve your product performance and reliability with a JST-JWPF wiring solution you can trust – contact us to discuss your custom harness requirements.

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