Dust Cover for SMA-female and RP-SMA-female Connectors

Dust caps are small covers specifically fabricated for mated application to radiofrequency connectors. They are also known as:

  • Coaxial dust caps
  • RF dust caps
  • Dust covers
  • Connector caps
  • Protective covers
  • Dummy stowage receptacles

Protective dust cover for SMA-female  and RP-SMA female connectors.

Various versions offered on this page:

  1. Nickel-plated w/ O-ring for waterproofing and dust-proofing: Part# DUSTCAPN
  2. Rubber version (Red): Dust cover & prevents water intrusion. Part# DUSTCAPR
  3. Versions with a chain or wire to attach or rivet to another object.

The nickel-plated versions come with an interior O-ring to completely seal out water and dust intrusion.  Nickel-plating is the most robust corrosion protective type of metal plating:  It is most effective in preventing corrosive action from rust and a range of other weather and water-related factors.

RF (radio frequency) connectors and cables can benefit from the application of dust caps which protect exposed ends of connectors from the ingress of dust, environmental contaminants, and corrosion, and also provide a degree of electromagnetic shielding. A dust cap will also protect the connector’s general physical interface, particularly the pin, from physical damage when not in use.

When dust caps of a suitable caliber and quality are applied in a relevant RF set up, both the radio frequency and mechanical performance of the equipment will be improved and preserved.

RF Connector Dust Cap Materials and Fabrication

Coax dust caps come in a variety of types, sizes and materials. They may be manufactured using metals such as plastic (which is cheapest), steel and brass with a gold or nickel finish. Plated finishes such as nickel plating confer added strength and resilience to connectors as well as added corrosion resistance. Nickel coated connectors offer protection from gasses such as hydrogen, ammonia and carbon dioxide, petrol and detergents, meaning that they will optimally perform their protective function in a range of industrial setups. Plated finishes also protect against conductor losses, which may be frequency depended, which contributes to the improved radiofrequency performance.

Dust Cap Structure and Performance.

The structure of a dust cap will be based on the connector type it is for as it fastens to the exposed connector ends with a mated application. This means that a male connector will utilize a female coaxial dust cap and vice versa. Depending on the connector it complements, a dust cap may have a threaded or bayonet connection, or be simply pressed on.

High quality dust caps will be structured as complementary connectors, complete with dielectric and a range of impedance values for optimized matching and performance. Features such as rubber gaskets prevent the ingression of moisture.

The dust cap may possess a beaded or chain attachment for securing it to the set up to prevent it from falling or becoming lost when not in use.

Dust Cap Protection Ratings.

Certain dust caps carry an ingress protection rating or environmental protection rating which specifies the level of protection the dust cap confers against dusts, intrusion, moisture and accidental contacts. This provides assurance of the performance of the dust cap in withstanding specific environmental challenges. Formal ratings are provided by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

RF Connector Dust Cap Applications and Use.

Dust caps are used in all the industries and environments where radiofrequency setups with coax cables and connectors are in use. Example sectors include:

  • Testing and Measurement
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Wireless communications

In these environments, unmated connectors should be suitably capped, thus protecting ‘hot’ circuits where a connector is exposed.

Dust Cover for SMA & RP-SMA-female

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Dust Cover for SMA-female and RP-SMA-female Connectors

Dust caps are small covers specifically fabricated for mated application to radiofrequency connectors. They are also known as:

  • Coaxial dust caps
  • RF dust caps
  • Dust covers
  • Connector caps
  • Protective covers
  • Dummy stowage receptacles

Protective dust cover for SMA-female  and RP-SMA female connectors.

Various versions offered on this page:

  1. Nickel-plated w/ O-ring for waterproofing and dust-proofing: Part# DUSTCAPN
  2. Rubber version (Red): Dust cover & prevents water intrusion. Part# DUSTCAPR
  3. Versions with a chain or wire to attach or rivet to another object.

The nickel-plated versions come with an interior O-ring to completely seal out water and dust intrusion.  Nickel-plating is the most robust corrosion protective type of metal plating:  It is most effective in preventing corrosive action from rust and a range of other weather and water-related factors.

RF (radio frequency) connectors and cables can benefit from the application of dust caps which protect exposed ends of connectors from the ingress of dust, environmental contaminants, and corrosion, and also provide a degree of electromagnetic shielding. A dust cap will also protect the connector’s general physical interface, particularly the pin, from physical damage when not in use.

When dust caps of a suitable caliber and quality are applied in a relevant RF set up, both the radio frequency and mechanical performance of the equipment will be improved and preserved.

RF Connector Dust Cap Materials and Fabrication

Coax dust caps come in a variety of types, sizes and materials. They may be manufactured using metals such as plastic (which is cheapest), steel and brass with a gold or nickel finish. Plated finishes such as nickel plating confer added strength and resilience to connectors as well as added corrosion resistance. Nickel coated connectors offer protection from gasses such as hydrogen, ammonia and carbon dioxide, petrol and detergents, meaning that they will optimally perform their protective function in a range of industrial setups. Plated finishes also protect against conductor losses, which may be frequency depended, which contributes to the improved radiofrequency performance.

Dust Cap Structure and Performance.

The structure of a dust cap will be based on the connector type it is for as it fastens to the exposed connector ends with a mated application. This means that a male connector will utilize a female coaxial dust cap and vice versa. Depending on the connector it complements, a dust cap may have a threaded or bayonet connection, or be simply pressed on.

High quality dust caps will be structured as complementary connectors, complete with dielectric and a range of impedance values for optimized matching and performance. Features such as rubber gaskets prevent the ingression of moisture.

The dust cap may possess a beaded or chain attachment for securing it to the set up to prevent it from falling or becoming lost when not in use.

Dust Cap Protection Ratings.

Certain dust caps carry an ingress protection rating or environmental protection rating which specifies the level of protection the dust cap confers against dusts, intrusion, moisture and accidental contacts. This provides assurance of the performance of the dust cap in withstanding specific environmental challenges. Formal ratings are provided by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

RF Connector Dust Cap Applications and Use.

Dust caps are used in all the industries and environments where radiofrequency setups with coax cables and connectors are in use. Example sectors include:

  • Testing and Measurement
  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Wireless communications

In these environments, unmated connectors should be suitably capped, thus protecting ‘hot’ circuits where a connector is exposed.