Screwless Waterproof Connector for IP68 Outdoor Wiring
Screwless Waterproof Connector with Spring-Clamp Push-In Terminals for Fast, Tool-Free Wiring in Street Lighting, Outdoor Electrical Systems, and Industrial Applications
What Is a Screwless Waterproof Connector?
A screwless waterproof connector is an IP-rated circular connector that holds the conductor with a spring clamp terminal instead of a screw terminal. You strip the wire to the length shown on the datasheet, push it into the entry port, and a spring-steel element closes on the conductor and keeps it there. There is no screw to tighten, no torque value to control, and no screwdriver required for the termination step.
Engineering Note
Two distinctions are worth being precise about. The screwless label describes the conductor termination, not the whole installation. You still strip the wire, you may fit a ferrule for stranded conductors, and you tighten the cable gland that seals the cable entry. The waterproof rating , in turn, belongs to the complete assembled connector: the housing, the sealing ring, the gland compression, and the cable outer diameter all contribute. Our M684 screwless models are rated IP68 as a complete product, tested with the housing mated and the gland tightened at 2 meters for 120 hours, so the rating only holds when the connector is assembled the way the datasheet shows.
Why Choose a Screwless Waterproof Connector?
Three practical reasons come up in most projects.
Tight Installation Spaces
Inside a pole hand hole, a junction box, or a luminaire housing, there is often no room to swing a screwdriver. A push-in port faces the installer and accepts the wire straight in. The M684-T and M684-X use the same compact circular body as the rest of the M684 series, so they fit where panel-mounted blocks cannot.
Faster, More Repeatable Assembly
Removing the tightening step shortens cycle time on a production line, and it removes the operator-to-operator variation in torque. Connection quality stops depending on how hard someone turns a screwdriver. A maintenance crew landing dozens of connections per day saves meaningful time, and the termination sequence is the same for every unit, which makes training and inspection simpler. For the mechanics behind spring-clamp terminals, see our explainer on tool-free wire connectors.
No Screw to Back Out
A screw terminal can loosen over time under vibration if it was not torqued correctly. A spring clamp holds with constant spring force. That is not a claim that spring clamps are immune to vibration problems. The housing still needs proper strain relief, but the spring terminal removes one common failure mode from outdoor equipment.
Screwless vs. Screw-Type Waterproof Connectors
Compare the assembly method, electrical ratings, and best-fit applications side by side.
Fast installation
Screwless
Spring-clamp termination
Familiar workflow
Screw terminal
Torque-controlled termination
| Selection factor | Screwless | Screw terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Termination tool | No tool required | Screwdriver and torque control |
| Conductor range | 0.5–2.5 mm² (20–14 AWG) | 0.5–2.5 mm² (20–14 AWG) |
| Pole options | 2/3 (M684-T), 4 (M684-X) | 2–6, depending on model |
| Rated current | 24 A (IEC) / 10 A (ETL) | 24 A (IEC) / 10 A (ETL) |
| Rated voltage | 450 VAC (IEC) / 300 VAC (ETL) | 450 VAC (IEC) / 300 VAC (ETL) |
| Ingress protection | ||
| Temperature range | −40 °C to +105 °C | −40 °C to +105 °C |
| Best fit | High-volume wiring, tight spaces, and frequent field access | Existing torque-controlled processes and familiar service routines |
M684 Series Screwless Waterproof Connector Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screwless models | M684-T (2/3 pole), M684-X (4 pole) |
| Termination | Spring-clamp push-in, screwless |
| Rated current | 24A (IEC) / 10A (ETL) |
| Rated voltage | 450VAC (IEC) / 300VAC (ETL) |
| Conductor range | 0.5–2.5 mm² (20–14 AWG) |
| Cable outer diameter | 4–8 mm / 7–12 mm |
| Temperature range | −40 °C to +105 °C |
| IP rating | |
| Housing material | Fire-resistant, flame-retardant |
| Certifications | ENEC, CE, UKCA, ETL, NSW, CB, RoHS |
The 24A rating supports lighting circuits where one connection feeds multiple fixtures. IEC and ETL ratings differ because the applicable certification requirements and test conditions are different. The M684 series is rated at 24A / 450VAC under the stated IEC specification and 10A / 300VAC under the stated ETL specification. Always confirm the applicable rating for your target market and installation requirements. The IP68 classification refers to ingress protection under IEC 60529, with the declared test condition of 2 meters for 120 hours. For additional guidance, see our IP67 vs. IP68 waterproof connectors guide.
Screwless Waterproof Connector Selection Guide
Match the pole count to the circuit, not to habit.
| Application | Recommended Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Street or area lighting, 2-wire circuit | M684-T, 2 pole | Live and neutral only, the most common single-phase lighting layout |
| Lighting with neutral and earth, or switching | M684-T, 3 pole | Live, neutral, and earth in one sealed connector |
| Pumps, fans, and outdoor equipment with power plus control | M684-X, 4 pole | Power and control or auxiliary wiring in a single connection |
| Retrofit of existing screw-type fixtures | M684-T, 2 or 3 pole | Same body size and cable range as the screw models, direct swap |
Full M684 Series Model List
The screwless models sit inside the wider M684 series, which also covers screw-terminal versions and cable-to-board options. Buyers quote by model number, so the full list is below.
| Model | Poles | Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M684-T | 2/3 | Screwless spring clamp or screw | Screwless option, our recommendation |
| M684-X | 4 | Screwless spring clamp or screw | Screwless option, 4-pole |
| M684-A | 4 | Screw | — |
| M684-B | 2/3/4/5 | Screw | — |
| M684-C | 2/3/4/5/6 | Screw | — |
| M684-D | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-E | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-F | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-F1 | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-F2 | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-H | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-L | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-S | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684-Y | 2/3 | Screw | — |
| M684CB-2EX | 2 | Screw | Cable to board |
| M684CB-3EX | 3 | Screw | Cable to board |
REQUEST A SCREWLESS CONNECTOR SAMPLE
PVLinkTech provides product samples so you can evaluate quality, fit, and performance before placing an order.
Free Sample Request
Tell us about your project and our team will help you select the right waterproof connector sample.
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What to Check Before You Order
Five critical specification errors cause the majority of field installation failures and order delays on screwless connectors. Verify these points before finalizing your bill of materials.
STEP 01
Mistake 1: Assuming screwless means zero tools
The terminal cage itself is tool-free, but wire stripping, ferrule crimping, and cable gland tightening still require proper workshop tools. Plan the complete workflow rather than just the push-in termination.
Check tools required for outer jacket stripping & gland torque.
STEP 02
Mistake 2: Matching conductor gauge but ignoring jacket OD
Terminal wire capacity (mm²/AWG) and gland clamping range (outer cable diameter) are distinct metrics. A conductor can fit the terminal block while the outer jacket is too thin or too thick for the IP seal.
Cross-check both wire cross-section and cable overall diameter (OD).
STEP 03
Mistake 3: Mixing IEC and ETL/UL electrical ratings
24A at 450VAC (IEC) and 10A at 300VAC (ETL/UL) represent entirely different test protocols and thermal thresholds. Always specify and design according to the certification required by your destination market.
State intended market (EU vs. North America) on RFQs.
STEP 04
Mistake 4: Treating IP68 as unlimited submersion
IP68 is a manufacturer-declared test condition, not an infinite underwater pass. Our declared laboratory rating is 2 meters depth for 120 hours. Connectors must be fully mated and the sealing glands tightened to specified torque values.
Declared test boundary: 2 m for 120 hrs with glands properly torqued.
STEP 05
Mistake 5: Ordering the incorrect pole count
Always count every single conductor in the circuit before selecting the model code: line phases, neutral, protective earth (PE), plus any auxiliary signals or dimming/control wires such as DALI or 0–10V. Revising the pole count after production can result in significant lead-time delays.
Include protective earth and auxiliary/control wires in the total pole count.
Built by a Factory That Tests, Not Just Ships
6,800
m²
Factory Plant Area
Self-owned facility
Since 2015
10+ Years Expertise
Reliable manufacturing
99%
Outgoing Pass Rate
Rigorous pre-shipment checks
3 Quality Systems
Certified Management
ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 / ISO 13485
End-to-End Quality Verification
Every screwless waterproof connector in the M684 series is produced in our own factory, where we control tooling, assembly, and testing from start to finish. Our plant covers 6,800 square meters and has been operating since 2015, with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 13485 quality systems in place. Every batch goes through inspection before shipment, and we maintain a 99% pass rate on outgoing quality checks. See our quality control process and certificates page for more information about our testing and compliance processes.
Certification & Compliance
ENEC
CE
UKCA
ETL
NSW
CB
RoHS
OEM & Project Adaptability
We also support OEM and custom versions. Housing color, cable length, connector marking, and packaging can be adapted for volume projects. Discuss your requirements with our custom manufacturing team. For standard models, request a quote and we will confirm pricing and lead time.
FAQ
A screwless waterproof connector terminates the conductor with a spring-clamp push-in mechanism instead of a screw terminal. Strip the wire, push it into the port, and the spring holds it. The M684-T and M684-X models are rated 24A at 450VAC (IEC) and IP68.
No. The conductor termination is tool-free, but you still strip the wire, may need a ferrule for stranded conductors, and tighten the cable gland to seal the connector. Plan the full installation sequence, not just the insertion step.
Screwless uses spring force to hold the conductor, so no screwdriver or torque control is needed for termination. Screw-type uses a screw terminal that requires a screwdriver and controlled torque. Both styles in the M684 series share the same IP68 rating, 24A rating, and cable range; the choice depends on your assembly process.
The terminal accepts 0.5-2.5 mm2 (20-14 AWG) conductors. The cable gland accepts jacket outer diameters of 4-8 mm or 7-12 mm depending on the model. Measure both the conductor and the cable jacket before ordering.
The IP68 rating is tested at 2 meters for 120 hours with the housing mated and the gland tightened. Confirm that this declared condition matches your actual exposure before specifying for continuous submersion.
Yes. We produce the M684 series in our own factory and support custom housing color, cable length, marking, and packaging for volume projects. Contact our custom manufacturing team with your requirements.
