Sub D Hoods & Backshells: Metal, Metplas & Plastic, UK Stock
Sub D hoods, also known as D Sub backshells, are the protective enclosures that complete a D-subminiature connector assembly. They cover the rear of the connector body, providing cable strain relief, mechanical protection, and in metal and metallised plastic variants, EMI/RFI shielding. We stock three material types across a wide range of sizes and cable exit angles: metal hoods (zinc or steel construction, maximum shielding), Metplas hoods (metallised thermoplastic, copper-coated ABS providing shielding at lower cost and weight than full metal), and plastic hoods (lightweight, cost-effective, no shielding). All sizes from 9-way to 78-way high-density are available.
Metal, Metplas or Plastic: Which Sub-D Hood Do You Need?
The material of the hood determines its shielding performance, weight, and cost. In environments with significant electromagnetic interference, or where the connector assembly must maintain system-level EMI shielding continuity, metal or Metplas hoods are required. For general-purpose, low-interference applications, plastic is adequate and significantly more cost-effective.
Metal Sub D Hoods: Maximum Shielding, High Durability
Metal hoods (typically zinc alloy or steel construction) provide the highest level of EMI/RFI shielding and mechanical strength of the three types. They are specified wherever system-level shielding continuity is mandatory, in industrial automation panels, broadcast and AV infrastructure, medical devices, and aerospace or defence applications. Our metal range includes screw-together hoods in 45° (D45ZK series), straight 90° (N88E, N30E9 series), and economy top-entry (CCOV-MEL series) configurations, plus Northern Technologies metal hoods (C88E000 series) covering 9-way to 50-way standard density connectors.
Metplas Sub D Hoods (Metallised Plastic) – Shielding at Reduced Cost and Weight
Metplas hoods are made from ABS thermoplastic with a conductive copper-over-nickel metallised coating. They provide effective EMI/RFI shielding, comparable to metal in most applications, at a lower unit cost and with a lighter finished assembly weight than zinc or steel. Metplas is the most widely used material type in commercial electronics, telecommunications, and industrial control applications where shielding is required but full metal construction is not specified. Our Metplas range includes 45° entry (CAMS15-K, CAMS25-K, C88E2 series), straight entry (C88E3 series, OS-DTPMK series), and screw-together variants. The term “Metplas” is a proprietary name; if you are searching for metallised plastic, metallised thermoplastic, or copper-plated ABS hoods, this is the equivalent product.
Plastic Sub D Hoods: Lightweight, Cost-Effective, No Shielding
Plain plastic hoods are moulded from ABS or nylon without conductive coating. They provide cable strain relief and physical protection for the connector rear but offer no EMI/RFI shielding. Suitable for general-purpose signal and data wiring in non-critical environments, test and measurement benchtop equipment, legacy computer interfaces, basic industrial control wiring, and any application where the connector assembly is not part of a shielded cable run. Lowest cost option in the range.
Choosing the Cable Exit Angle: 45°, 90° & Straight (Top Entry)
The cable exit angle determines the direction the cable leaves the rear of the hood. This is a practical installation decision based on the space available around the connector and the intended cable routing path:
45° (Side Entry): The cable exits at a 45-degree angle from the connector body. Reduces the overall depth of the assembly behind the panel face, and provides natural strain relief by guiding the cable away from the connector at a gentle angle. The most common choice for panel-mounted connectors where rear access is limited. Our 45° hoods include the D45ZK metal series, CAMS Metplas series, and C88E2 Northern Technologies Metplas series.
90° (Right Angle): The cable exits parallel to the connector face — routing along the surface of the panel rather than away from it. Used where the cable must run horizontally along a panel or where vertical space is constrained. Our 90° metal hoods include the N88E420000 (25-way) and N30E9 Northern Technologies series.
Straight / Top Entry (180°): The cable exits directly away from the connector body in line with the connector axis. Standard for most bench-top and free-hanging cable assemblies where no specific routing constraint exists. The CCOV-MEL economy metal series and DTZK metal screw-together series use a straight (top entry) cable exit.
Sub D Hood Sizes: From 9-Way to 78-Way
Sub D hoods and backshells are sized to match the shell size of the D Sub connector they cover. Standard-density connector sizes and their hood equivalents:
9-way: the DE shell. Used with DB-9 (RS-232 serial, legacy COM ports). The most common hood size. Available across all three material types.
15-wa: the DA shell. Game ports, analogue video, some industrial interfaces. Available in Metplas variants (CAMS15-K).
25-way: the DB shell. Parallel printer, RS-422, legacy data interfaces. Available in all three types (CAMS25-K Metplas; N88E420000 metal 90°).
37-way: the DC shell. Industrial control and measurement systems. Available across the Northern Technologies and DTZK series ranges.
50-way: the DD shell. Complex industrial wiring, SCSI. Available in metal and Metplas variants.
High-density 15 to 78-way: HDS hoods match the high-density D Sub connector shells. Confirm the shell size (DE/DB/etc.) and density (standard or high density) before ordering; a standard 9-way hood will not fit a high-density 15-way connector, even though both use the same shell dimensions at first glance.
Key Functions of Sub D Hoods and Backshells
- Environmental and Mechanical Protection: D Sub hoods act as shields against environmental factors that could potentially harm the connectors. They offer protection from dust, moisture, and contaminants, ensuring that the connectors remain in optimal working condition even in challenging conditions. Additionally, these hoods provide a protective layer that safeguards the connectors from physical damage, such as impact, vibration, or unintended disconnections. This mechanical protection is crucial in industrial environments with heavy machinery and equipment.
- Cable Strain Relief: Sub-D hoods provide strain relief by securely holding the cable to the connector. This prevents the cable from bending at sharp angles, which can lead to pin damage and signal loss. By providing this support, Sub-D hoods enhance the durability and reliability of your connections.
- EMI/RFI Shielding: Some Sub-D hoods are designed to offer electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) shielding. This is particularly crucial in environments where external interference can disrupt signal transmission. By using a hood with EMI/RFI shielding, you can ensure your signals remain clear and strong.
- Easy Identification: Sub-D hoods come in various sizes and configurations, making it easier to identify and organise the connectors. Proper organisation simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime.
Applications of Sub-D Hoods
Sub-D hoods find applications in numerous industries, from aerospace and automotive to telecommunications and industrial automation. They are commonly used in data transmission systems, control systems, and any environment where reliable and robust electrical connections are required.
Choosing the Right Sub-D Hood
Sub-D hoods come in various sizes to accommodate the different types of D-sub connectors. From 9-pin to 50-pin configurations and 15 to 78-pin high-density configurations, you can find a Sub-D hood that fits your specific connector. Moreover, these hoods are available in different materials, including plastic and metal. While plastic hoods are lightweight and cost-effective, metal hoods provide enhanced durability and EMI/RFI shielding.
Sub-D hoods play an integral role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your D-Sub connectors. By providing protection, strain relief, and shielding, they ensure your connectors can perform at their best, delivering reliable and high-quality connections. Therefore, investing in the appropriate Sub-D hood is a small yet significant step towards enhancing the overall performance of your electrical systems.
Need Help Selecting the Right Sub-D Hood?
With 24 products across three material types, four cable exit angles, and two density ranges, choosing the right Sub-D hood or backshell is straightforward once you know the connector size and the shielding requirement. If you are unsure, call us on 01536 263411 or email buddy@componentbuddy.com our team can confirm the correct hood for your connector series, size, and installation in minutes. Average response time: 45 minutes during business hours. Free UK delivery on orders over £200.
