What function do rubber grommets serve on connectors like USB and headphone jacks?

Rubber grommets on connectors like USB and headphone jacks serve primarily as seals against dust and water. Their flexible and resilient properties create a barrier that helps prevent contaminants such as dirt, moisture, and debris from entering the connector. This sealing function is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the connections and ensuring reliable performance over time.

In addition to protecting the internal components from environmental factors, rubber grommets help reduce wear and tear on the connectors by absorbing vibrations and shocks, which may otherwise damage the connection points. This protective role is vital for extending the lifespan of electronic devices and ensuring they function properly even in challenging conditions.

While enhancing electrical connectivity, additional power supply, and optical signal routing are important functions in electronics, they do not relate to the primary purpose of rubber grommets in standard connectors.