Backing plate for mounting and sealing an electrical connector to an intermediate surface

A method of securing an electrical connector to a first surface of a mounting structure, the method comprising:

• affixing a backing plate to a second surface of the mounting structure, the second surface located opposite the first structure, wherein the backing plate includes one or more intermediate surface attachment portions for securing the backing plate to the mounting structure and a connector attachment portion that extends toward the electrical connector;
• and
• affixing the electrical connector to the first surface of the mounting structure opposite the backing plate, wherein the electrical connector includes a sealing surface and a backing plate attachment portion that mates with a connector attachment portion of the backing plate, wherein mating the backing plate attachment portion and the connector attachment portion generates force between the backing plate and the electrical connector that flattens the mounting structure located between the backing plate and the electrical connector and creates a seal between the electrical connector and the mounting structure at the sealing surface.