Waterproof connector

[john in la]

What is the most waterproof wire connection for automotive type wires.

Example would be boat trailer light wires that get submerged in salt water.

 

[Charles in Aus.]

(quoted from post at 17:30:08 12/08/23) What is the most waterproof wire connection for automotive type wires.

Example would be boat trailer light wires that get submerged in salt water.

Most connectors that are Gel filled are comparable and very effective. I have used some on ornamental fish pond 12 volt lighting that have remained dry for almost five years of being submerged.

 

[leroy in ne]

Submersible water well pump cables are frequently spliced with Sta-Con connectors and sealed with heat shrink tubing. Prior to heat shrink, multiple layers of overlapping tightly wrapped vinyl tape was used. I've
pulled pumps 30 years old that the splice was submerged 100 ft. and taped splices were still dry and in fine shape when cutting apart.

 

[MarkB_MI]

I assume you mean permanent splice connections, NOT watertight connectors such as Cannon plugs.

The best I have found are the heat-shrink splices that have a bit of glue inside each end. These come in two types: One kind uses a conventional crimp connection and the other has a little bit of solder inside. They both work well. They're both strong and waterproof.

At one time you could get them at HD under the Tyco brand, but they seem to be hard to find now. Another brand is Raychem, but I think they both come from the same manufacturer, TE Connectivity.

 

[Hemmjo]

I fill regular crimp connectors with dielectric grease, crimp normally, then slide a piece of good glue lined heat shrink over it. Been doing it for years, never had a failure.

I buy the tube in 3ft lengths so I can cut any lengths I want. It is lots cheaper to buy long pieces. Too many times the pieces in precut kits are too long or too short, and the plastic boxs gets broken and I loose most of the pieces.
Good Heat ShrinkTubing

 

[John T]

John, Ive never used any of these, simply based on a Google search like others, but if you want waterproof and marine or auto grade they may fit the bill ?? Looks like TICONN makes several but a Google or Amazon search for waterproof marine grade wire splices YIELDS A TON OF CHOICES take your pick lol

FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE the absolute best method (regardless of any particular brand) Ive used is to Crimp,,,,,,Solder,,,,,,(Do BOTH) then Heat Shrink Tubing over the top AND FINALLY COAT WITH LIQUID TAPE for good measure !!!! Ive NEVER had any of those go bad even if fully submerged like Ive done on many boats and especially boat trailer light circuits !!!!!!

I have used so called DIRECT BURIAL RATED wire nut type connectors that have a dielectric grease/sealant inside (they claim direct burial is okay ???) thats much easier and quicker BUT I PREFER THE ABOVE OVER THOSE IE Crimp,,Solder,,Heat Shrink,,Liquid Tape How can that go bad ???

There are a few retired professional electricians who vist here, see what they have to offer

Take care John

John T
Waterproof Splices

 

[jimgraycase]

I use heat-shrink or msha approved black electric tape, msha approved tape is water resistant and works very well

 

[buickanddeere]

(reply to post at 02:30:08 12/08/23)

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[chvet73]

What about automotive WeatherPak connectors.

 

[Steve@Advance]

Crimp and solder, liquid electrical tape, heat shrink while the liquid tape is still wet, then more liquid tape.

 

[John T]

You're as bad as I am Steve (crimp solder heat shrink liquid tape) lol Gotta love that Liquid Tape but its nasty sticky stuff if you get it on a white T shirt, been there done that wife wasn't happy either

John T Live from SOPCHOPPY Florida

 

[buickanddeere]

A proper compression splice , wrap with only this stuff then apply heat shrink .
I seen a pair of 200 HP 600V pump motors with such terminations kept running after made this way .
Another pump failed while unattended and the 16ft deep sump flooded to top . Nobody remembered the 200Hp pumps until they appeared after the sump was pumped out . They were still operating and had ran for days while submerged .

[/quote]

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My well guy only uses electrical tape.
Both my wells have 120v pumps and I have them plugged into a 20 amp GFCI that has never tripped.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

I have no association with these folks but Eric O at South Main Auto recommends them since they have every imaginable connector.

https://connectorexperts.com/

 

[NDIHC]

Napa has a pretty good crimp, solder and heat shrink connector. They usually try and sell you just the crimp and heat shrink ones but if you get someone behind the counter who either knows their products or is willing to do a little looking they have the ones with solder in between the two crimp portions of the connectors.

 

[NDIHC]