Problem stalling after rain
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
water-tight connections
Good question!
Isn't it safe to say that all of these connectors will eventually cause problems? Manufacturers must certainly be aware of the shortcomings of these products.
The very nature of trying to seal a bundle of wires where they enter a connector often resists all but the most determined efforts; this is why shrink-sleeve fails. Even the "layered" construction of the wire itself can often provide a leak path for moisture to reach the connection.
Others have mentioned dielectric grease, an excellent suggestion right at the connection. On yachts we also use a brush-on liquid wire-seal which quickly hardens into a soft rubber-like compound which is easily removable for service; this is particularly useful right at the wire-to-terminal interface on crimped connectors, and where multiple conductors prohibit a gland-type seal; it is also very effective under shrink-sleeve where splices cannot be avoided. Also if the device is an unsealed "black box" with no service port, it can be "potted" using a tube of RTV silicone rubber, thereby sealing the entire device.
On the molded rubber two-pin "trailer" connectors, a couple wraps of electrical tape around the mating halves keeps out water and is easy to disconnect later.
Note:
Because of vibration, it is preferable to crimp, rather than solder, electrical connections.
Aerospace, yacht and aircraft suppliers are sources for high-grade waterproof connectors.
Isn't it safe to say that all of these connectors will eventually cause problems? Manufacturers must certainly be aware of the shortcomings of these products.
The very nature of trying to seal a bundle of wires where they enter a connector often resists all but the most determined efforts; this is why shrink-sleeve fails. Even the "layered" construction of the wire itself can often provide a leak path for moisture to reach the connection.
Others have mentioned dielectric grease, an excellent suggestion right at the connection. On yachts we also use a brush-on liquid wire-seal which quickly hardens into a soft rubber-like compound which is easily removable for service; this is particularly useful right at the wire-to-terminal interface on crimped connectors, and where multiple conductors prohibit a gland-type seal; it is also very effective under shrink-sleeve where splices cannot be avoided. Also if the device is an unsealed "black box" with no service port, it can be "potted" using a tube of RTV silicone rubber, thereby sealing the entire device.
On the molded rubber two-pin "trailer" connectors, a couple wraps of electrical tape around the mating halves keeps out water and is easy to disconnect later.
Note:
Because of vibration, it is preferable to crimp, rather than solder, electrical connections.
Aerospace, yacht and aircraft suppliers are sources for high-grade waterproof connectors.
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tmanbuckhunter
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Aug 9, 2013 08:18 PM
