Make Your Marine Electrical Connectors Waterproof
If you use marine-grade wiring with tinned lugs, your connections will last longer and resist unnecessary corrosion. However, you still need to protect them from the elements.
Fortunately, there are several options for waterproofing electrical connectors. This article will cover how to choose the right marine-grade wire and lugs, and then apply a protective sealant.
Heat Shrink
The best way to ensure that electrical connections are waterproof is to use heat shrink. This is a special type of tubing that will encapsulate wires and cables to create a strong seal. This will prevent water from entering and causing corrosion or short circuits. It’s simple to use and once applied correctly will last a long time.
There are different types of heat shrink tubing available including single wall, dual-wall and crosslinked polyolefin. Some types of heat shrink tubing also come with an adhesive lining which will melt into place when the tube is heated. This will provide an even stronger seal, making it more resistant to moisture and chemicals.
When choosing the right heat shrink tubing for your application you should consider its size, thickness and shrink ratio. Single wall tubing, often referred to as thin wall tubing has a high-quality insulating material that’s suitable for most applications. However, if you need extra protection against abrasion and vibrations you can choose double-wall tubing that will shield your wiring from these types of forces.
Another great option is to use insulated butt connectors. These are a form of tubing that connects electrical wires together and are available in a range of sizes and colours. They work by crimping onto the ends of your cabling and then applying heat. The heat will cause the outer layer marine electrical connectors waterproof of the tubing to shrink and the inner to melt into place, creating a solid connection that’s fully sealed and waterproof.
Liquid Electrical Tape
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your marine electrical connectors waterproof, then liquid tape is the perfect solution. It goes on as a liquid and dries to form a rubber-like seal that is both waterproof and flexible. It also completely covers wire and cable connections, making it difficult for dirt, moisture, and air to interrupt the flow of electricity.
One of the best options available is the Gardner Bender LTS liquid electrical tape. This spray-on option is designed to be easy to apply and can withstand high temperatures. It is also resistant to abrasion, rust and corrosion, and offers excellent dielectric protection.
Another great option is the Plasti Dip Intnl LT140Z1 liquid electrical tape. This spray-on option can be used on various surfaces including metals, plastics, rubbers, and vinyl surfaces. It can even be applied to spliced electrical wire to protect against corrosion and water intrusion. It also forms an airtight, protective, waterproof, and UV-resistant coating that prevents vibration that can loosen connections.
Finally, the Stens 700-034 liquid electrical tape is another good option to consider. This spray-on option is made from an elastomer base and features a brush cap for application. It comes in a 4 oz capacity and is backed by a 1 year long included warranty which makes it an ideal choice for long term usage.
Butt Splices
Whether it’s connecting wires, repairing damaged connections or simply adding length to your electrical wiring, a sealed butt splice connector is an excellent option. These cylindrical crimp connectors can easily join two separate cables end-to-end and sustain the electrical current that passes through them, providing a rigid connection that’s reliable long term.
At Terminalmart, we carry a variety of butt splice connectors in various sizes to suit your project needs. Some rj45 waterproof connector models are specifically designed to fit a certain cable gauge size, while others can “step-down” one larger wire to a series of smaller sized wires. You can also find insulated and non-insulated models that feature an epoxy lining, a vinyl insulator or a nylon insulator.
When selecting a butt splice connector, be sure to consider the insulator type and its color. For example, vinyl and non-insulated butt splice connectors are not suitable for use in harsh marine conditions while heat shrink butt splice connectors are epoxy lined and provide an additional layer of protection that shields the terminal from environmental damage. When you crimp the butt splice connector, the epoxy inside melts and expands to create an environmentally secure and watertight seal. After crimping, simply heat the ends with the proper tool to activate the adhesive. Heat-shrink butt splice connectors are available in both insulated and uninsulated versions for use with a wide range of different cable gauges.
Plugs
Wholesale Marine offers a variety of marine grade wire terminals, lugs and connectors that are ideal for your next wiring project. They feature tinned copper strands, which are more corrosion resistant than automotive grade SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) wire with bare copper strands. The tinned copper also provides more conductivity, reducing power loss at the connection. Unlike non-marine electrical wiring components, marine grade battery terminals, lugs and ring terminals have heavy duty nylon insulation that is easy to crimp and resists cracking and splitting due to heat. They also seal with heat activated adhesive to create a waterproof, oil, chemical and damaging ultra-violet light (UV) resistant barrier.