How to Waterproof Crimp Connectors
Waterproofing your wire connections prevents corrosion and keeps you safe from short circuits. This can be especially important if you are working in a corrosive environment such as on your boat or other marine vehicle, atv or dune buggy or other off road vehicle or equipment.
There are several ways to waterproof connectors, including soldering and crimping. The best method for you depends on your needs and the size of the connector.
Liquid Tape
Liquid tape is an alternative to traditional adhesive tape. While both are effective in many applications, the choice between the two will depend on the type of joint being made. Liquid adhesives are mixed with solvents that keep them liquid until applied to a surface and then evaporate during the bonding process. This means the adhesive will be pliable until it is bonded, which eliminates the need for clamps and allows it to be easily repositionable. Additionally, the lack of a chemical reaction and drying time accelerates assembly processes. Liquid adhesives also do not require special storage considerations such as flammability cabinets or airtight lockers and are usually stored in the same way as roll tape.
Liquid electrical tape goes on as a liquid and dries to a vinyl polymer that will not shrink or degrade over time. It protects terminal connections and splices from corrosion, dust and chemicals. It forms an airtight, protective, waterproof, UV resistant dielectric coating that dries to the touch in minutes. One application will last for the life of the connection and guard against vibration that can loosen connections. It is easy to use with a convenient brush applicator in the cap.
This product is ideal for marine boat and trailer wiring, under-hood auto repairs, outdoor antenna connectors, bilge pumps, sprinkler systems, light fixtures, garage lights, instrument panels, timers and all other electrical connections. It also seals out moisture and salt and helps to prevent shorting and corrosion.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone is a popular sealant and adhesive because it can hold up to moisture, extreme temperatures and UV light. This makes it ideal for a wide variety of uses in both commercial and residential settings. It can be used for everything from home repairs and maintenance to sealing a gap around plumbing fixtures or to bonding materials such as glass and plastic for craft or pet projects, such as aquariums and terrariums. It can also be used in the construction industry as a waterproofing agent and it can even be molded into shapes to fill gaps and provide additional support for structures.
Different silicones have their own unique properties but the majority of them have a gel-like consistency when first applied and then cure to a solid rubber-like texture. They are commonly available in both stand-alone squeeze tubes for manual application or in larger, rigid cartridges that are more suitable for a sealant gun. They can be purchased in a waterproof crimp connectors range of colors and visual finishes to suit specific applications, such as clear silicone for invisible use or colored silicone to match the finish on an appliance or fixture.
When choosing the right silicone for an application it is important to understand what you need it to do. For example, do you need it to be hard and durable against abrasion or do you need a soft coating that can cushion and dampen vibrations? Also, what temperature will it be subjected to? This will determine whether you need a high or low-temperature silicone.
Electrical Tape
Known for its durability and stretchability, electrical tape is used to protect electrical wires, cables, splices and connections. It is typically made from a thick, tear-resistant material such as vinyl or PVC and comes in a range of colours for identifying and colour coding different types of wires.
Unlike many other self-adhesive tapes, electrical insulation tape is designed to elongate slightly before breaking and shrink back down to create a tight fit around the wire, effectively blocking out moisture, dust or any other contaminants from reaching bare wires. However, it is important to note that electrical tape is not waterproof and will degrade when exposed to large amounts of liquid.
Electrical tape is an essential tool for anyone who works with electrical equipment and should be a staple in any DIY kit. It can help to make minor repairs, insulate wiring and cable connections and comply with strict safety standards in a number of industries. The best electrical tape is highly durable and is designed to withstand high temperatures, harsh weather conditions and metal corrosion, ensuring a long lifespan. It is also available in a variety of colours and sizes to suit different applications, making it easy to find the right option for your next project. For projects that require a premium level of performance, look for a heavy duty electrical tape with a UL rating of 105oC.
Crimping Tool
Using the right tools is critical when crimping connectors. A quality crimping tool has dies that are specially designed for the type of crimp you’re using and can be used for a variety of applications. Some crimping tools also offer LEDs for maintenance display and allow you to transfer crimp data to a PC for documentation.
To use a crimping tool, first strip the wire with a wire stripper to make sure there is enough space for the crimp connector to slip onto it. Then, insert the crimp connector and a wire into the crimping tool and press down. A good crimp should feel firm and will show signs of compression. If the crimp doesn’t seem to be holding, try pulling it apart.
A crimped connection can last up to 20 wire splice connector waterproof years and is superior to soldered connections in terms of signal continuity and quality. It’s also gas tight and won’t wick, so it’s a great option for environments that require durability and ruggedness.
Another benefit of a crimped connection is that it’s faster and easier to install than a soldered one. The crimping process eliminates the need for soldering and cuts installation time down by about 15 seconds. This is especially helpful for cabling jobs that have tight deadlines. It also saves money on labor as fewer technicians are needed to complete the task.