Electrical connections

[Independence]

I'm re-siting my engine start panel and need to replace some connections which have corroded over time.

It was my intention to both crimp and solder the replacement connectors and give them a light coating of vaseline before connecting them to a bus bar. I was wondering if there was much difference between the connectors available from places like Maplin and the ones sold in marine chandlers?

Thanks

 

[David2452]

If you have corrosion strip back and see if the cable is still bright first. Try to get decent quality tinned copper uninsulated terminals and seperate insulators as it is easier to crimp them correctly and you can put a bit of adhesive lined heat shrink over the shank & cable to make a seal and a bit of strain relief. As for soldering as well, I see no need and most people (me included) solder so infrequently that the result is less satisfactory than a good crimp made with quality (and the right) crimp tool. Don't get them from chandlers, better bought from a decent electrical factor, or if only small quantities some audio shops will have good stuff.

 

[Independence]

Many thanks

 

[VicS]

Soldering is frowned upon because they say it creates a hard point about which vibration can cause work hardening and eventual fracture.

Personally I solder and support the cable firmly.

Cleanliness comes before Godliness when you are soldering.

Adequate heat is important... you'll never make a good soldering job with a piddly little iron in a howling gale.

I always use a resin flux even if using cored soldered

 

[nigelmercier]

It was my intention to both crimp and solder the replacement connectors and give them a light coating of vaseline ...

I'm an electronics engineer, so I sometimes know what I'm talking about! I buy my crimps 100 at a time from CPC - just search for crimp blue (or yellow, or red). No need to buy from a chandler, they often sell rubbish!

I used to think that these crimps were inferior to proper "crimps" that fold around the wire using a B shaped crimp tool, but I'm now a convert. Providing you use the right size, and crimp in the right place with a ratchet tool, they are very good.

No need to solder, but some heatshrink can help keep out the damp, and can be used to identify the cables. If you do decide to use solder terminals, take the heatshrink a few cm past the join to act as a strain relief.

Vaseline is a bit 60's, there are much better products now. Try Contralube 770 Connector Lubricant - I'm on my second tube and I can't fault it.

 

[Independence]

Thanks again to everyone