Exposed NMEA connections - connection box?

[gregcope]

Hi all

I have found two choc block connectors for instruments. The multicore wires do have crimpped ends, that are in the blocks.

However there is no strain relief, and this is open in a locker where things get shoved, or when we take a wave water gets in (and condensation).

Crossing the channel this weekend the autopilot failed intermittently (early on) and i think this could be a cause.

My suggestion is to replace these with a small project box, with a waterproof gland, and then crimp or solder the wires in there or wago connectors.

This makes then water tight. Adds strain relief, and protection from being hit/damaged.

What do people suggest? Anything else?

 

[pvb]

I used an Index Marine junction box when making NMEA connections on my old boat. It isn't fully waterproof, but the addition of some sealant on the cable grommets would make it fairly watertight.

https://www.indexmarine.com/product/jb1p/

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

Hi all

I have found two choc block connectors for instruments. The multicore wires do have crimpped ends, that are in the blocks.

However there is no strain relief, and this is open in a locker where things get shoved, or when we take a wave water gets in (and condensation).

Crossing the channel this weekend the autopilot failed intermittently (early on) and i think this could be a cause.

My suggestion is to replace these with a small project box, with a waterproof gland, and then crimp or solder the wires in there or wago connectors.

This makes then water tight. Adds strain relief, and protection from being hit/damaged.

What do people suggest? Anything else?

If you never ever intend to split the cable at that point then a small potting box with what ever cable join method is your favourite (solder overlap joint is best) will give you lowest volume for a waterproof (forever) join.
What you suggest will work as well but will be a bit larger.

 

[gregcope]

Size of box is not really an issue.

Not sure i will be able to get a soldering iron in the locker... but i can do an overlap join woth heatshrink cover.

If i need to redo, i can cut and redo, there is loads of spare cable...

 

[matthewriches]

Any if the adaptable boxes or junction boxes from screwfix, Toolstation or electrical wholesaler. Doesn’t need to be IP waterproof if inside. Cable ties could act as suitable strain relief in certain situations.

As yours is in an open position. I’d consider the potted box route or a IP rated box with mini stuffing glands, assuming your multi core is round and not oval.

 

[GHA]

Industrial strength velco can be handy to mount the box.

 

[Daverw]

Waggos in a waggo box, neat and tidy

 

[gregcope]

Lots my other reply ... grh... recap;

So - Wago connectors a good idea; Very quick. I would solder/heat shrink, however the area this is in might make that quite tricky ~ on reflection I might burn other wires or myself (likely).

I will use another junction box with glands (insulation is round) as this is slightly better water resistance that the wago boxes (smaller and cheaper).

The velcro is a good idea, I have had challenges sticking the velcro (or cable tie holders) to stuff in the past. Clues welcome on that one. The velcro-velcro sticks fine...

My boat has some great workmanship (carpentry/general boat building) but lots of the electrics leave allot to be desired and are starting to fail. This is even more frustrating as the failures are often intermittent ...

Looks like this weekends project is sorted then...

 

[GHA]

The velcro is a good idea, I have had challenges sticking the velcro (or cable tie holders) to stuff in the past. Clues welcome on that one. The velcro-velcro sticks fine...
.

Maybe try some contact adhesive on top of the built in glue.

 

[gregcope]

Maybe try some contact adhesive on top of the built in glue.

Ta.

 

[gregcope]

Some WAGO 221 connectors turned up from RS.com today (free next day delivery).

Small IP68 junction box ordered off ebay for £0.99.

Have some contact adhensive/velcro onboard.

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

My boat has some great workmanship (carpentry/general boat building) but lots of the electrics leave allot to be desired and are starting to fail. This is even more frustrating as the failures are often intermittent ...

Thats such a shame, as a time served wireman, neat cable looms are of a beauty similar to the finest cabinetry.

 

[gregcope]

Thats such a shame, as a time served wireman, neat cable looms are of a beauty similar to the finest cabinetry.

Do not get me wrong. Much of it is very nicely done. However the batch of spade connectors is poor as they seem to be weaken, and make poor connections. Trying to tighten them, and they break.

Also there are numerous multi-connectors that have spade connectors and these make poor connections too ...

Finally the instrument fit (done by somone else) has choc block connectors in semi-exposed positions ... (hence the post).

All result in intermittent errors. Which are really hard to find...