inhibiting corrosion

TiggerToo

TiggerToo

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How does one prevent corrosion of electrical connections on deck? The socket of my windlass has some "green" in some of the holes and this interferes with the electrical connection. Is there anyway to prevent this? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif The plug has a cap that is nominally waterproof, but obviously dampness gets to it (it is in the anchor locker)
 
One of the best ways to make an effective waterproof seal is to wrap self amalgamating tape around the plug and socket once you have connected them together take the tape along the cables for an inch or two either side of the plug and socket.
The tape doesent have any adhesive on it, instead it is rubbery and when pulled tight while wrapping it shrinks and forms a solid rubber seal, best to do it when fairlley warm.
Quite difficult to get off when required, will have be cut off.
Its used in the telecom industry a lot.
Mind and put some electrical contact grease on the plug and socket pins before connecting.
 
This is always a problem. The only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the connector, and wire directly.

Some boats put the connector just inside the boat.

There are some grommet 'blocks' on the market that allow a connector to be passed through, and then the grommet block is tightened up, sealing the deck from any water coming through.

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/deck-glands/MD430742/
 
[ QUOTE ]
This is always a problem. The only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid of the connector, and wire directly.

Some boats put the connector just inside the boat.

There are some grommet 'blocks' on the market that allow a connector to be passed through, and then the grommet block is tightened up, sealing the deck from any water coming through.

http://marinestore.co.uk/page/mrst/PROD/deck-glands/MD430742/

[/ QUOTE ]

Whilst getting rid of the connector is one solution, it is not always practical and sometimes deck connectors have to be lived with.

I have had considerable success in eliminating moisture and corrosion by liberally applying waterproof grease or vaseline to the inside of the connector and the pins before plugging the connector together.

Self amalgamating tape round the outside would be the icing on the cake - but often isn't needed with good quality waterproof connectors with vaseline applied to the pins.
 
In situations like this I apply plenty of silicon spray, saturating all the individual strands of the exposed conductors as well as the terminals, pins, sockets etc. I find this stops the oxidisation. The stuff I use comes in an aerosol, it's described as 'general purpose silicon spray' and the brand name is Comma.
 
Another vote for vaseline. A wonderful material that helps insulators insulate and conductors conduct! Liberally apply to all contact surfaces front and back, i.e. well cover the screw terminals, cable conductor ends, etc. too. A few minutes spent making sure that no brass or copper is left exposed to the air will repay itself for years. Works equally well applied to mains pontoon connectors (with the power off, obviously, as you apply the vaseline!)

By incorporating vaseline, I've never had any problems with well made deck plugs and sockets, and far prefer them to under-deck connnectors (annual disconnection and re-connection of the wires which inevitably breaks a few strands each time) and leaky deck glands.
 
I have always used this on electrical connectors, & keep a pot on the boat. I remember a sailing school boat where removing the shore power lead required a good grip & a foot on the stern for leverage. Owner was stunned when I asked if he had any vaseline, & was amazed when having coated the connector with it, his young daughter could plug & unplug without effort.
Also useful for crimps, insulated & the bigger ones. fill the end , insert the wire & crimp. no more corroded terminals. !
 
The main thing is to treat the contacts often with vaseline WD spray etc. Don't expect it to last many months before you retreat.
Make it regular maintenance job olewill
 
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