Protecting above decks electrical connections.

[Timbow]

Grease? WD40? silicon? solder the joints? insulating tape? self amalgamating tape?

I am talking about nav light connections, mast step plugs and sockets and autohelm socket. What is the best procedure?

Timbow

 

[Peterduck]

When I needed to do this with a joint in my radio antenna cable, I used self-amalgamating tape. If I were to do it now, I would give a try to the liquid plastic which is used to form protection for chisels, drill bits, etc. Although intended for use a dip (ie, you dip the item into it), I suspect that it could also be painted on. The main drawback is that the liquid is red, which is a bit in-yer-face on a nice classic boat, but I think that it would be effective.
Peter

 

[markdj]

Sikaflex or similar PU sealant is good for deck hardware but for the nav lights themselves, the enclosure should be waterproof and the 2 connections are inside the unit therefore, no water and using marine grade cable on the wiring stops corrosion from any moisture.

If you have to join a cable outside then use heat shrink with the inner glue that melts or self-amalgamating, but it would be far better to replace the cable.

 

[laurance]

lanolin, best used unsparingly, is non-toxic, pleasingly pungent, and lasts a very long time.

 

[Tranona]

Best solution is to avoid wherever possible by using deck glands such as those from Index Marine and making all connections below decks. For example I have a terminal block inside the cabin by the mast step and all cables come through the deck gland to the terminal block.

 

[markdj]

Crimped connectors or this connector block work well for connection from the mast...

 

[Tranona]

Exactly what I use. Not sure they are still available or rather Merlin do not seem to stock them now.