Sealing Electrical Connections???

[Catamaran]

Afternoon all,

Got an ongoing project on a mate's old Prout catamaran, rewiring the whole thing.

We're using marine grade tinned cable for the whole shooting match... Unlike the original manufacturers! (It was built in the early 70s though, so I suppose we can let them off!)

The issue I have comes with some of the connections, for things like lights... Even though they are "marine" (i.e. from reputable chandlers) some of the connections seem a little less than corrosion resistant, certainly for the long term.

Just wondering if anyone has any tips for covering these with something that will a) protect them from the salty damp air and b) potentially increase their conductivity.

Thinking of sealing any that I can't do with heat-shrink tubing with blobs of silicon and any others with some vaseline or something.

Thoughts?

 

[zambant]

Twist wires together then solder with leaded solder (not the newer unleaded solder) then liquid electrical tape - 3 coats then adhesive heat shrink when its full cured.

Used this method offshore on submersibles and diving equipment for years. Always support the finished joint as the solder can make the wire stiff as it travels up the wire.

Good luck
John

 

[sailorman]

Afternoon all,

Got an ongoing project on a mate's old Prout catamaran, rewiring the whole thing.

We're using marine grade tinned cable for the whole shooting match... Unlike the original manufacturers! (It was built in the early 70s though, so I suppose we can let them off!)

The issue I have comes with some of the connections, for things like lights... Even though they are "marine" (i.e. from reputable chandlers) some of the connections seem a little less than corrosion resistant, certainly for the long term.

Just wondering if anyone has any tips for covering these with something that will a) protect them from the salty damp air and b) potentially increase their conductivity.

Thinking of sealing any that I can't do with heat-shrink tubing with blobs of silicon and any others with some vaseline or something.

Thoughts?

coat with ACF 50 or http://cpc.farnell.com/electrolube/.../dp/SA01238?in_merch=Products From This Range, i have just received some today

 

[David2452]

If the components are fly leads then connect with the correct size of adhesive lined heat shrink terminals using the correct crimp tool, do not solder fly leads, that is reserved for panel work with adjacent and immediate strain relief in marine standards. if they are spade or ring terminals then coat with liquid latex after connection. As for increasing their conductivity there is nothing to beat a good "tight and bright" mechanical termination using tinned copper, solder actually has a higher resistance than copper or tin.

 

[Catamaran]

Cheers chaps... Will get on to CPC and also look for the liquid electrical tape

 

[Catamaran]

The other thing i could do with, now I think about it, is something to smear on festoon lights in the nav lights. Any ideas? These don't seem to corrode too badly, but it would be nice to be belt and braces about something so important!

Or do I just say we unscrew the lenses each year and double check for corrosion??

 

[DaveS]

The other thing i could do with, now I think about it, is something to smear on festoon lights in the nav lights. Any ideas? These don't seem to corrode too badly, but it would be nice to be belt and braces about something so important!

Or do I just say we unscrew the lenses each year and double check for corrosion??

Well, more modern nostrums are available, but I have always had satisfaction from using Vaseline. (I've just realised that that could be subject to mis-interpetation.

 

[alahol2]

All my bulb terminals and the holders, internal and external, are coated with a smear of Contralube and have been for many years. I've yet to find any signs of corrosion. It seems to now be very expensive, but I suppose my tube has lasted 10 years plus. http://contralube.com/contralube-770/