Tips for weather proof in-line connector?

[BabaYaga]

I will be installing a new LED steaming light, some four metres up the front side of the mast. The light will have to be taken off every season when the mast goes into the shed, so I'm thinking of having an in-line power connector just under the light to facilitate this. The cable is 2x1,5mm (I think), round section, about 6mm diameter. The connector would have to be weather proof, UV resistant and non-metal.
I'm familiar with Bulgin Buccaneer, using their standard series for a few other connections on board. That could be an option here also, but I would prefer something less bulky.
Has anyone used the smaller Buccaneer connectors for tasks like this or are there other alternatives?
Any hints and views would be much appreciated.

 

[Keith-i]

Deutsch perhaps. Downside is you need their crimping tool but otherwise might fit the bill.

 

[pvb]

I'd make the connection below deck, where it's dry.

 

[NormanS]

I'd make the connection below deck, where it's dry.

So would I, but if it must be exposed, how about MC4 connectors as used in exposed situations for PV panels?

 

[pvb]

So would I, but if it must be exposed, how about MC4 connectors as used in exposed situations for PV panels?

They're designed for much bigger cable, and are quite large. And, of course, they're single-pole so two sets would be needed.

 

[BabaYaga]

I'd make the connection below deck, where it's dry.

There already is one, but the purpose of this connector is to separate the light from the mast (theft, damage) when the latter is stored in the mast shed over winter. The cable runs in a conduit inside the mast, comes out at 4 metres height and then forks to feed steaming light and deck light.

 

[pvb]

There already is one, but the purpose of this connector is to separate the light from the mast (theft, damage) when the latter is stored in the mast shed over winter.

Useful extra information! Amp Superseal connectors might be a bit smaller than Bulgin connectors, eg - http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/superseal-waterproof-connector-pair-2-way-1-5-series.html

 

[rogerthebodger]

There already is one, but the purpose of this connector is to separate the light from the mast (theft, damage) when the latter is stored in the mast shed over winter. The cable runs in a conduit inside the mast, comes out at 4 metres height and then forks to feed steaming light and deck light.

I am planning to use some of these to connect to my spreader lights.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12215708615...49&var=422361291767&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[pvb]

I am planning to use some of these to connect to my spreader lights.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12215708615...49&var=422361291767&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Yes, those are Amp Superseal connectors.

 

[rgarside]

I will be installing a new LED steaming light, some four metres up the front side of the mast. The light will have to be taken off every season when the mast goes into the shed, so I'm thinking of having an in-line power connector just under the light to facilitate this. The cable is 2x1,5mm (I think), round section, about 6mm diameter. The connector would have to be weather proof, UV resistant and non-metal.
I'm familiar with Bulgin Buccaneer, using their standard series for a few other connections on board. That could be an option here also, but I would prefer something less bulky.
Has anyone used the smaller Buccaneer connectors for tasks like this or are there other alternatives?
Any hints and views would be much appreciated.

If you are looking for a connector of that type, the mini-buccaneer is smaller - try RS-Online to find the right one.

 

[pvb]

If you are looking for a connector of that type, the mini-buccaneer is smaller - try RS-Online to find the right one.

The Mini Buccaneer is still rather large; the 400 series Buccaneer is smaller.

 

[LadyInBed]

The only issue I can see with the Amp Superseal connector is that the seal is made on each individual wire in the cable, which will allow water to track down between wires and sheath.
I would go for the Hylec Teetube IP68 3-Pole Connectors https://www.rapidonline.com/hylec-teetube-ip68-3-pole-connectors-65852
Or
Hylec THB.384.ASSY Th384 - 3 Poles Plug/skt Connector Black Ip68
https://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-...253?IncVat=1&gclid=CMjG9oW78dACFQ5sGwodcpkFuA
where the seal is on the sheath.

 

[pvb]

The only issue I can see with the Amp Superseal connector is that the seal is made on each individual wire in the cable, which will allow water to track down between wires and sheath.
I would go for the Hylec Teetube IP68 3-Pole Connectors https://www.rapidonline.com/hylec-teetube-ip68-3-pole-connectors-65852
Or
Hylec THB.384.ASSY Th384 - 3 Poles Plug/skt Connector Black Ip68
https://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-...253?IncVat=1&gclid=CMjG9oW78dACFQ5sGwodcpkFuA
where the seal is on the sheath.

Yes, that's a point to consider. The Hylec plug/socket is still pretty big though, 27mm diameter. It looks like the Bulgin 400 series at 19mm diameter might offer a neater solution.

 

[Bergamot]

I found the AMP connectors a bit awkward to wire up and unreliable on my little Leisure 17 for when I take the mast down to trail her home. I got hold of these from China and was very pleasantly surprised by their quality. Relatively easy to solder connectors and use an insulating gel in case of water getting in. Only time will tell how well the casing stands up to UV light. I bought two to make up blanking connectors for when the mast is down.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pins-As...Plug-Socket-/311246872338?hash=item4877c25f12

 

[pvb]

I found the AMP connectors a bit awkward to wire up and unreliable on my little Leisure 17 for when I take the mast down to trail her home. I got hold of these from China and was very pleasantly surprised by their quality. Relatively easy to solder connectors and use an insulating gel in case of water getting in. Only time will tell how well the casing stands up to UV light. I bought two to make up blanking connectors for when the mast is down.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pins-As...Plug-Socket-/311246872338?hash=item4877c25f12

They look OK, rather similar to the Bulgin 400 series, but rather cheaper. I'd imagine they're a similar size? Around 19mm diameter?

 

[captainboo]

The only issue I can see with the Amp Superseal connector is that the seal is made on each individual wire in the cable, which will allow water to track down between wires and sheath.

I have used the AMP for the connection to some spreader lights as you can get a boot to seal the sheath to the plug/socket assembly:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=a...d=0ahUKEwiWyYKTxvHQAhXpB8AKHSeeB18Q_AUIwQEoAQ

Has been on the forward face of the mast for 4 seasons without fault.

 

[Bergamot]

They look OK, rather similar to the Bulgin 400 series, but rather cheaper. I'd imagine they're a similar size? Around 19mm diameter?

Yes - 19mm at widest and about 94mm long.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have used the AMP for the connection to some spreader lights as you can get a boot to seal the sheath to the plug/socket assembly:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=a...d=0ahUKEwiWyYKTxvHQAhXpB8AKHSeeB18Q_AUIwQEoAQ

Has been on the forward face of the mast for 4 seasons without fault.

Thats interesting. I am just going to wrap mine in self amalgamating tape as a final secondary seal.

 

[KellysEye]

Heat shrink conectors are waterproof. This is an example http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/female-bullet-heat-shrink-terminals-red-blue-yellow.html Use a match or lighter carefully so you don't burn it black and make make sure it is the right size for the wire you use.

 

[pvb]

Heat shrink conectors are waterproof. This is an example http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/female-bullet-heat-shrink-terminals-red-blue-yellow.html Use a match or lighter carefully so you don't burn it black and make make sure it is the right size for the wire you use.

They're waterproof to the sheathing of the cable, but the actual bullet connection isn't waterproof.