Wiring - joining small wires

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minsted

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I have had intermittent problems with the DepthSounder this year and traced it back to a junction box under the bench seats, which is heavily corroded.

I want to cut out this junction box and rejoin the wires - there are two wires from the Depth transdeucer and also three or four from the Log (all very lightweight).

I have read that its best not to cut these transdeucer cables but I guess as they are already cut to go in the junction box can't do too much harm.

What is the best way to join these small cables - I was thinking of a heat shrink crimp -- the Red look the smallest ? I see that a rachet crimp is recommended, do I really need that for these small ones or will the bit on my wire strippers be OK ?

Thanks
 
IMHO, assuming this is to be a permanent connection, the best way would be to solder them and use a heat shrink cover after the soldering.
 
Yes. Solder and use tiny rubber sleeves saturated with silicon grease (my preference) or heat shrink, use a larger sleeve over the lot. It's a good idea to have some kind of strain relief, devise something with a couple of cable ties.
 
minsted said:
I have had intermittent problems with the DepthSounder this year and traced it back to a junction box under the bench seats, which is heavily corroded.

I want to cut out this junction box and rejoin the wires - there are two wires from the Depth transdeucer and also three or four from the Log (all very lightweight).

I have read that its best not to cut these transdeucer cables but I guess as they are already cut to go in the junction box can't do too much harm.

What is the best way to join these small cables - I was thinking of a heat shrink crimp -- the Red look the smallest ? I see that a rachet crimp is recommended, do I really need that for these small ones or will the bit on my wire strippers be OK ?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I use gel filled crimp connectors from 3M. The problem with soldering older wires is that you may not be able to get them to solder.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=2393988
 
If I am trying to solder old corroded wires like you often find in boats, I use the flux that plumbers use, it cleans the copper perfectly as well as acting as a flux for plain solder. If you are using multicore, then use the flux to clean the wires but remove all traces of it before using the multicore.
 
Crimp connectors

Minsted - if you decide to use the 'crimp' connectors, ( Scotchloc or IDC connectors) don't bother buying the RS 100 pack - send me a PM, I will send you my address, send me a SAE and I will post you 1/2 dozen.
I have a large handfull doing nothing in my toolbox.

stephenh
 
Second the gel filled crimp connectors from 3M, really easy to use and a lot less Faf than any other connection type for small wires IMHO. I understand that the Gel usually keeps the joint waterproof but may not be designed for constant imersion in seawater.
 
Thanks everyone.

As an open junction box has almost lasted 20yr, I'll give the crimps a go.

Stephenh, thanks for the kind offer - YHM
 
Do not cut depth sounder trramsponder cable

Re this warning. The cable a shielded type has quite high capacitance so the length of the cable is intrinsic to the design of the transmitter. So the cable should not be shortened. To cut the cable is OK but this will make the cut vulnerable to corrosion. olewill
 
Without doubt the 'best' solution is to solder and use adhesive lined heatshrink. Second would be to use a inline crimp and then seal with the heatshrink.

Get a gas soldering iron as you can not only solder but also use it for the heatshrink.
 
Cantata said:
That makes 4 for solder and heatshrink.
Cheap, reliable, and permanent.
But only if you can solder.
Click to expand...

and how many of those who do it the old fashioned way, have ever seen 3M Gel Filled Scotchlok connecters, let alone use them?
They are in common use, certainly in the US, with telecomms engineers, both for above and below ground use.
 
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