How to waterproof wiring?

[vikubz]

I have a float switch for my auto topoff which seems to have developed a loose connection. I was thinking about seeing if I can just resolder or otherwise reconnect the wires, but it I expose the wiring, how do I waterproof the wiring?

Thanks,
Mark

[inlandreef]

Silicone or RTV should work

[vikubz]

I have plenty of silicone. I'll give that a try.

Thanks

[jojo22]

Get some exterier heat shrink tubes. then silicone the ends if it makes you feel better.

[jakesgvr4]

I was thinking heat shrink also.

[vikubz]

Would Menards have heat shrink?

[hllywd]

Radio Shack more likely... Auto parts stores sometimes. I usually buy an assortment at he HamFest (as in amateur radio) they have here every year after Labor Day, usually about a buck for a 4' piece that way.

Tim

[hllywd]

Heat shrink BTW won't necessarily seal water out of the ends of the connection, you'll still have to silicone it.

Tim

[rkl303]

Maybe that glue based electrical wiring stuff stuff? I'd still cover it with heat shrink and silicone but I am just anal.

[manderx]

float switches are cheap enough to just replace it.

[evallarta1]

If its wiring you can wrap it in electrical tape and then wrap it in stuff called vulcanizing tape. 3m sells it as Scotch 23 "vinyl mastic tape", you can get it at Home Depot. How you use it is when you wrap it around the wiring you stretch it at the same time. It then ad hearse to itself and creates a water tight seal. Also the salt water wont corrode the tape.

[Altpers0na-old]

if its not going to be in contact with the water , except when something has gone wrong....

the best way i know of... is a layer of electrical tape, a layer of vinyl vulcanizing tape and then a layer of scotch coating goup. this will weather proof most any exposed connection...

i would in this case just fill a wire nut with silly cone. and twist it on...

[BruiseAndy]

http://www.starbrite.com/productdeta...&ProductSSCat=

[surfjeepzx]

I've had success with di-electric grease.

Here's what I do with every plug, butt splice (2 wires connected end to end) and terminal connection (crimped terminal end to a wire).

Di-electric grease is a non-corrosive electrical grease. It looks & feels like clear rtv silicone. You can find a tube of it at any autoparts store.

On all plugs for every piece of equipment I place a small amount between my fingers and rub the plug ends with it before plugging them into the outlets. When connecting two wires using any method of crimping or soldering I coat the wires prior to crimping them. Even wires that will have shrinkwrap applied over the connections get the di-electric grease prior to shrinkwrapping.

Since I have been using the di-electric grease I have not had one connection ever show the slightest sign of corrosion. Not one piece of electrical equipment has failed due to a bad connection and it makes the plugs easier to remove/install in the power strips, wall outlets.

[BeanAnimal]

We use the 3M splices on high voltage cable in the mining industry... I have been neck deep on plenty of water holes with large pumps spliced in with the stuff

[samtheman]

Such a Stud!

[Icefire]

They sell waterproof heatshrink.

[BeanAnimal]

Sam! Your witty intellect has dazzled us again! I don't suppose telling you to grow up will help... so feel free to keep up your antics, and Sam; In case you were confused, we are not laughing with you, we are laughing at you.

[BeanAnimal]

Originally posted by Icefire
They sell waterproof heatshrink.

Yup... it usually comes in small "kits" with butt connectors. Your local electrical supply house will usually stock it. I will dig through my electrical bag, I may have some. There are several manufacturers, but I can not remember any of them right now (3M used to make the waterproof stuff, but I don't think they do anymore).

Other big heatshrink manufacturers are
SUMITOMO
ALPHA
RAYCHEM

You can also get waterproof wire nuts. They are filled with silicone. You can get them at HD and LOWES. Check the labeling, I am not sure if they are rated for underwater use, whereas the waterproof heatshrink is.

[samtheman]

Up to your neck in water holes. Sounds like John Wayne.

[BeanAnimal]

http://www.action-electronics.com/heatshrink.htm

ahh 3M does still make the stuff. Look near the bottom of the page

[BeanAnimal]

check these out

[BeanAnimal]

Here is the GB brand, they come with butt connectors

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-gb-wat...i-1292806.html

[surfjeepzx]

Also look into "environmental splices", we use them in aviation but they may be more effort than it's worth. There are many viable options such as those posted by BA.

http://www.avionicsinternational.com...AttribID=22988

[BeanAnimal]

Yeah there is some real cool stuff out there.... like resin splices (expensive and messy). I forgot about the standard "avaition" environmental splices. Don't most of those take a special crimper so that the insulation is not damaged?