Wire connectors - ignition safe

[Cincy Aquaholic]

I'm going to be wiring a new set of swim platform lights up this weekend and was looking for suggestions/information on the proper way to connect the wire to the existing wire runs in the engine compartment. They are the same kind so I just need to splice them in there and I assume the typical wire connectors like these are not the way to go. Is there a special marine type I should be using?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Just to be clear, you're replacing not adding more lights, right?

It's not the only way to accomplish the task, but those will work just fine. Be sure to use shrink tube over top. If you wanted to go the extra step, you could use the adhesive-lined version that has the shrink built-in.

Use a quality crimp tool - not those cheap, all-in-ones that come in the set with connectors. Klein is one manufacturer that makes a good tool.

EDIT: Oh, buy the connectors from a marine store - the casing is different (more durable - and I *think* the inner metal is better, but I can't say with certainty) from the typical automotive connector. Or, search for "Ancor" as they're pretty much the most common supplier of this stuff.

 

[spikedaddy99]

Dennis,

I think he means adding new lights and splicing into existing wires.

Ditto on the shrink tube, just be careful where you put hot parts. My marina had to replace a cushion when they dropped a hot connector on it and burned a hole in it:smt013

 

[Redhook98]

Dennis,

I think he means adding new lights and splicing into existing wires.

Ditto on the shrink tube, just be careful where you put hot parts. My marina had to replace a cushion when they dropped a hot connector on it and burned a hole in it:smt013

Mike,
I am starting to think your boat is cursed.........

 

[spikedaddy99]

Haha. It was the old one, not the new one!

 

[electricaldoctor]

I'm going to be wiring a new set of swim platform lights up this weekend and was looking for suggestions/information on the proper way to connect the wire to the existing wire runs in the engine compartment. They are the same kind so I just need to splice them in there and I assume the typical wire connectors like these are not the way to go. Is there a special marine type I should be using?

A far superior connection would be to solder and use heat shrink to seal out any moisture.:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

~Ken

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Thanks all. Yeah, i removed the old lights and cut the wires and the new lights will simply be reconnected.

 

[Greg]

This actually just came up in a different thread (solder vs crimp):

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27810

 

[firecadet613]

Lowe's carries heat shrink butt splice. Put crimp them on like a normal butt splice and then heat it up. It will shrink around it, and there is sealant inside. I've also seen them in the auto parts store, as well as walmart.

 

[tobnpr]

The "typical" butt connectors you show are just fine...
First choice would be the heat-shrink type connector; if you use the non-shrink type add the heat shrink tubing as suggested, or seal the ends with Liquid Electrical Tape.

 

[electricaldoctor]

The "typical" butt connectors you show are just fine...
First choice would be the heat-shrink type connector; if you use the non-shrink type add the heat shrink tubing as suggested, or seal the ends with Liquid Electrical Tape.

"Butt Splices"?? This is pretty exciting stuff guys. :wow: Is this topic as exciting as it is going to get on CSR this winter? :smt101 :huh: No, I am not suggesting that we revert back to the W___less days, but I am definitely getting bored. I think that I will get out of the cabin and go sniff some gelcoat today.

~Ken