3 Ways on How to Waterproof Electrical Connections

Intro: 3 Ways on How to Waterproof Electrical Connections

Video tutorial on how to how to waterproof wiring. I will be using 3 different methods which involves a liquid electrical tape, self fusing silicone tape, and adhesive lined heat shrink tube. When applying an insulator to exposed wires or a connection, ensure the power has been disconnected, the area is free of any moisture, and is clean of any residue which can affect the adhesion of any of these products. These products are available at hardware stores, automotive suppliers, and electrical or electronic suppliers. Making a waterproof application can be used on a variety of applications such as boats or any other marine vehicles, atvs, atcs, dune buggies, other off road vehicles, dirt bikes, tractors, farm equipment or anything else exposed to the exterior elements. Having a contact exposed can either cause corrosion or short out a circuit.

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• Liquid Electrical Tape made by Permatex #85121
• Self-Fusing Silicone Tape made by Permatex #82112
• adhesive lined heat shrink tube
• heat gun

STEP 1: ​Liquid Electrical Tape

Ensure the product has been mixed and use the supplied brush to apply it to the exposed joint. A minimum of two coats is recommend and wait 10 minutes in between coats. Allow for a minimum of 4hrs to dry. This product can be applied to soldered joints, butt connectors, male and female spade connectors either if they are connected together or fit onto a stationary connection, screwed on connections, etc.

STEP 2: ​Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

Try holding the opposite end of the wire stationary, either fastened to something or having an assistant which makes the application procedure much easier. Use a razor to cut off a length of tape you’ll need and apply a 2/3 overlap when wrapping the tape around the exposed conductor. The tape will stretch up to 3 times it's length, the greater the stretch will result in a greater bond. It takes about 24hrs to completely fuse together, this tape can be applied over various connections such as soldered joints, butt connectors, male and female spade connectors that are connected together, etc.

STEP 3: ​Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tube

Pick an appropriate diameter sized shrink tube for the exposed conductor. Cut an appropriate length, be sure it overlaps onto the existing insulation. Use a heat gun to warm the heat shrink which will make it shrink around the connection and soften up the adhesive. Once satisfied, allow it too cool. Unfortunately this product is only limited to either soldered connections between two ends of wire or butt connectors.

STEP 4: All Done!

And finally you'll be left with examples such as this once done.

Stay up to date with my latest tutorials, don't forget to FOLLOW my profile and be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page as well for all your DIY needs.

Comments

[Wolftar]

Fantastic!, something like this was exactly what I was looking for. I'm working on a submersible rotating camera mount and I need all the waterproofing I can get!!!!

[gadgetgogo]

Another option if you have standard heatshrink is to apply some silicone to the wire, slide the heatshrink over the top and then heat it up. As the heatshrink reduces in size some of the silicone will come out of the end and you simply wipe it off...

[4DIYers]

Thank you for the tip, however some silicones are corrosive, causing damage to the conductor which will result in it failing. When picking a silicone, an electronic safe product is the only option.

[alex_peters]

Really awesome - will come in handy for my campervan project.

[4DIYers]

Thank you and awesome to hear :)

[mr_marte]

Nice job! These tips will come in handy for a back-up camera add-on for my dad's beast of a truck :-)

[4DIYers]

Thank you and awesome to hear :)