Corrosion prventative for crimp connectors

[sailingdog]

PDQ-

If you're using heat-shrink crimp connectors, you shouldn't need anything to prevent corrosion, since they'll be sealed from the atmosphere by the adhesive lining the shrink tubing.

[TxLnghrn]

PDQ,
Please see this excellent tutorial:
All About Marine Wire Termination Photo Gallery by Maine Sailing at pbase.com
Michael

[xtatico1404]

I'm gonna chip in based on my experience in the power industry......not based on marine environment, but at least the same theory applies.

Connector manufacturers recommend the application of oxide inhibiting compound in the connection area, in other words, in the area of the actual connector compression. This is in part to reduce corrosion between dissimilar materials, i.e. - copper and aluminum, as well as lock out moisture and oxygen from the connection area.

I do not know if it is recommended to apply such a compound with heat shrink connectors. I did see a dielectric silicone compound offered by Ancor (item #700115) that might do the same.

Here is a link to one of the oxide inhibiting compounds Product Results - CTB manufactured by Thomas & Betts. Burndy and Penn Union also have their own. However, I am not sure if it would be effective in such a small connection area.

By the way, Ancor just put out a forum for electrical issues Easy Ac/Dc - Boat wiring questions, answers, comments and opinions

[FarCry]

x1404--The A/C electrical industry is also where I became acquainted with the Ilsco and T&B products when connecting dis-similar metals. When I was building Jeeps I started applying oxide inhibitors to the conductors, like the T&B product you linked, anytime I used a crimp connector. Many of the heat shrink connections would become submursed during river crossings but never failed because of it. Large rocks and tree limbs were more destructive. In a perfect world the heat shrink "should" keep moisture out. But if it does get in, why not have a second line of defense?

I used the same anti oxidtion products on boat trailer lights with crimp\heat shrink connections as well. I ended up replacing the trailer lights after ten years...before the connections failed, which was a first.

I do believe it is worth the minnimal additional time and expense. Cheap insurance.