Waterproof Wire Connectors for Landscape Lighting
Often used to secure electrical connections in landscaping projects, wire connectors (also known as wire nuts) can help protect wire connection points from environmental contamination. Select a waterproof wire connector to safeguard your wiring in a damp environment.
Wire connectors come in different colors to indicate the type and size of wires each can accommodate. Use the color code chart on the package to select the correct connector for your project.
WeatherProof® Wire Connectors
Many electrical connections must work in harsh environments where moisture is common. Whether from humidity, rain or even pressurized water used for cleaning, moisture can cause corrosion and disruption to the connections. Fortunately, waterproof connectors help to prevent these issues by forming an extremely tight seal between the connected wires.
Designed for above-grade interior or exterior connections that are exposed to damp/wet or corrosive conditions, WeatherProof wire connectors come pre-filled with silicone sealant. This eliminates the need for time-consuming products like heat shrink, resin packs and tape, making it easy to achieve a safe, permanent connection in harsh environments.
These twist-on connectors are ideal for landscape lighting wiring projects, but they can be used for any type of electrical project in a wet or damp environment. They can accommodate a variety of wire sizes from 10 to 20 gauge (AWG).
The waterproof solder seal helps prevent moisture from damaging the connections inside the connector. These connectors work by applying a low-temp solder to the stripped wire ends inside the connector. Once the solder is applied, it creates a permanent waterproof seal that protects against moisture and corrosion. The solder seal also reduces the risk of shock by protecting against spliced wire ends that may not be properly terminated. The connectors are color-coded for easy identification and comply with standards including ROHS, ISO 9001:2008, and SGS.
Dry-Crimp® Pre-Filled Wire Connectors
Dry-Crimp® Pre-Filled Wire Connectors, also known as wire nuts, are a great solution for landscape lighting projects that need to have an electrical connection covered. They are easy to install and work in the same way as other outdoor waterproof wire connectors types of wire connectors. However, these wire connectors conceal the wire connect point for a sleek, long-lasting design that’s also ideal for projects in areas where moisture is a concern.
You can use them to connect lights, irrigation valves, and outlets for outdoor wiring projects. These connectors have a copper crimp and a protective housing filled with dielectric silicone sealant. The silicone seals and waterproofs the splice and protects it from harsh outdoor conditions. The holes in the connector housing help protect silicone from escaping and continuously encapsulate the splice, ensuring it stays intact for a lifetime.
Choose a non-insulated dry-crimp or insulated dry-crimp connector depending on your needs. You’ll need a crimping tool with a wide variety of sizes, including spade, butt, and ring. Align any frayed strands of wire together, insert them into the crimp sleeve, and crimp. Make sure you turn off the power before you crimp to prevent any accidents.
Choose gel-filled waterproof wire connectors for situations where environmental contamination is a concern. These waterproof wire connectors are a twist-on type that feature gel to keep out water waterproof connector manufacturer and other contaminants from damaging the splice. They are easy to install and come in three different sizes to fit most common wire combinations.
Hub Connectors
For underground and outdoor lighting wiring applications, hub connectors work in a similar manner to standard twist-on wire nuts but are designed for use in wet or underground locations. They feature a bottom cover that seals the connection to keep water and other outside contaminants from entering the system. They also protect the exposed wire ends from corrosion, making them a good choice for landscape lighting wiring systems.
They are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different cable diameters. Before selecting a size, determine the type of wire (solid or stranded) and gauge you are connecting together. Most connector packaging includes a chart or list of the types of wires and combinations that are safe to use with each model.
A variety of accessories are available for each type of connector including caps that protect raw copper connections from ground moisture, and plastic insulating sleeves. These insulating sleeves are available in various colors and are filled with silicone to ensure a solid waterproof connection.
Some manufacturers offer specialized gel-filled connectors that are ideal for low-voltage lighting installations, allowing you to connect multiple wires at the same time in a single step. These waterproof hub connectors are easy to install and do not require any special tools. The RELICON gel pre-filled in the sleeves insulates and seals the connection completely and reduces installation costs for installers.
Wire Nuts
Waterproof connectors prevent corrosion of exposed wire ends and can be used for landscape lighting, irrigation equipment, and other outdoor electrical projects. Most waterproof connectors are filled with moisture resistant materials like silicone, grease or petroleum to protect your work from the elements. They are also easy to install and eliminate the need for time consuming products like tape, heat shrink and adhesives.
Waterproof Wire Connectors work similarly to traditional splicing techniques but are more convenient and provide greater protection from the weather, electrical shock and the environment. They are designed to seal off the splice and are commonly used in outdoor/irrigation and direct burial projects.
You’ll find a variety of sizes and shapes of waterproof wire connectors on the market. Choose a size that aligns with the type and quantity of wires you’ll be connecting. Many are color coded, so you can easily identify the right size.
Prior to installing a waterproof wire nut, turn off power to the area where you’ll be working and strip the 1/2 to 3/4 inch insulation from each of the exposed wire ends. Place the stripped ends into the wire nut, and then twist the nut clockwise using one hand while maintaining pressure with the other. As you twist, an internal coil in the nut grips the wires and secures them.
