submersible wire connectors

[kegogut]

I'm doing a AWC with my Apex but the wires on my float switches are too short to make if from the bottom of the sump all the way to the BOB so I gotta extend the wires which will put the spliced wire submersed.

Was wondering if anyone has a way to make a spliced wire waterproof. Or if theres float switches that have really long wires~

Thanks!

 

[AdamNC]

Completely wrap/cover the splice point in silicone.

 

[davidfrances]

Dave - Every float switch I have seen has wires at least three feet long. Why are yours so short? I would just buy a new float switch with longer wires and keep the splice out of the water. The BOB current isn't enough to fry you, but I wold be worried about it shorting out and cratering your AWC.

I had to extend the wires on my float switch to reach my BOB, and used shrink wrap wire wrap and then painted the splice with a product called Plasti Dip, available at Lowes or HD.

 

[davidfrances]

And you can buy new float switches with longer wires from www.aquahub.com

 

[kegogut]

Thanks for the link, I'll probably buy ones with the 48" leads. That will keep the splice out of the water.

 

[slief]

New float with longer wires is the best approch. That said, if you must use what you have, first get yourself some shrink tube and then some Liquid Electrical Tape. You can get Liquid Electrical Tape from my boat supply stores.
Places like Bass Pro, Cabellas, West Marine, Defender etc have it.
http://www.amazon.com/Attwood-Liqui...53863&sr=8-16&keywords=electrical+tape+liquid

Slide some shrink tube up the wire, then solder your connections. Slide the shrink tube over the soldered connections and heat it until is shrinks. Then cover the shrink tube liberally with liquid electrical tape making sure the stuff covers the tape and the wire. This is the same approach I use with great success on bilge pumps for off shore boats.