"Liquid plastic" to reinforce connections?

[lookingelectric]

One of the things that annoys me the most is when a powerpole or other connection falls apart, or a wire breaks. Usually, the problem stems from repeated application of force on a line that is intended to be electrically - but not structurally - sound.

I'm looking for a "liquid plastic" or similar material that I can squeeze from a tube as a gel and that will harden and stay in place without too much volume change, allowing me to mechanically reinforce connections and prevent them from moving.

Does anyone know of a product like this?

 

[Demosthenes]

Presumably this would render the connectors inseparable? In which case why not just solder the connection? Otherwise get some 100% solids Epoxy, really thick to start and no shrinkage.

 

[morph999]

I wrap my connections with electrical tape. I've had no real failures on mine. I use all kinds of different connectors on mine. If you want to spend the money, you can get these really tough connectors that are all metal that can handle a lot of force. They are $3/piece though at Lowes or a hardware store. You put the wire in one side and then tighten a clamp down with a screwdriver than put it in on the other side and tighten it down. I love them but they are expensive.

 

[limey2]

glue guns don't do a bad job but it must adhere to both conector and wire.

 

[Russell]

I like to use clear RTV to seal the ends of connectors and provide strain relief for the wires. The stuff can be shaped, it remains flexible and can be removed easily.




-R

 

[dogman dan]

If you are looking to just seal up the end of the connector with something that sticks to the plastic, try the special caulking found in the hardware store that is intended specifically for raingutters. The only kind of silicone I ever found that really sticks well to polyethylene, nylon, etc. Killer stuff, very sticky, and the best waterproofer I ever saw. Blows clear silicone or formagasket away.

 

[lookingelectric]

If you are looking to just seal up the end of the connector with something that sticks to the plastic, try the special caulking found in the hardware store that is intended specifically for raingutters. The only kind of silicone I ever found that really sticks well to polyethylene, nylon, etc. Killer stuff, very sticky, and the best waterproofer I ever saw. Blows clear silicone or formagasket away.

Nice idea. I'll go to the hardware store and look for that.

Russell: The RTV sounds like a good idea too.

 

[Mark_A_W]

Hot glue.

Hardens much faster than silicone.


I hot glue just about everything

 

[FeralDog]

In some places of your wiring: you could use a better grade of connector, and a better crimp.
Marine Grade, or what is also more properly called "waterproof" connectors are often adhesive lined lined and heat shrinkable.
They are color coded same as other automotive connectors red/blue/yellow BUT are more transparent. AND about 1/3 to Double the price of cheap connectors.
Example : http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...dhesive+Lined+Heat+Shrink+AWG+Butt+Connectors
Double crimp TOOL discussion (note; Anderson Powerpole tools often can use an insulated crimping die ,cost about 10 USD for a new die) :http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/41512-harbor-freight-tools-crimper-update.html
For a quality e-bike connections , they are very worth the price ... and learning the crimping method with a good tool is great too! 8)
Then I like what Mark says:

Hot glue. Hardens much faster than silicone.

I use Hot Glue in spots where the mass of wires goes into a case (like a controller) .

 

[PJIII]

Try a product named "GOOP" on line or @ the hardware store. It is GOOD STUFF & remains a slight bit flexibe & has many uses.
http://www.eclecticproducts.com/ag_adhesives.htm

This link is to purchase.http://www.amazon.com/ECLECTIC-160012-3-7-Ounce-Automotive-Household/dp/B000CCID28

There are several different tubes just for consumers such as plumbers & automotive but it is ALL THE SAME---the company even tells you that. It truely does have many uses & I always keep it on hand. ---much better than silicon.

 

[oldhaq]

One of the best "tools" in my shack is Liquid Electrical Tape by Starbrite.
It really is true to it's name, and the small tube tip makes it easy to inject into crevices.
It dries reasonably firm but not hard.
I get it at Jaycar here, got it at a marine shop when I was in the states.
http://www.starbrite.com/productdet...Cat=Liquid Electric Tape (Home)&ProductSSCat=

 

[dogman dan]

That looks like cool stuff! Might be real similar to the gutter caulk.

Forget the silicones and RTV gasket. Doesn't stick to plastics for shit compared to the gutter seal that is designed to stick to pvc gutter. The gutter stuff even sticks to polyethylene!

The hot glue works pretty good too, low temp is more flexy, and again it's got good sticking ability on plastics. Has a huge advantage in fast and easy, the gutter stuff may take 48hours to even halfway dry. Stinky stuff too, and get it on your hands and you may be stuck with it two weeks. So hot glue is a real good way to go. Just not the ultimate way to go for a water seal.

 

[lookingelectric]

If you are looking to just seal up the end of the connector with something that sticks to the plastic, try the special caulking found in the hardware store that is intended specifically for raingutters. The only kind of silicone I ever found that really sticks well to polyethylene, nylon, etc. Killer stuff, very sticky, and the best waterproofer I ever saw. Blows clear silicone or formagasket away.

I went to the hardware store yesterday and got some silicone caulk intended for raingutters. Thus far, it looks like it works great. A previous glue that I tried turned out to be a little conductive when dried, but my multimeter shows that this is perfectly fine (silicone=silicon oxide after all).

Drying was 30 mins and it seems to stick well.

If I have any trouble, I'll give a try to either goop or hot glue.