16-14 Gauge 'Bullet' Type Connectors - Waterproof

[havinnoj]

Not being much of an electrician, I wanted to ask what brands are high quality in terms of wire connectors/terminals?

I need a couple of male and female 'Bullet' type connectors but need them to seal well and be waterproof (they won't be submerged in water) but they'll be on a recreational vehicle so they will see a bit of water when washing, etc.

Something like Dorman 85268 possibly?

 

[4xdog]

Consider Weatherpack connectors (or equivalent -- there are a number of similar styles). Be sure to buy or borrow the correct crimping tool and you'll have great results.

 

[havinnoj]

Consider Weatherpack connectors (or equivalent -- there are a number of similar styles). Be sure to buy or borrow the correct crimping tool and you'll have great results.

Thanks I will take a look. One more thing - is it possible to get something that is quick disconnect - for multiple hookup / un-hookup?

 

[4xdog]

Yup -- that style disconnects easily. They're not necessarily made for quick-disconnect service, so if you're going to want to take the connection apart frequently there are other styles. I'm forgetting one of the common styles right now... the purely quick-disconnect kind might not have the same weatherproof performance, though.

 

[havinnoj]

Yup -- that style disconnects easily. They're not necessarily made for quick-disconnect service, so if you're going to want to take the connection apart frequently there are other styles. I'm forgetting one of the common styles right now... the purely quick-disconnect kind might not have the same weatherproof performance, though.

These look like they'll work very well. Weather Pack is the brand to go with or are there other ones to check out too?

 

[4xdog]

I've been happy with Weatherpack. Check Amazon, for example, and you'll see other options you might want to consider.

Crimping is key. Here's an image showing a change in progress from spade connectors to Weatherpack. Note the two stage crimp onto both the wire and the silicone rubber seal. Folks will tell you it can be done with normal crimp tools or careful work with pliers. I dunno. I know an appropriate crimp tool works great. They're not cheap though -- check here for a number of threads with good options, or borrow one from a good mechanic.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, there is no such thing as a "weatherproof" connector although those Weatherpak are pretty close. If you fill all internal voids with silicon dielectric grease so that is squeeze out when you mate the halves, that is about as weatherproof as you can get.

Of course you could use marine heat shrink, but you had better not want to take that connection apart.

 

[MFolks]

www.easternbeaver.com has a large selection of Bullet connectors used on many Japanese motorcycles.

 

[Gunnert]

Deutsch connectors are weatherproof. You'll need special crimp tool (cheap one is about $25.00). These have been used on motorcycles for years...

 

[PhysicsDude]

These are a little small for 16 awg, but work well for 18 awg. In the construction industry they're the staple that everyone uses (for outdoor cameras, and other low voltage stuff).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120-Qty-B-C...618?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2325eb7e32

They're called "Dolphins", but I've never seen them at local hardware stores.

 

[jlckmj]

Have you thought of using a trailer harness plug?
They are readily available, cheap, easy to use, available in 4 wire configurations, (or more) and should do what you are looking to do.

Jim