How should I connect wires

[GrahamHO]

Originally Posted by mastequila

I use Raychem environmental butt splices for all connections. D-436 range.

In Aviation we are taught to only use solder for connections "as necessary" due to vibration, corrosion, etc.... In my personal experience I have never seen a properly soldered join fail.

I was taught the same in aviation.

[Wotname]

A word of caution regarding the Raychem D-436 enviro splices. The heat shrink sleeve and sealant requires a fairly intense heat b to shrink and seal properly. While they are excellent when used on teflon and similar insulated wiring, they can be problematic when used on PVC insulated wiring.

While I like them and use them regularly, I avoid them around PVC coated wire.

[sailersteve]

You mite want to try SuperbrightLEDs.com . Just watch what you by and read the info on the light you like. I've had a lot of luck with them.
If you can get the "Scotchlock" crimps with the glue inside you could make fast work of all your lights . just saying .

[mastequila]

Originally Posted by Wotname

A word of caution regarding the Raychem D-436 enviro splices. The heat shrink sleeve and sealant requires a fairly intense heat b to shrink and seal properly. While they are excellent when used on teflon and similar insulated wiring, they can be problematic when used on PVC insulated wiring.

While I like them and use them regularly, I avoid them around PVC coated wire.

An excellent point! Thank you I forgot to mention that. Never use a heat gun for the sleeves. The wire insulation can melt at a lower heat than the sleeve. I use a gas torch and carefully melt from the middle of the sleeve outwards. A lighter can also be used.

[OS2Dude]

Small butt connectors. I used the same bi-color light in our boat, each has a switch for white-off-red. Your main switch (circuit breaker?) can be left on and each controlled by its own switch. Unless you have a bunch of glue heat shrink connectors in that size, just use regular. (Dk Blue, if I recall correctly.) If you want the water tightness of a glued heat-shrink then use liquid tape or some caulk in the ends but if you have THAT much water in your light you have other problems...

The cheap crimper in most tool kits works good for these, but a good pair is worth it if you need to do other more critical connectors. Maybe it is a chance to start that tool box of quality tools you'll eventually need...

[pbbmorton]

The marinebeam sailmonkey mentioned are great (as are all their products). However, I had them ship me lights with a switch on the side for red or white. The mechanism for for a fast cycle switch uses a capacitor which can cause RF interference. So call them and discuss. They are very helpful.

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