Waterproof Landscape Wire Connectors
Landscape lighting systems are vulnerable to Mother Nature’s elements, so it’s crucial to keep wire connection points secure. Wire connectors, also known as wire nuts, do just that.
Choose from a variety of dependable options by industry brands like Blazing and King innovation. They feature tight seals, corrosion-proof materials and easy installation.
Wire Nuts
For landscape lighting and irrigation systems, use waterproof wire connectors to splice and seal the connections. Corrosion-resistant and pre-filled with silicone, these black electrical connectors create a strong watertight seal that is suitable for all low voltage landscape light circuits. This includes buried wires that exit the ground.
While there are many types of electrical connectors available, waterproof wire nuts are among the most popular and versatile. They are simple to install, requiring only that you twist the cap over the exposed ends of electrical wires. The nut’s interior metal spring then grips the wires to hold them in place. Depending on the type of wire nut, you may also be able to add additional wires by twisting on additional caps.
You can find a wide range of sizes and shapes for wire nuts, with different options available for specific applications and wire gauges. Ensure you are using the right size of wire nut for your project by examining the color code on the package, which indicates the combination of wires and gauges that the device can support.
Some wire nut varieties are designed with tabs on the side to reduce muscle fatigue. The tabs, which are sometimes called wings, make it easier to twist the nut and can help you work for longer periods of time.
Twist-on Connectors
In addition to insulating and protecting your wires, landscape wire connectors waterproof landscape lighting wire connectors need to be waterproof to withstand the weather elements. Look for units with a silicone-filled outer shell that guards against moisture, dust and other environmental contaminants. A double O ring seal also helps ensure the connectors aren’t easily dislodged or damaged.
These units are designed to be twisted onto the ends of multiple wires at once, creating a secure connection that’s easy to maintain. They’re ideal for electrical boxes and wiring up lights, switches, outlets and other electrical fixtures in a residential or commercial project. They’re available in a variety of sizes, with each size designed for a different number of wires.
Some twist-on connectors are rated for high temperatures, making them suitable for use with heating appliances like ovens and furnaces. Others have a clear body that allows you to see the wires inside. The outer layer protects against corrosion, and the wing-torque design makes them easier to twist when wearing gloves.
For a more permanent option, consider crimp-on connectors. These wire connectors require a crimping tool to secure waterproof connector manufacturer them in place, but the resulting crimp creates a more durable seal that can’t be undone. They’re often used for heavier gauge wires, such as those found in landscape lighting systems. Some crimp-on connectors are rated for underground use or for use in direct-burial applications.
Crimp-on Connectors
The best landscape lighting wire connectors are UL listed and made to protect against the elements. They also feature a waterproof seal that protects against moisture, dust, and dirt. These are great choices for harsh-environment applications, such as marine electronics, datacom/telecom infrastructure, power and energy installations, off-road and railway vehicles, mining and instrumentation equipment, and stage lighting and sound equipment.
You can find these connectors in a variety of styles and sizes to fit the different needs of your landscape lighting installation project. For example, you can choose from a crimp style or solderable connection. Crimp connections have a mechanical clamp that holds the strands together and provide a better electrical connection than a soldered connection. However, a crimp connection can break down more easily in high vibration environments and does not offer the superior conductivity of a soldered connection.
Some crimp-on connectors come with a built-in heat-shrink that helps to make the connection waterproof and resistant to corrosion. Use the ratchet tool that is supplied to apply the correct amount of pressure to the barrel of the connector until it is firmly crimped and tight. This ensures a strong, reliable connection that is not likely to slip off the wire.
Other crimp-on connectors are designed to replace the need for a heat gun, adhesives, or tape. These products feature a pre-filled silicone sealant that makes the entire wire connector waterproof and resistant to corrosion. This eliminates the need to use additional time-consuming products and provides a quick, simple way to connect your landscaping lighting wiring.
Push-in Connectors
Designed with irrigation and lighting contractors in mind, these connectors have set the industry standard. They allow installers to splice and seal wires quickly and easily in one step, saving them time and money. Plus, they are made from corrosion-resistant materials that protect against ground moisture and other harsh conditions.
They work just like their name suggests – they simply push onto the ends of two or more wires to create a secure connection. They are typically easier to use than crimp-on connectors, and can be used with a variety of solid and stranded wires. They also come in a range of sizes to suit any job, from 2 – 8 ports.
While this style of connector isn’t as common as the others, it works well for landscape lighting projects in certain cases. They require no special tools and are very easy to install. They’re great for splicing in a conduit, light fixture, or electrical box and can be used with both solid and stranded wires.
They are available in both circular and square designs and have an integrated test port to enable continuity testing. They’re also UL rated for direct burial and underground applications. The best thing about them is they have a double O-ring seal to ensure the connector never slips off the wires. This is a huge advantage over the traditional stab-in connector.