In message , Nick
Smith writes

Before connecting, spray both connectors with WD40 (has negligible
effect on signals). Connect. Wipe off WD40 (on outside, of course). Wrap
tightly and neatly with self-amalgamating tape. Spray again with WD40.
Will last for ever.
Ian.

Ian,

Surely the WD40 should not be applied to the electrically connecting surfaces ?
Isn't oil an insulator ?
And I wouldn't be happy leaving self amalgamating exposed to the sun - overwrap
in plastic insulating tape as well with the outermost layer not wrapped
under much
tension to stop the tape unwrapping itself when baking in the sun.

Nick



Nick,
I can't say I've noticed any tendency for WD40 to insulate the
contacting surfaces of connectors (not that I do this very often). There
should normally be sufficient pressure for the contacts to punch through
the oily layer. I reckon that WD40 will be similar to 'Lectrolube' and
similar switch cleaner-lubricants which leave a lubricating layer. Maybe
switch cleaner could be used instead of WD40, but it must be
lubricating, and not just cleaning.

However, I did once have a problem with the points in the ignition
circuit in a car. I put a little too much grease on the cam, and it
eventually worked its way along to the actual contacts. It proved a
surprisingly effective insulator!

As for the effects of sunlight on self-amalgamating tape...
Again, I haven't noticed any obvious deterioration, but the '.co.uk'
part of my e-mail address may offer some explanation! I wouldn't use PVC
tape to overwrap it - PVC always comes adrift eventually. The
old-fashioned black fabric-based electricians' tape would probably be
OK, provided you secure the end with superglue (another sovereign
remedy).

Cheers,
Ian.

--

Hi Ian,


Surely the WD40 should not be applied to the electrically connecting surfaces ?
Isn't oil an insulator ?
And I wouldn't be happy leaving self amalgamating exposed to the sun - overwrap
in plastic insulating tape as well with the outermost layer not wrapped
under much
tension to stop the tape unwrapping itself when baking in the sun.

Nick



Nick,
I can't say I've noticed any tendency for WD40 to insulate the
contacting surfaces of connectors (not that I do this very often). There
should normally be sufficient pressure for the contacts to punch through
the oily layer. I reckon that WD40 will be similar to 'Lectrolube' and
similar switch cleaner-lubricants which leave a lubricating layer. Maybe
switch cleaner could be used instead of WD40, but it must be
lubricating, and not just cleaning.

However, I did once have a problem with the points in the ignition
circuit in a car. I put a little too much grease on the cam, and it
eventually worked its way along to the actual contacts. It proved a
surprisingly effective insulator!

As for the effects of sunlight on self-amalgamating tape...
Again, I haven't noticed any obvious deterioration, but the '.co.uk'
part of my e-mail address may offer some explanation! I wouldn't use PVC
tape to overwrap it - PVC always comes adrift eventually. The
old-fashioned black fabric-based electricians' tape would probably be
OK, provided you secure the end with superglue (another sovereign
remedy).

Cheers,
Ian.


I am fairly certain I saw the S.A. tape tip in RadCom
a while back, also "PVC cables when hot" being a hazard to bare skin..

and I cant bring myself to lubricate fixed contacts before sealing up. Like
car battery terminal posts being smeared with vaseline before fitting the
clamps - just cant do it ! Probably being paranoid here !

Thanks for the reply though

Nick

Best is to use a good quality compression connector such as LRC snap n seal.
If these connectors are installed properly, the only target for water
intrusion is the threads. If you put a small dab of silicone grease on the
threads of the female portion of the connection before screwing on the
connector (make sure it's on the threads, not the center conductor), no
other water proofing is needed. We did an experiment at the cable company I
worked at when snap n seal connectors were first introduced. We sealed all
four connectors on a tap as above and put the tap in the bottom of a trash
barrell under three feet of water. After three months under water, there was
no sign of water intrusion.