Waterproofing coax connections

[k6cpo]

I've found that using any kind of vinyl electrical tape usually leaves a gooey, sticky residue when it's removed. This is just one more thing to be cleaned up. The Coax Wrap tape comes off completely dry because the only thing it sticks to is itself.

 

[OkieBoyKJ5JFG]

As a parallel, does heat-shrink only suffice for outdoor electrical power connections?

Yes, as a matter of fact, it does, if it's true marine grade. It's used all the time for electrical connections that are constantly exposed to salt water, sun, and fish guts.

 

[OkieBoyKJ5JFG]

Right, that's why we were talking about Marine Grade heat shrink. That has the hot melt adhesive that works.

Precisely. Hence my question. I've seen it used to seal electrical connections on the decks of fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. I'm sure it will keep water out, but what I'd like to know is whether there is some other reason it won't work. For all I know, constant exposure to RF energy might turn the glue to a thin slime. It seems unlikely, but that's why I asked.

 

[mmckenna]

Precisely. Hence my question. I've seen it used to seal electrical connections on the decks of fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. I'm sure it will keep water out, but what I'd like to know is whether there is some other reason it won't work. For all I know, constant exposure to RF energy might turn the glue to a thin slime. It seems unlikely, but that's why I asked.

No, it would be fine.

I've done the Bering sea electrical stuff, it'll work.
Cable TV companies used to use it for sealing their outdoor connections. I've still got a package of stuff that is about 2" diameter and shrinks down to about 3/4".

I use it frequently in mobile installs.

Most good coax connectors come with a short piece to act as strain relief.

The challenge, as mentioned above, is getting enough heat to shrink it. Easy to do in the shop, easy to do on the ground. Gets a bit harder when up in the air.

 

[OkieBoyKJ5JFG]

No, it would be fine.

I've done the Bering sea electrical stuff, it'll work.
Cable TV companies used to use it for sealing their outdoor connections. I've still got a package of stuff that is about 2" diameter and shrinks down to about 3/4".

I use it frequently in mobile installs.

Most good coax connectors come with a short piece to act as strain relief.

The challenge, as mentioned above, is getting enough heat to shrink it. Easy to do in the shop, easy to do on the ground. Gets a bit harder when up in the air.

Yeah, that's for sure. Doing vehicle wiring in the driveway, I use a heat gun. I'll be assembling my antenna system on the back deck before I stand it up, so I should be fine with the heat gun. It certainly would be a challenge at the top of a tower, though.

 

[EAFrizzle]

Just attach all the heat shrink in the proper places without applying heat. They'll be shrunk just fine by the first of August...

 

[K6GBW]

I've been using the Coax Wrap brand tape wrapped from the bottom up and stretched very tight, followed by a layer of Scotch 33 for twenty five years. Never ever had a leak using this method. It's cheap, easy and when you want to take it off just use a razor blade to slice it and it peals right off.

 

[davidgcet]

I've found that using any kind of vinyl electrical tape usually leaves a gooey, sticky residue when it's removed. This is just one more thing to be cleaned up. The Coax Wrap tape comes off completely dry because the only thing it sticks to is itself.

3M and several other industry vendors say to put the courtesy wrap on sticky side out. then the other layers sticky side in and overlapping past the courtesy layer. no mess then and no leaks if you pay attention get it tight with some mild stretch and do not wrinkle it anywhere.