looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
I've been using some of the cheap plastic electrical terminal connectors mainly used in the automotive industry and just hate them. Does anyone have any recommendations on types (brand names) of good quality marine grade, stranded wire, heat shrink, electrical terminal connectors (ring, fork, spade, butt)? What about good quality crimping tools? I use them mainly for my 12 volt electrical systems so the wires tend to be in the 12 to 18 gage wire size. Just plain tired of junk!!
Mark
Lake of the Woods
1989 40 DC, Hull# 377
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
Most of that crap doesn’t belong on boats.
I only use Ancor brand connectors with built in shrink tube. Mostly butt connectors and rings. I avoid the quick disconnects unless really necessary. They come in 3 sizes that will cover pretty much everything.
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
Ancor makes marine grade electrical parts including ratchet crimpers, connectors, and tinned wire. Carried by most all marine companies. John
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
National Standard parts are the best I've found, they also happen to be cheaper than the Anchor stuff (last i checked at least).
https://www.nspa.com/
I've also had great success with their crimpers, I highly recommend them over pretty much everything else I've ever used. Many times crimp failure is caused by the crimping tool doing an inadequate, or rather inaccurate job.
https://www.nspa.com/product/t-r-50/
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
That crimper may be similar to the ratcheting one that Ancor sells. I have had mine for years and it works really well. Far better than any other I've used.
I am not familiar with National Std, but they look good. I have never had any problems ever with Ancor products; and that includes never having anything of theirs deteriorate in the marine environment.
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
Indeed. Forgot to mention the Ancor ratchet crimped. A must have. Forget the plier type. Useless
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
Thanks to all who replied.
I your advice is, once again, is much appreciated.
Mark
Lake of the Woods
1989 40 DC, Hull#377
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
Just starting using a new brand over Ancor, Seavolt shrink crimps have poor packaging but seem to be working very well and much cost reduced.
As other products across the lines of everything, lots of times the packaging is the more expensive component.
I have a large tackle box all my crimps move into, so the packaging really does not matter to me,, just the cost.
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
I like the Perma Seal from this guy
https://www.ebay.com/str/caseyelectr...=&toolid=10001
I think the Perma Seal are the ones they use on the Ultra Switch if I remember correctly. Most importantly use a crimper made for heat shrink as mentioned above
Re: looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors
My fishing buddy Walter, a professional electrician for the past 35 years turned me on to these:https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/c...ool-connectors
Very accurate and steady, with plenty of leverage. For 10 - 22 awg. I have 3 or 4 expensive crimpers around, but this is my go to tool.