Tech Tip Weatherproofing electrical stuff

Hello all,

I thought I would pass this along to those who use outdoor connectors, boxes, etc. There is a compound called DUCT SEALER that I have had really good results using. I use Nashua No. 101 but there are many varieties which you can get from an electrical supply company.

This stuff looks like dark green play dough and handles about the same. For connectors and feedthroughs I make a pancake with it and wrap it into place. There is no mess such as you get with silicone, and you can easily remove and replace it.

Hello all,

I thought I would pass this along to those who use outdoor connectors, boxes, etc. There is a compound called DUCT SEALER that I have had really good results using. I use Nashua No. 101 but there are many varieties which you can get from an electrical supply company.

This stuff looks like dark green play dough and handles about the same. For connectors and feedthroughs I make a pancake with it and wrap it into place. There is no mess such as you get with silicone, and you can easily remove and replace it.

The connector on my roof mounted 2 meter antenna was sealed with this compound 18 years ago. The feedline is hard line so there is no fear of deterioration but I wanted to check the connector. Using no tools, I removed the sealer and the connector was clean, dry, and looked brand new. It is now resealed and good for another couple of decades. The RG8X feedline to my dipole did not fare as well after being buried for 18 years, but the connectors still looked great and I reused them when I replaced the feedline.

Some may know about this but for those who don't I hope this is helpful.

Neil