Best practices for using multi-pin connectors on mast wiring?
Posted by Kevin-Durant-35@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 5 comments
I'm rewiring my mast for lights and a radar, and I want to add a disconnect point at the base to make stepping the mast much simpler. I've seen a lot of mixed opinions on using multi-pin connectors for this. Some people swear by them, but others say they inevitably corrode and cause issues down the line. For those who have gone this route, what specific connectors have held up well in a marine environment? Also, any tips on separating power from sensitive signal wires like radar to avoid interference would be appreciated.
Just-Smart-Enough@reddit
MIL-DTL-38999 Series is your search term. Enjoy.
NarcisSisyphusRankin@reddit
Deutsch connectors
millijuna@reddit
We’ve used an amphenol milspec circular connector at the base of our mast for the past 15 years. But we’re probably going to move to something else because twice we’ve managed to break the cable side connector and the wire and shrink tube eventually rotted.
fuckin_atodaso@reddit
I had thru-deck connects on mine that were pretty corroded after years of neglect. I swapped them out for a waterproof quick connect. I then used a waterproof junction box and installed waterproof rocker switches on the outside and ran my deck, steaming, and mast lights through wire glands to a bus bar on the inside. Then mounted that at the base of the mast. I waterproof heat shrink the quick connect just for an added layer of safety and then trim it off when I need to disconnect it and pull the mast at the end of the season.
I don't know if tinned insulated 12v marine wire would affect a radar single or not though, as I only have a VHF run in my mast aside from the lights.
diekthx-@reddit
How strange: https://www.reddit.com/r/sailing/comments/1s7c578/can_my_radar_wires_get_wired_to_a_multi/