Influencer I
I'm looking for recs on 14 AWG single-pair wiring for external lighting applications, for use with Deutsch connectors, preferably with a common exterior sheathing. Currently, I've been using this: oz-usa 14 AWG wiring.
Overall decent and it works, and the exterior sheathing is nice and burly, but the biggest problems I have with are (a) it's internal strands are something super-thin like 24 AWG, and (b) the interior insulation is extra thick. The problem with (a) is two-fold:
- Pin insertion into Deutsch connectors takes a bit of force to puncture the internal seals and seat the pins, and the internal stranding is so small that the wires tend to buckle with the resistance. I don't have this problem with other 14 AWG that is comprised of internal strands of thicker gauge.
- Good luck getting all the internal wires to fit a closed Deutsch pin. It's not as bad with crimp terminal pins or WeatherPacks (which I don't like as much and aren't the standard offroad lighting connector), but I prefer closed connector crimping and there's just no way to get them all in there. It could be that the aggregate wire size is actually slightly larger than 14 AWG, or it could be that's it's just really hard to get them all into a perfect circle. So far I've had to trim down some spurious strands to fit the pin, but this leads to a follow-up problem: the clipped strands have a tendency to tear the interior insulation when it buckles or hits resistance with the rubber seal, leading to difficulty continuing the insertion and the possibility of a short.
The problem with (b) is basically an aggravation of (a): since the interior insulation is thicker, it requires more force to push through the Deutsch rubber seal, meaning more wire buckling and associated problems. It may also mean a tighter water seal, but that means nothing if the insulation tears outside of the seal because of interior strands puncturing the insulation.
As a note, I usually wrap the end of the connector and the inserted wires with Rescue Tape and electrical tape, providing a bit more water resistance and connector strain relief, so I'm not terribly worried about shorts. I would like something that's far easier to assemble, though.
Any recommendations or experience?
Thanks,
-B
Overall decent and it works, and the exterior sheathing is nice and burly, but the biggest problems I have with are (a) it's internal strands are something super-thin like 24 AWG, and (b) the interior insulation is extra thick. The problem with (a) is two-fold:
- Pin insertion into Deutsch connectors takes a bit of force to puncture the internal seals and seat the pins, and the internal stranding is so small that the wires tend to buckle with the resistance. I don't have this problem with other 14 AWG that is comprised of internal strands of thicker gauge.
- Good luck getting all the internal wires to fit a closed Deutsch pin. It's not as bad with crimp terminal pins or WeatherPacks (which I don't like as much and aren't the standard offroad lighting connector), but I prefer closed connector crimping and there's just no way to get them all in there. It could be that the aggregate wire size is actually slightly larger than 14 AWG, or it could be that's it's just really hard to get them all into a perfect circle. So far I've had to trim down some spurious strands to fit the pin, but this leads to a follow-up problem: the clipped strands have a tendency to tear the interior insulation when it buckles or hits resistance with the rubber seal, leading to difficulty continuing the insertion and the possibility of a short.
The problem with (b) is basically an aggravation of (a): since the interior insulation is thicker, it requires more force to push through the Deutsch rubber seal, meaning more wire buckling and associated problems. It may also mean a tighter water seal, but that means nothing if the insulation tears outside of the seal because of interior strands puncturing the insulation.
As a note, I usually wrap the end of the connector and the inserted wires with Rescue Tape and electrical tape, providing a bit more water resistance and connector strain relief, so I'm not terribly worried about shorts. I would like something that's far easier to assemble, though.
Any recommendations or experience?
Thanks,
-B
