Waterproof joint for flexes.

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

Hello

Went to a job today and they've got a flex running from a socket to near the pond and then this splits into two flexes to run both a pond pump and a filter.

They currently have a gewiss box with stuffin glands to do the joint but that has filled with water, so I'd like something a bit better.

I could chuck a resin joint on but that causes trouble if one of the appliances ever needs swapping out.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

JohnD · 4 Apr 2012

can you put the box on a post or something, with all the cable entries at the bottom?

I did have an MK outdoor box which had a facility for a drainage pinhole in the bottom.

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

If all else fails then I think that's what I'll have to go with, and then wrap the connections with mastic compound. The last box has apparently been there trouble free for ten years or so, but it was not far off full to the top with water today.

I just wondered if there's some clever thing on the market designed for this very purpose.

flameport · 4 Apr 2012

There is a potting product called Raytech Magic Gel which is supposed to be easily removable at a later date.

I have never used it, so no idea just how easy/difficult it is to remove.

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

Yeah no you mention it, I've seen that in the wholesalers but I've never had a go with it. Might be worth a try and let DIYnot know what it's like.

Adam_151 · 4 Apr 2012

Think if it were me rob, I'd just fill the box with that perelli dog **** compound, its easy enough to dig out if you need to disconnect, just makes a bit of a mess of your hands and tools!

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

I guess that's the stuff I know as mastic compound?

Adam_151 · 4 Apr 2012

I suspect so, but wasn't sure which is why I posted it

http://www.alertelectrical.com/prod/972/pirelli-r391-weatherproof-compound

Google tells me that there is also a BICC version, but its always been Pirelli that most wholesalers carry

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

Yeah that's the same stuff.

Can't remember who makes the stuff I've got, but mine is dark green rather than brown.

Lectrician · 4 Apr 2012

I have always found a true gewiss box (4x4x2) with a couple dome top TRS glands to be very weatherproof. It is always cheaper ones, or badly fitted ones that leak.

I always use good quality TRS glands, and the ones my wholesaler keep have a rubber gasket too. I actually prefer to use 16mm ones on smaller flexes. I tend to use a stepped drill to drill a tight 16mm hole rather than a holesaw.

holmslaw · 4 Apr 2012

RF Lighting said:
I could chuck a resin joint on but that causes trouble if one of the appliances ever needs swapping out.

Is there an English version of this post.

What is it with people that think americanisms are sophisticated, they are the complete opposite. Why would any English person impersonate a yank - unbeleivable, but very funny.

RF Lighting · 4 Apr 2012

Go away.

securespark · 4 Apr 2012

Have you been on the beer again Holms?

Alcohol tends to impair the ability of of people to read by affecting vision, concentration and mental function.

The beauty of any language is that it evolves over the years. If you are complaining about the phrase "Swap-out", it has been in use in this country, as far as I can remember, for the last 10-15 years.

BTW - can you post an English version of your rant, please?

The one you posted is certainly not English.

DetlefSchmitz · 4 Apr 2012

Just a heads up. I'm sure you wouldn't make the mistake I once did. I extended a cable to some temporary outdoor xmas lights by using a solid plastic box to contain the choc block and completely filling it with silicone sealant to make it waterproof.

Of course the RCD tripped the first time it was plugged in.

ricicle · 4 Apr 2012

Rob, I dug some Magic Gel out of a Gewiss box just the other day to add an extra light. It came out fairly easily (although very sticky on the hands) I just refilled the box afterwards. Its about a tenner for a gel pack for a 100 x 100 x 50 box.

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Waterproof joint for flexes.

holmslaw

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