Waterproof Low Voltage Wire Connectors

Waterproof landscape lighting wire connectors protect wiring points exposed to the elements. Unlike tape, which loosens with heat or moisture and exposes the wire ends to corrosion, these connectors prevent electrical connections from failing and allow electricity to flow freely.

Choose from a variety of wire connector types to best suit your needs. Each connector is color coded to indicate the size and type of wire it can safely accommodate.

Wire nuts

Waterproof wire nuts offer a reliable and simple solution to protecting electrical connections in wet or outdoor settings. Whether you’re working on landscape lighting, irrigation systems or other types of low voltage outdoor installations, wire nuts can ensure that your connections are protected from moisture and other environmental contaminants. They also provide a quick and easy installation process, eliminating the need for tape and making it possible to complete projects more quickly.

Standard wire nuts are roughly conical in shape and usually feature ridges on their sides so you can get a good grip when handling them. They contain a small, square-cut spring that provides tension on the wires inside as you twist them, pulling tighter and securely connecting them together. The spring is held in place by a plastic cover that is either gel-filled to keep out moisture or a simple, durable plastic sleeve. You can also find variations on this basic design, including push-in connectors (you just insert the straight wire ends into holes) and crimp or solderable waterproof splices (you can crimp or solder the connections and then use heat to make them watertight).

Aside from making sure that the power is off before attempting to work with any wiring connection, the best way to guarantee a solid, trouble-free connection is to follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation. The packaging should clearly state what wire gauges the wire nut can accommodate and how many combinations of different gauges of conductors it can be used on. It’s also a good idea to use a wire stripper to remove the insulation from both ends of the wire before applying the wire nut. Align the two wire ends so that their outer edges are touching, then press the nut onto the waterproof low voltage wire connectors wires while twisting clockwise. Repeat this step with any other wires you need to connect and then give each connector a final tightening with a pair of lineman pliers.

If you’re installing a grounding system, you can choose special high-temperature wire nuts that can withstand higher temperatures without melting. These can be especially useful when working with outdoor light fixtures and heaters. Finally, don’t forget to regularly inspect your work for exposed conductors and promptly correct any mistakes or problems you notice. Waterproof wire nut connections that are properly maintained should be able to withstand years of outdoor use. If you’re having difficulty getting a reliable connection, see our Troubleshooting Tips section for suggestions on how to address common issues. We also recommend consulting a professional electrician when you encounter serious problems that cannot be resolved with self-help advice. Our electrical experts are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns.

Push-in connectors

These waterproof electrical connectors allow you to splice multiple wire ends and seal them in an encapsulated unit that protects them from moisture and weather. They are a great choice for landscape lighting and some irrigation systems as they provide the necessary waterproofing to keep your connections safe from water damage and corrosion over time. They also offer a form of insulation that can help prevent shorts and shocks from exposed electrical wire ends.

Unlike traditional twist-on connectors, push-in terminals don’t require tools to install or open and use. They can be used with both solid and stranded conductors and are often color-coded to make it easy to tell which end is which. Their low insertion force makes them easy to use for both professional electricians and DIY homeowners. Their unique design also allows for fast, secure connections with no loosening or tightening over time.

They can also be installed using a hand-held ratchet or wrench that’s easy to handle and offers superior torque when compared to other types of wrenches. This feature allows installers to easily install push-in connectors with one hand and saves valuable time on the jobsite. They’re a great option for applications where space is limited, such as in junction boxes or distribution boxes.

When choosing waterproof wire connectors for your landscape lighting system, you should consider the voltage of the installation, how many fixtures you’ll be connecting, and what type waterproof connector manufacturer of wire you’re working with. There are a variety of options available, from basic waterproof plugs to more advanced hub connectors that will enable you to connect multiple lights and a home run wire back to the transformer.

If you’re planning to work with heavier gauge wires, you may want to look for crimp style waterproof wire connectors. These are similar to twist-on connectors but use a crimp instead of a threaded connection. They’re a good choice for high-voltage installations that will experience a lot of vibration or harsh conditions.

Waterproof wire connectors that are dry-crimp pre-filled eliminate the need for a separate silicone sealant, making them quicker and easier to install. This is especially true for those rated for direct buried applications. These connectors have a copper crimp and are sealed in a protective housing that’s encapsulated to prevent the silicone from escaping and providing a continuous seal around the splice.

These connectors are the best choice for landscape lighting and irrigation jobs because they allow you to splice several wires and connect them to a single terminal point. They also ensure a waterproof, gas-tight, and vibration-resistant connection that’s acceptable for underground use. They’re an ideal alternative to soldering, brazing, and mechanical splicing, which aren’t suitable for outdoor/irrigation applications.