Making the Right Connections in Outside Lighting Jobs
Chuck Ross
Solar-powered exterior lighting has certainly gotten more popular over the last decade or so, given how inexpensive the fixtures are and how easy it is to install. But there remains a strong market for the hardwired variety in shady areas, where more powerful light is required and when you want to be sure the light works when you need it, even after a cloudy day. Today’s low-voltage outdoor products make adding reliable exterior illumination a pretty easy process, but contractors still need to decide what style connector to use to ensure safe, long-term performance. Heat-shrink style systems can provide just the protection needed to keep landscapes and pathways lit for years, no matter the weather or seasonal temperature changes.
Even within the heat-shrink category, though, installers have options, with both mechanical- and crimp-style connectors available to meet the task. Each offers advantages, with some tradeoffs. Mechanical versions start with a metal lug with small hex screws at either end to hold stripped wires in place. A heat-shrink tube slides over the assembly and seals it when heat is applied. Crimp connectors operate similarly, except the connection is crimped, rather than held in place mechanically, before the heat-shrink tube is sealed around it.
Easy installation is on the plus side with mechanical connectors, since the only tool needed besides the heat source is a small Allen wrench that’s usually supplied in the packaging. And the mechanical connection can be more resistant to vibration and movement than crimped models. But these devices may not work as well under extreme environmental conditions.
If tight spaces are involved, crimp connectors might be a more convenient choice because they’re less bulky than mechanical versions. They also provide strong electrical connectivity when properly crimped and, with the right crimping tool, they can be faster to install – which can be a big advantage if many connections are involved. The biggest disadvantage may be just the skill and tools involved in ensuring a proper crimp.
Even within the heat-shrink category, though, installers have options, with both mechanical- and crimp-style connectors available to meet the task. Each offers advantages, with some tradeoffs. Mechanical versions start with a metal lug with small hex screws at either end to hold stripped wires in place. A heat-shrink tube slides over the assembly and seals it when heat is applied. Crimp connectors operate similarly, except the connection is crimped, rather than held in place mechanically, before the heat-shrink tube is sealed around it.
Easy installation is on the plus side with mechanical connectors, since the only tool needed besides the heat source is a small Allen wrench that’s usually supplied in the packaging. And the mechanical connection can be more resistant to vibration and movement than crimped models. But these devices may not work as well under extreme environmental conditions.
If tight spaces are involved, crimp connectors might be a more convenient choice because they’re less bulky than mechanical versions. They also provide strong electrical connectivity when properly crimped and, with the right crimping tool, they can be faster to install – which can be a big advantage if many connections are involved. The biggest disadvantage may be just the skill and tools involved in ensuring a proper crimp.
Photo courtesy of King Innovation
