Terminal Kits
Make electrical connections with wiring terminal kits from West Marine.
Having a well-stocked electrical connector kit on hand will help to ensure that you and your boat are ready for any wiring issue you encounter. A marine wire connector kit that includes a range of ring connectors, butt splices and other wire terminals makes a great addition to your boat’s toolkit or dock box.
Typical home or automotive wiring materials won’t stand up to the demands of a marine electrical system and the elements it must weather. Unlike automotive wire terminals which frequently are not tinned, the electrical terminals that West Marine sells feature annealed tinned copper conductors which resist corrosion and offer the least electrical resistance for maximum current flow. Shopping for marine grade materials is the best way to help ensure you’re doing a quality job and only have to do it once.
To heat shrink or not?
Terminal kits that utilize heat-shrink adhesive in their insulating sleeves ensure that all your electrical connections remain marine grade, waterproof and protected from water damage and corrosion. When heat is applied to the insulation, it shrinks and becomes watertight and also adds protection from vibration.
Wire connectors that do not include heat-shrink adhesive must be located in a place on the boat that is completely protected from the elements and water, such as along an interior cabin wall, or be treated with a waterproofing compound or wrap to ensure safety and functionality.
Features of Terminals and Connectors
When wiring a boat, marine ring terminals offer the most reliable solution. Spade connectors can more easily dislodge in the course of the boat’s movement, resulting in a dead circuit.
West Marine sells tinned copper wires which resist corrosion that can cause unwanted resistance in an electrical circuit. The terminals in the kits sold by West Marine all feature nylon insulation which offers more durability and strength compared to vinyl.
Safe Wiring
When using terminal kits and connectors, be sure your boat’s wires are well organized and utilize drip loops, to keep water from accumulating at the connection point. For more on marine wiring, read our West Advisor article Marine DC Wiring Basics.