There are many options for wire connectors for outdoor landscape lighting, such as twist-on, crimp connectors, and hub connectors. No two connectors are alike and the best one to use is dependent on an outdoor landscape lighting system’s particular needs and requirements.
This week’s blog details some of the types of wire connectors used in outdoor landscape lighting as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Why Wire Connections Are Key to Outdoor Lighting Performance
You want to choose the right wire connectors for your outdoor landscape lighting projects to avoid issues like corrosion, electrical shorts, and system failure. The right wire connectors will also ensure that your clients’ outdoor landscape lighting systems will last for years to come.
Wire connections face many challenges in outdoor environments, such as ingress of moisture, dirt, and the risk of being pulled out from animal or human interference. Issues like wire corrosion, shorts, and the failure of the outdoor landscape lighting system can be caused by faulty wire connections. You want to be sure that you’re doing everything to protect these wire connections, such as using waterproof and durable wire connectors to ensure that the connections won't be damaged by water or moisture.
Avoid all these issues by ensuring that the wire connections are not only made correctly, but protected from these hazards. The right wire connections will ensure that the outdoor landscape lighting system is performing at the right level.
Types of Wire Connectors for Outdoor Landscape Lighting
Many different types of wire connectors are available to choose from. The right wire connector to use will largely depend on the requirements of the outdoor landscape lighting system.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a connector, is that they have to be weatherproof and are gel or silicone filled. This will offer more protection against the challenging conditions of being outdoors or underground.
Twist-on Wire Connectors:
These connectors are also known as wire nuts. They come in various sizes and are color-coded to fit different wire gauges. They are simple to use and effective; you simply twist the wire into the connector. One downside is that the gel inside them can dry out.
Crimp and Barrel Connectors:
This type of connector involves inserting the wire into thin tubes and securing them into place by crimping them or using set screws. Some models of this connector can be heated, which forms a waterproof seal to further protect the connection against water and other elements. They can be durable and secure, but since they are permanent connections, will cause a bit more headache if they need to be replaced.
Hub Connectors:
If you need to connect multiple fixtures to a single power source, hub connectors are ideal. They are in junction boxes and use silicone-filled wire nuts or have clamp mechanisms to make the connection. This provides a waterproof seal, but the gel can dry out.
Push-In Wire Connectors:
Wires are inserted into these connectors without the need to twist them. There is a spring-loaded mechanism that secures the wire into place. Although rather simple to use, they are limited to only a few wire gauges and are not reusable.
Winged Wire Connectors:
These connectors have wings that offer a better grip to make it easier to twist the wires into. They offer a secure connection for the wire.
Shrink Wrap Connectors:
These connectors are a small plastic tube filled with gel. After the wire is inserted, a heating tool such as a blowtorch, is used to shrink the tube, thus making the connection. This makes a good and perfect inconspicuous seal. By using shrink wrap connectors, the connection is permanent and may require additional tools.
Choose Quality Wire Connectors for Secure Outdoor Lighting at LightCh8in
When installing an outdoor landscape lighting system for your clients, you want to ensure them that it will last for as long as possible with no issues. Therefore, making the proper wire connections is crucial. After all, the right wire connectors will make a huge difference in the safety, durability, and performance of the outdoor landscape lighting system.
With a LightCh8in account, you can check out our selection of wire connectors that will securely connect outdoor light fixtures to their power source. While you’re here, you can also check out our extensive inventory of outdoor landscape lighting supplies such as brass light fixtures, direct burial cable, outdoor landscape lighting accessories, and more.