Waterproof Wire Connectors SS3 Orange 30pcs AWG 22-14 - Safe Electrical Connectors for Outdoor Landscape Lighting | Weatherproof Splice Terminals for Garden Lights, Patio Wiring & Marine Applications

This is a simple product, in design, construction and application, but an effective one. For such a simple product, the seller goes to great lengths for the potential purchaser to understand what is being purchased, and why and how to use it. For those familiar with electrical work, there is nothing new here, folks have been using "wire nuts" forever, as well as heat shrink. It has been less common practice to combine them, in part because of the large size differential between the diameter of the combined wires and the size of the "nut" itself. Commonly available 2:1 and 3:1 heatshrink usually fails to accommodate the difference between them. The connectors here have matched a 4:1 shrink ratio to a wire nut, and have it pre-installed on the nut. This is obviously a big convenience, not having to source and stock the 4:1 heatshrink and correct size nuts, and not having to assemble it all in the field. One pays a very high premium for that convenience, but for many, the convenience will be worth it.In use, you must still determine the correct size relative to your wires, though the product listing and an enclosed instruction sheet makes this very clear. Outdoor landscape wiring is often 16 gauge, and the yellow ones I obtained are a little large, but workable for this size (they will handle up to 10 gauge). For 16-18 gauge sizes, I think an easier seal will be accomplished with the next size down, which in their nomenclature is SS-3 Orange (intended to span from 22-14 gauge). Choice between them will depend not only on the wire gauge, but the thickness of the insulation. If you are using a 16-18 with very thick, double walled insulation, go with yellow, if the more common insulation thicknesses for single wires, go with orange.The supplier describes using a "torch or lighter" to shrink the tubing. I guess this is to appeal to the DIYer who has limited tools. Their method will work, but using a heat gun is much to be preferred for control, even heat distribution and safety over an open flame. These days a corded heat gun is a very modest outlay for a very effective and versatile tool. For more, you can even get a cordless model, making field use a snap. I have two of each, and it you are considering a first purchase, I'd recommend the cheaper corded model--they are lighter, can produce more heat, and for a longer period of time.Once installed, using the correct size and method of installation, these "Screwseal" connectors make for a secure and water resistant connection. Vibration and accidental tugs won't disturb the wire connection, which overcomes the most common problem using wire nuts indoors or out. While the environmental protection should be good, a failsafe method would be to use a smaller diameter section of adhesive lined heat shrink (of any common shrink ratio) slipped over the wires before inserting them into the nut, then after you have shrunk down the Screwseal covering, slip the smaller tubing over the wire/screwseal interface, and shrink it down where they meet, thereby double sealing that end. Now you have a connection suitable for periods of time in standing water. Most won't bother, and don't need to, but it is a technique for those wanting the ultimate seal from this connectors.So again, a lot of money for convenience, especially if you are making a lot of connections, but a welcome convenience that for many, will be worth the price