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Post by WrkrBee on Apr 20, 2023 17:46:52 GMT -5
While jacking the camper up to replace the tires today, I noticed that one of the right brake connectors was hanging by one wire. Probably why I was getting a "Trailer Disconnected" warning on the dash the last trip. This is one of those items that should not have made it past the prototype stage, but money talks. It's called an "insulation displacement connector" but "insulation cutter and wire nicker" is a better description. It also claims to be "self-stripping", which is a lie because of what was just discussed. So, after enough bumps and vibration, the wire it nicked to make the connection, finally broke. I cut the wire on the left, but the wire on the right (missing in the picture) had the mineral oil based grease on it and was cut by the connector. LIBO Electrical IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) 314-BOX, Pigtail, Self-Stripping, Moisture-Resistant, Blue, 22-14 AWG (solid/stranded) and creates a moisture resistant seal with a mineral oil based grease. (3M makes a version of this, also)  |
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Post by navylcdr on Apr 20, 2023 22:17:19 GMT -5
So what did you replace them with?
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Post by WrkrBee on Apr 21, 2023 12:34:51 GMT -5
I was afraid someone would ask that. I had my truck there, so I had my electrical work box. Only waterproof connectors I had were big ones, which were too big. So I stripped the wires, used the equivalent of a yellow wire nut, and filled it with ShoeGoo for waterproofing. At the hardware store this morning, I picked up a package of the small DryConn connectors. When I get the camper to the house next time, I'll crawl around and tug on the other brake connections to see if they let go.  |
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Post by WrkrBee on Oct 19, 2023 19:33:01 GMT -5
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Post by WrkrBee on Oct 20, 2023 17:27:58 GMT -5
So, I got curious about this LIBO connector and dissected it. On the right side of the white connector component is the cut black wire. White connector component is still filled with the mineral oil-based grease, used for water resistance. This connector can accept three wires, but this application only used the 2 outside openings. Looking at the metal components, the unused middle slot measure 0.035" (using a thickness gauge), before a wire is inserted. The metal "wave" cross section profile is 0.083" wide x 0.020" thick. Looks like two metal components were used to be able to carry the rated current or as a back-up if one metal component failed to make connection. You can see a little spread on the end slots where the blue component was pressed and pushed the thin metal components through the insulation and nicking the copper wire.  |
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jimjr
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 57
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Post by jimjr on Oct 31, 2023 14:10:10 GMT -5
Ive used scotch lock’s similar to these for telecom wire (before internet- just voice) that if you don’t use the correct tool to crimp them and just use pliers, they can cut the wires. Sounds like what’s happened to you.
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