Relay waterproofing?

[vee5]

Being a bit of a numpty when it comes to electrics I have surprised myself by managing to successfully install a set of 10w Vison X LED spot lights on the GS (biiiig difference!)

The spots are switched via a relay which I have located underneath the beak to one side (it will get wet from spray). I'm assuming the relay itself is waterproof but I'm wondering whether the spade terminals that connect onto the relay should be made waterproof in some way? The only options I can come up with are some clear PVC sleeves to go over the female spade terminals (like these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-9-5mm-SPADE-CONNECTOR-TERMINAL-PVC-COVER-SPADES-LISTED-SEPERATELY-/251187637866?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3a7bf32e6a) or running the terminals into a relay base holder, like this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Relay-Base-Holder-Socket-For-4-5-PIN-Flasher-Relays-/170616087414?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b982e376

Any advice on what my best option is (apart from relocating the relay to under the seat) gratefully received. Of course if I'm worrying unnecessarily and this is a non-problem this electrical numpty would be glade to know he can stop worrying about an electrical meltdown when it rains.

 

[chas820]

I use a bit of grease suitable for electrics to coat the spade connectors on the relay to stop them corroding and heat shrink over the terminal ends.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/multi-purpose-siliconegrease-29006

 

[vee5]

I've used vaseline in the past to the same end (oooer) but was trying to avoid a greasy mess if at all possible

 

[Pukmeister]

I'd be tempted to grease as suggested, then wrap in self-amalgamating tape to keep salty water spray out.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Asking for trouble mounting it where the road spray will get to it.
It's only a matter of time before it fails.
Strongly suggest you relocate it somewhere dry.

If it has to stay amongst the gunk then slathering it in silicon sealant will keep out the crap........for a while, but it'll still fail eventually.

 

[autogs]

Asking for trouble mounting it where the road spray will get to it.
It's only a matter of time before it fails.
Strongly suggest you relocate it somewhere dry.

If it has to stay amongst the gunk then slathering it in silicon sealant will keep out the crap........for a while, but it'll still fail eventually.

agreed,its the wrong place imo,my aux led lamps are operated by a relay which i have put behind the nearside metal tank panel.

 

[Bendy toy]

You can get a relay connector that fits straight onto the relay pins. Then wrap in self amalgamating tape.

Alternatively put the relay into one of these

http://towbars.co.uk/product/Waterproof_12V_Junction_Box

Or these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADDIS-CLI...A%2BFICS%2BUFI&otn=21&pmod=230911628454&ps=54

Seal the wires wiith gromits on the wires and silicone sealer. Leave plenty os spare wire inside the box for easy working later.

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Relays aren't normally waterproof so unless you've bought a specifically waterproof one it'll only be a matter of time before it fails.
As others have said ideally you want to get it out of the way of any water.
A dribble of ACF-50 down the relay terminals into the body of the relay certainly wouldn't hurt either.

 

[RobertG]

It will be fine.
Once you don't go out in the wet
If you are considering splashing in the puddles, heed the advice above and move it. It only needs to be somewhere that won't get direct rain or spray.

 

[trainman]

Being a bit of a numpty when it comes to electrics I have surprised myself by managing to successfully install a set of 10w Vison X LED spot lights on the GS (biiiig difference!)

The spots are switched via a relay which I have located underneath the beak to one side (it will get wet from spray). I'm assuming the relay itself is waterproof but I'm wondering whether the spade terminals that connect onto the relay should be made waterproof in some way? The only options I can come up with are some clear PVC sleeves to go over the female spade terminals (like these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-9-5mm-SPADE-CONNECTOR-TERMINAL-PVC-COVER-SPADES-LISTED-SEPERATELY-/251187637866?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3a7bf32e6a) or running the terminals into a relay base holder, like this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Relay-Base-Holder-Socket-For-4-5-PIN-Flasher-Relays-/170616087414?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b982e376

Any advice on what my best option is (apart from relocating the relay to under the seat) gratefully received. Of course if I'm worrying unnecessarily and this is a non-problem this electrical numpty would be glade to know he can stop worrying about an electrical meltdown when it rains.

To be honest I wouldnt have used a relay, I have markers which take about an amp each (same as yours roughly) and have wired to the bike direct via a switch off the sat nav supply. If you are worried the bikes 'brains' wont react to an overload (I think above 5A trips it out) then stick a 3A fuse in line as close to the bikes wiring as you can.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Relocate the relay to the driest part of the bike which is under the seat. Run the wires to your lights from there.

 

[Bendy toy]

Apart from a few more connectors, a basic relay is simple to fit and avoids any issues with canbus loading. Also use a fused 12V bussbar box so the battery needs only one additional positive feed.

 

[bowser]

try a small project box from maplins, use rubber grommets for the wires, you can get a box with a rubber seal around the lid they are only a couple of quid and will solve your problem.

 

[JASONBC]

Several options seal it with grease or silicone, enclose it in a box or spray it with something like Rocol electrical lacquer for circuit boards, couldn't find th elink for that but this stuff from maplin is similar

http://www.maplin.co.uk/pcb-lacquer-25345

we use this one at work and it works well on circuit boards etc so no reason it won't seal relays up

http://www.ambersil.co.uk/ambersil/AMBproductdetail.csp?product=AMB ACRYLIC CONFORMAL COATING

 

[autogs]

sorry chaps is it just me or is being made far to complicated than it needs to be with boxes gromits etc?

 

[Wizard]

sorry chaps is it just me or is being made far to complicated than it needs to be with boxes gromits etc?

One relay...... just move it. Now, if you have a couple of sets of lights, a Stabel horn etc etc, THEN stick a box under the beak (I had one mounted to the MigSel lightbar on my 05)

 

[Bendy toy]

Its personal taste. My bike has all sorts of crap under the seat, so I would consider a waterproof case under the beak. Under the tank is also good but a bit more hassle to get at.

BTW slightly OT -
Does anyone think its worh fitting Dzuz fasteners to a GSA tank and side panels for just this sort of situation?

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Depending on what you are powering and how, you CAN run a lot more than just 1 item (lights, grips etc) from ONE 30amp relay. Obviously you might need to put the switch in a different position in the circuit.

Amps = Watts / Volts
Therefore...... 1 x 55watt spotlight bulb:- 55w / 12v = 4.58amps

This will also help you to work out what size fuse to use.

Obviously LEDS are a much lower draw, but are invisible to the naked eye

 

[vee5]

Hmmm well thanks for all yo opinions, some of which seemed to be as a result of actually reading my original post

After sum surfin I see that Hella do a waterproof relay and holder but I can't find anyone selling them online in the UK (plenty in Germany for some reason) - anyone know of a suitable outlet?

 

[vee5]

Quick update: failed to find anyone else offering a suitable water proof relay so Hella it is. The Hella waterproof relay comes in 2 parts including a base with pre-installed wires and costs a packet. Its IP54 so should be up to the job as long as its located inside a fairing or somewhere it will only get hit with spray rather than driving rain. Had to order through a UK Hella retailer (SED in Guildford) although for about the same price you can order from a German website and get it shipped to the UK.