FAQ

Installing Haisstronica solder seal heat shrink butt connectors is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

• Strip the wires: Remove about 1/4 inch (6–12 mm) of insulation from each wire end, ensuring the copper strands are clean and not frayed.
• Insert into the connector: Overlap the stripped wire ends and slide the solder seal connector so that the exposed wires meet under the solder ring in the center. The colored bands (with adhesive) at each end should cover the wire insulation.
• Apply heat: Using a heat gun (or another high-temperature heat source), heat the connector evenly while rotating it. The tubing will shrink and the low-temp solder ring will melt and fuse the wires, while the adhesive rings at the ends flow to seal the insulation. Once you see the solder liquify and the tubing fully shrink, remove the heat and let it cool—your connection is now solid and insulated.

Tools needed: You only need a wire stripping tool and a heat source (ideally an electric heat gun) for this installation. No crimping tool or soldering iron is required – the solder & seal connector itself solders and seals the joint when heated, making it a solderless electrical connector solution in one step.

No crimping is required at all. Haisstronica solder seal connectors are solder-and-seal wire connectors that only need heat to install – you simply insert the wires and apply heat to achieve both a soldered connection and a sealed insulation. In fact, they are designed to be solderless and crimpless; all you need is a heat gun to finish the joint. The solder inside the connector melts and bonds the wires, and the heat shrink tubing with adhesive forms a tight waterproof seal. This means you do not use any crimp tool – the connector replaces the crimping step with solder that flows when heated. In summary, installation is done by heat alone, making these connectors a one-step solution (heat-shrink and solder) for joining wires.

The recommended heat source is a high-temperature heat gun, as it provides controlled, even heating. For best results, use a heat gun on a high setting – roughly in the range of 315–425 °C (600–800 °F) is effective for quickly melting the solder and shrinking the tubing. Experts suggest using a heat gun that can reach about 750–1100 °F (400–600 °C) output; you likely won’t need the maximum, but having that capability ensures the solder ring melts fully. In practice, many people start around 700 °F and adjust as needed.

Important: A standard hair dryer will not work for this purpose – hair dryers only heat to around 60–70 °C, far below the ~138 °C needed to melt the solder. If you don’t have an industrial heat gun, a butane micro-torch or high-power lighter can work in a pinch (with caution to not burn the tubing), but an electric heat gun is strongly recommended for consistent results. Always apply heat evenly and watch for the solder to turn shiny and flow – that visual cue indicates the proper temperature has been reached. Remove the heat as soon as the solder melts and the tubing has fully shrunk. This will ensure you don’t overheat the connector while still achieving a solid solder bond.

Haisstronica solder seal connectors come in multiple color-coded sizes to fit a range of wire gauges (generally covering about AWG 26 up to AWG 10 in their kits). Each color corresponds to a specific wire gauge range:

• White connectors – for approximately AWG 26–24 (smallest wires)
• Red connectors – for AWG 22–18 wires
• Blue connectors – for AWG 16–14 wires
• Yellow connectors – for AWG 12–10 (largest common size)
• Green connectors – used in some kits for around AWG 20–16 (an intermediate size, overlapping the red/blue range)

When choosing the right size, always match your wire’s gauge to the connector’s specified range (usually printed on the tubing or shown in the kit chart). It’s best if your wire is toward the thicker end of the connector’s range rather than the thinner end. For example, an 18 AWG wire fits well in a Red connector (rated for 22–18 AWG) so that the heat shrink will snug down tightly. If you tried to use a Blue connector (16–14 AWG) on an 18 AWG wire, it might not shrink tight enough, since 18 AWG is smaller than that connector’s intended range. In short, choose the connector color that includes your wire gauge, and when in doubt, pick the smaller connector if your wire sits between two sizes.

Haisstronica’s connector kits (e.g. the 180-piece kit) include an assortment of all sizes along with a color code chart, making it easy to select the perfect connector for each job. Using the correct size ensures the solder sleeve melts directly onto the exposed conductor and that the adhesive ends seal on the wire insulation for a secure, long-lasting splice.

When comparing solder vs. crimp connectors, Haisstronica’s heat shrink solder terminals offer several advantages in connectivity and sealing. A properly installed solder seal connector creates a solid metallurgical bond between wires – the solder melts and fuses into the copper strands, effectively turning two wires into one continuous conductor. This results in excellent electrical conductivity (often lower resistance than a crimp joint) and strong tensile strength. The integrated heat shrink tubing with adhesive provides insulation and a waterproof seal, giving strain relief that helps the connection resist vibration and corrosion.

Traditional crimp connectors, on the other hand, rely on mechanically deforming a metal sleeve around the wires. A good crimp can also be reliable, and crimping avoids heating the wire (which can be important in certain high-vibration or high-heat industries). However, a crimp’s quality depends on proper tool usage and can vary – a poor crimp may come loose or have higher resistance. Solder seal connectors largely eliminate that variability: as long as you heat them correctly and use the right size, you get a consistently soldered joint that is both electrically sound and sealed from the environment.

In summary, Haisstronica’s solder & seal connectors provide a one-step, soldered connection that is often as good as or better than a crimp. They combine the low resistance of a soldered joint with the protective qualities of a heat-shrink insulated crimp. That said, both methods can work well when properly executed – crimp connectors might be preferred in situations where you cannot apply heat, whereas solder seal connectors excel in creating a durable, waterproof wire connection with minimal tools. For most automotive, marine, and DIY electrical projects, Haisstronica solder seal connectors offer a convenient and highly reliable alternative to traditional crimp terminals.

Yes – Haisstronica solder seal connectors are designed to be waterproof. In fact, they carry an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning the connections are fully sealed against dust and can withstand water immersion up to about 1 meter for 30 minutes. The dual-wall heat shrink tubing has a hot-melt adhesive lining that melts and flows when heated, creating a water-tight seal around the wire insulation. Once shrunk and cooled, the connector prevents moisture from entering the splice.

This IP67 rating indicates these connectors are highly suitable for marine, automotive, and outdoor use where exposure to water or weather is expected. The combination of soldered connection and adhesive-lined heat shrink effectively turns the splice into a sealed, waterproof wire connector. Whether you are dealing with rain, engine bay splashes, or even brief submersion, the connection inside remains protected from corrosion. Always ensure you heat the connector fully so that the adhesive rings at the ends properly melt – this ensures the waterproof seal is complete. When installed correctly, you can trust these connectors to keep out moisture and contaminants, safeguarding your electrical connections.

Absolutely. Haisstronica’s connectors are often labeled “marine grade” and are specifically engineered for harsh environments like boat wiring and coastal applications. These marine-grade heat shrink butt connectors have tinned copper contacts (to resist corrosion) and waterproof adhesive-lined tubing, making them ideal for use in saltwater environments. Once heat is applied, the solder creates a solid electrical link and the tubing seals around the wire, protecting the splice from saltwater intrusion and corrosion.

In fact, the manufacturer notes that the waterproof seal and durable construction make them perfect for boat wiring, bilge pump systems, navigation electronics, and other marine applications. They are vibration-proof (useful in engines or motors), fully insulated, and corrosion-resistant, which are all critical features for marine wiring. The connectors are also IP67 rated as mentioned, so they can handle splash, spray, and humidity common on boats. Many boaters use these solder seal connectors in place of traditional crimp terminals with heat shrink because it simplifies the installation and provides a reliable sealed connection in one step.

In summary, you can confidently use Haisstronica solder seal connectors for boat and marine wiring. They will seal out saltwater and moisture, ensuring a long-lasting connection even in saltwater and high-humidity conditions. Just be sure to make the connection in a dry state (heat and seal it on land or in a dry environment) and you’ll get a robust, marine-ready splice that stands up to the elements.