I’m replacing some 12 V DC deck lights. The main cable runs along the deck and each light is connected to the cable with a connector that stabs a little spike into the main cable. I’ve removed the old lights and connectors and will connect the new lights in a similar way. Of course removing the old connectors leaves a tiny slit in the cable insulation. Should I do something to cover up that slit? The cable is tacked to the deck so is above the ground, but is exposed to rain and weather.
Why not? I’d put a little Plasti-Dip on it, or heat-shrink tubing, or self-amalgamating silicone tape, or anything else.
^ this.
Or, hot glue, RTV or Goop.
I wouldn’t bother, the damage is already done by the initial spiking. It sounds like this would be the right time to replace that cable, anyway.
What damage? The spike just pushes apart the copper strands a bit. There’s little to no damage internally. You just want something to prevent water intrusion through the hole.
The spike needs to pierce the jacket to reach the copper. The cable has already been outside compromised and corroding for a long time. The damage from those holes is done, water has entered, wicked, etc.
There’s something called “liquid electrical tape” that is sold at Walmart and Amazon. Have never used it, but reviews are good.
Am not a fan of regular RTV for electrical/electronics applications, since it uses an acetic-acid cure.
At the very least they are weak spots and much more likely to fail than the insulation that remains intact. I would replace the cable.
I join the consensus that you should replace the cable. Wire is cheap. At the very least follow any of the above suggestions for ways to repair the holes in the insulation. If water leaks through you could have a big problem.
Couldn’t hurt to try covering it over with anything available. Electrical tape, silicone glue or caulk, even nail polish maybe. I don’t see the potential for any big problem.
For this application you’re probably right, since it’s not all that critical. But when it comes to (a little more critical) electrical/electronics applications, you have to be careful with outgassing resulting from any “fix” you apply. Regular ol’ RTV silicone, for example, will outgas acetic acid when it’s curing. If the gas gets trapped inside an enclosure if could corrode things. If, for example, the acid gets trapped inside an insulted wire, it could corrode the copper conductor. This is why a special RTV for electronics is available: instead of acetic acid, it outgasses alcohol, which is much safer for electronics.
At any rate, this is more of an FYI if you’re doing more critical stuff than the OP. 