Sprinkler Cable for RGB Strip Connections?

[tbetgeorge]

Was thinking this was a good deal - 4 wires, 18 gauge, 500ft for $121. Does this sound like a good idea? I'm not nearly as experienced as most of you. I know solid will be more stiff when bending. Figure it will also be a little nicer when it comes to stripping and connecting though and possibly even a better conductor than stranded...

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-500-ft-Burial-18-4-UL-Sprinkler-Wire-49276945/202316413#BVRRWidgetID

 

Please advise!

 

- Tom

[CLD Kevin]

Google is your friend!! You can find good deals on eBay too. 500ft 18/4 awg stranded wire for $50 free ship....can't really beat that. And stranded would be a better choice.

I linked it from my phone so hope it works. If not just use the search.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=161039064356

Edited June 29, 2013 by CLD Kevin

[tbetgeorge]

Google is your friend!! You can find good deals on eBay too. 500ft 18/4 awg stranded wire for $50 free ship....can't really beat that. And stranded would be a better choice.

I linked it from my phone so hope it works. If not just use the search.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=161039064356

Thanks Kevin! I take it everything is waterproof from the insulation?   BTW, I plan on buying at least one of your sequences this year to make my flow a little quicker. Using your sequences as a foundation should make it much easier for me to be creative in my own way

[steve synek]

I would also recommend something like this heat shrink tubing over the connection.  And doing it soon after you solder your connections as the traces tear very easily if you stress them.  I'm sure others might also suggest the better quality tubing, but this is working just fine for me. I also gave it a little shot of silicone before I heated it.   I found the tubing adds a lot of strength to the connection.

 

Steve

[CLD Kevin]

Thanks Kevin! I take it everything is waterproof from the insulation?   BTW, I plan on buying at least one of your sequences this year to make my flow a little quicker. Using your sequences as a foundation should make it much easier for me to be creative in my own way

 

I used the same single jacket cable. I had no problem with water, but I'm in SoCal....as you in CA too. Our winters are mild. Those who have to wait until Spring to dig out their cables could better answer that.

 

Also what Steve said. Solder your wires together and then heat shrink each of your connections. Then add a larger tube over all the connections. I also add silicone and then heat the tube.

 

 

Kevin

[mmais68569]

This is what I use even with shipping it is 1/2 the price you stated.

 

        Mike

 

 

http://www.safemart.com/Alarm-Wire/4-Conductor-22-Gauge-Alarm-Wire-500-FT-22AWG2C500-Stranded.htm

[RaceMedic]

Google is your friend!! You can find good deals on eBay too. 500ft 18/4 awg stranded wire for $50 free ship....can't really beat that. And stranded would be a better choice.

I linked it from my phone so hope it works. If not just use the search.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=161039064356

 

I was looking at this also .... does it matter if it is shielded or unshielded ?!

 

Dave