Do exposed connections on 12v/USB outlets = a problem? (if so, thoughts?)

[Schneb]

I followed a video (thanks Fred! ) for installing a set of marine grade switches and outlets in the driver's side cubby, in the bed. Everything seems to work, but with the panel (with the switches/outlets added to it) back in place, there's a 1/8" gap at the top edge.

Also, I don't have the add-on cover installed under that rear corner, so there it seems wide-open behind that panel, down to the ground.

TLDR: the electrical connections on the backs of those outlets and switches seem sort of exposed.

(a) Is water coming through that 1/8" gap, or splashed up from below, going to get on the backs of those outlets and switches?

(b) If it does, is there some way that it's actually not a big deal?

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[Hot Runr Guy]

1) Put the Mabett panel on to cover the opening from below, that will eliminate the splashing up from the road.
2) That area is pretty deep, what is holding the panel out that 1/8"?

HRG

 

[matmondro]

Water can and does splash up from below in that area.

I followed the links to the switches on Amazon from that Youtube video. It doesn't appear there's much/any insulation around where the terminals go through the plastic into the back of the switches, so I would be somewhat concerned about water intrusion.

What you could do is find some large diameter shrink tube and use that to weatherproof the backs of the switches. Unplug the wire connectors, slip the tube over the back of the switch, then plug the wires back in. Then take a torch/lighter and shrink it down. In theory that should be good to go. Only thing is if you ever need to repair or replace something with that switch panel, you'd have to cut that shrink tube off and then redo it when you put it back together.

 

[Schneb]

1) Put the Mabett panel on to cover the opening from below, that will eliminate the splashing up from the road.
2) That area is pretty deep, what is holding the panel out that 1/8"?

HRG

I was thinking I'd do the Mabett panel even apart from this issue, but this moves it to the front of the line.

I've gotta take a look at the back of the panel to see why it's got that gap. Could be the way I put the switches/etc. in there: some bit of their backing is interfering with that panel lying flush.

 

[Schneb]

Water can and does splash up from below in that area.

I followed the links to the switches on Amazon from that Youtube video. It doesn't appear there's much/any insulation around where the terminals go through the plastic into the back of the switches, so I would be somewhat concerned about water intrusion.

What you could do is find some large diameter shrink tube and use that to weatherproof the backs of the switches. Unplug the wire connectors, slip the tube over the back of the switch, then plug the wires back in. Then take a torch/lighter and shrink it down. In theory that should be good to go. Only thing is if you ever need to repair or replace something with that switch panel, you'd have to cut that shrink tube off and then redo it when you put it back together.

Thanks for taking a look--it's good to know I'm not imagining a problem.

And I like the shrink tube idea--probably going to do that, along with trying to get that gap closed, or at least filled with some sort of gasket or something.

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