WATER TIGHT ICICELS

[babybear]

I have built Icicles  they are strip lights back to back They are set up so data runs in and splits  at the bottom one side the data returns to the top to feed the next one. They are then slid into a 1/2 white pex pipe. work great . 20 of these uses 600 LEDs. My issue is I sealed each end of the pipe with hot glue but I'm still getting water in them. Now I'm looking for a different way/material  to seal the ends any thoughts.

[ozaz]

seal with silicone, but make sure its a clear multipurpose silicone with a neutral (non-acid) curing agent

[bwinter]

For the bottom, just use a 1/2” plug (designed for the PEX).

For the top, I use a wire-gland.  The threaded bottom is the perfect size to screw into the PEX (very snug fit).

You can see it at the end of this video:


https://youtu.be/D-OxLoW3gYE

[babybear]

when Installing the wire-gland did you glue or seal them in any way  this is my second season running them, just love the look of them . Have 20 in one tree and want to do another 40 for 2 more trees.

[bwinter]

I didn’t glue the gland into the tube (it was a perfectly-snug fit).  Plus, the gland has a rubber gasket that seals even further.

[babybear]

This year weather wise has been strange. We normally get rain around thanksgiving and after freezing temperature. This year all rain. The water has been getting into my icicles.  So I need to go above and beyond in getting these sealed. I had all the parts here to make one seemed pretty good. Ordered parts to make the new 20. Then some testing hmmm in the pool.

[bwinter]

This year weather wise has been strange. We normally get rain around thanksgiving and after freezing temperature. This year all rain. The water has been getting into my icicles.  So I need to go above and beyond in getting these sealed. I had all the parts here to make one seemed pretty good. Ordered parts to make the new 20. Then some testing hmmm in the pool.

Mine get rained on, frozen, blown around—without any issues.  Two years now w these models.

[babybear]

Do have another question.   Are you running the same data to each so each are identical or data in the first then back out  into the second and on next down the line    With the first way if one failed the rest would not be affected.  I’m running the second way.  My connectors are 4 prong.

[bwinter]

They are all uniquely controllable. Each module powers/supplies data for 8 icicles.  Data is cascaded in two groups of 4

[mmais]

Another thing you have to consider is condensation. When the air inside the tubes heats during the day then cools you will get condensation in them. I have 20 dripping icicles & all get water in them this way.
Mike

[charlie-68]

I might suggest leaving the bottom open or a small vent hole to prevent water from accumulating. Water has many ways of getting into a prop, just have some way for it to leave. Charlie J.

[babybear]

This is last years, also thinking before I place them into the tube Ill use clear heat shrink tube

[bwinter]

This is last years, also thinking before I place them into the tube Ill use clear heat shrink tube

I use clear heat-shrink tube for mine--but for the purpose of holding the two strips together and keeping the data-return line locked in place (so it doesn't obscure the LED).

I wouldn't keep the bottom open--there's plenty of frost/moisture in the air coupled with the heat from the LEDs to cause problems.  And with the wind blowing, it's not uncommon for them to occasionally get blown upside down and caught on branches.

Just seal them up properly in a tube (it's pretty simple).  I ran mine submerged in a bathtub for a few hours, just to see if anything would get in--no problems.