Seaking 180 ESC Waterproofing

[Howard]

Hi guys,

I just purchased a new seaking 180 ESC from OSE. I read some posts about waterproofing materials for ESC's. I found an excellent product at Home Depot. It's Gardner Bender Liquid electrical tape. Cost was $6.99. I also used some black silicone to seal the ends of the extra caps first.

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[Howard]

Next I sealed all the open areas that were exposed to air/water.

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[Howard]

This electrical tape dry's fast.

Liquid Electrical Tape is a liquid coating that is used to insulate and protect electrical splices and connections. This waterproof seal will not unravel or deteriorate like traditional electrical tapes. Perfect for auto and marine applications, not to mention hundreds of other uses. - Highly resistant to chemicals, solvents, saltwater, and other common fluids - Dielectric properties are 2X better than standard electrical tape - Dries in minutes, and cures within 24 hours - Forms a protective, waterproof, uv resistant, dielectric seal

Key words hear are Dielectric properties which means it won't conduct electricity

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Since my boat seems to get wet alot (and even gets submerged at times I wanted to make sure the ESC stays safe!

Howard

[Alfa Spirit]

What version is your Hobbywing Seaking 180A?

[Howard]

it says version 2, Does it matter?

I know it's suppose to be waterproof but it definitely is now. Here's the pics after the electrical tape has dried.

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[BHChieftain]

Thanks-- very timely as I just bought one of these. Question-- would you also coat the caps on the main board?
Chief

[pyroM!KE]

Thanks-- very timely as I just bought one of these. Question-- would you also coat the caps on the main board?
Chief

This is the method Ive used for over a year now with great results..Ive even had a full submerge and was still able to get her in without hurting anything..also, coat your battery pack ends to get them water proofed..I paint everything exposed with the liquid tape..Even the caps..

[LarrysDrifter]

Water does not hurt lipos. No need to coat them.

[Bullwink]

This is a great thread and timely for me as I just got a 240 Amp Seaking I am putting in my Thundercat31 FE Conversion. I will use the Liquid Electrical Tape. Just out of curiousity, has anyone used "FlexSeal" that is advertised constantly on TV?

[megalops]

Yeah i've used flexseal. its goes on a lot thicker and takes way longer to dry than liquid tape or plasti dip. IMO not as good for hobby use but it does seal out water.

[Bullwink]

Thanks for the input!

[cbp27]

I love liquid eletrical tape and plastidip! I always use them to coat my electronics for my scale rock crawler. But I also place them in a watersealed box too. Never had any problems though. Just watch out on the liquid eletrical tape. It will leave tiny pinholes from the bubbling so make sure to give it another coat.

[Bullwink]

Question: Should I cut the stock plastic covering off of the ESC, coat everything in liquid tape and then spray it with plastic dip or, should I leave the stock plastic on and just try to waterproof the exposed ends with liquid tape and black silicon caulk?IMG_0782.jpgIMG_0783.jpgIMG_0784.jpgIMG_0785.jpg

[Howard]

Either way will work. I prefer to leave the wrap on and seal the ends, others have done it the other way.


Howard

[JackBlack26]

I use "Plastic Dip" which is essentially the same thing but it comes to where you can spoon it out of the can.

For ESC's that come heat shrinked I have found that the dips or liquid tapes have a hard time adhering to the silicone wires. Water can get through there and ruin them. I already lost 1 that way. I found it better to just silicone the ends of the ESC with clear silicone. Use the good stuff like GE. Works much better and you can still see status lights if necessary.