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Frequently Asked Questions
Connector Kits - General
4. Q: Does Amerace recommend the use of heat shrink as secondary protection for L823 connectors?
A: No, we do not and never have recommended the use of heat shrink. A formal letter on our letterhead stating this fact is available at Heat Shrink. We do not recommend heat shrink because properly installed L823 connectors are water tight without additional help. See Question 3 for a fuller explanation of watertightness.
In addition we have many concerns about the use of heat shrink, as follows:
• There is an additional cost for the heat shrink material.
• There is an additional cost for the installation of the heat shrink material.
• It takes a good deal of skill to install heat shrink correctly on a consistent basis. Contrast this with the interference fit seals used by Amerace, which are factory molded for consistency.
• There is a risk of damage to the connector or cable during installation, especially if a torch is used.
• The quick disconnect feature is lost.
• It takes time to remove the heat shrink for trouble shooting. This causes delays in putting circuits back in use.
• There is a risk of damage to the connector or cable when cutting off the heat shrink for trouble shooting.
• There is an additional cost for material and installation time each time a connection is redone after trouble shooting.

With respect to primary connectors, Amerace offers Super kits to overcome the perceived weaknesses of the classic L823 primary connectors.