How to electrically insulate a soldered connection?

[lightime]

Ok, so I have some led stars that I have soldered some wires to. I plan to use some flat aluminum plates in front of them as reflectors and I want to electrically insulate the soldered connections on the stars. Is there some type of sealant, epoxy, etc..that I can apply to the soldered connections on the stars to permanently insulate them electrically? Would something like liquid electrical tape work? is there something stronger?

Thanks for any input/advice!

 

[DonShock]

Liquid electrical tape would work, but you do have to be careful because it can be difficult to get a good thick coat on the "high spots" which are just the spots most likely to contact the aluminum plates you mention.

Personally, when I am putting metal reflectors close to soldered connections, I double up on the protection. I use conformal coating, similar to liquid electrical tape, over the solder joints and I also add a layer of insulating Kapton tape to the bottom of the reflectors. Between the two, I've never had a problem. I generally prefer to use the Kapton tape because it's usually a neater job and the tape is pretty tough.

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

A little AA Epoxy should do the trick. If you want a little extra protection, nail polish, then AA epoxy.

 

[tebore]

I use good ol' fashion nail polish.
Though I'm tired of having to explain to all my guy friends who see my workstation as to why I have hot pink nail polish on my table..... and my toes.

 

[Norm]

I have made insulating washers from margarine lids using a set of wad punches, seems to work well or you will find similar self adhesive washers on the Chinese sites.
Norm

 

[gadget_lover]

The issue here is two fold.

Electrical insulation and mechanical separation.

Electrical (at 5 volts) can be insulated with just about anything. Paper, wax, hot melt glue, tape and on and on.

Mechanically, any sharp points that will have pressure on them will cut through the flimsier insulators, allowing the pieces to short out. Stand offs of some sort will prevent problems caused by pressure. The stand off would go between the heat sink and the bottom of the reflector.

Daniel

 

[Norm]

The issue here is two fold.

Electrical insulation and mechanical separation.

Electrical (at 5 volts)
Mechanically, any sharp points that will have pressure on them will cut through the flimsier insulators, allowing the pieces to short out.
Daniel

The washers at KD or DX are very tough to penetrate.

 

[greenLED]

I use good ol' fashion nail polish.
Though I'm tired of having to explain to all my guy friends who see my workstation as to why I have hot pink nail polish on my table..... and my toes.

Real modders only use hot pink nail polish. :twothumbs

 

[Tekno_Cowboy]

Real modders only use hot pink nail polish. :twothumbs

Lol, I use GITD nail polish

 

[lightime]

Lots of great info guys. I may try the kapton tape...so far from what I have read the kapton tape looks like it is supposed to be used temporarily to mask things? Can it be used permanently? Does it need to be heated in order to stick or is it just like "normal" tape in that you cut a piece and slap it on?

Thanks again!

 

[65535]

Kapton is great stuff, a recommendation though, since you have a flat surface and a uneven surface stick the tape to the entire underside of the aluminum piece cut out the required holes.

In essence you are insulating the aluminum piece from contact with the solder points.

 

[lightime]

yup, that's what I was figuring to do...cover the whole backside of the aluminum...

So the kapton tape works just like any other type of ordinary tape...no curing or anything like that.? Also, it will last for many heat cycles without loosing it's adhesiveness?

Kapton is great stuff, a recommendation though, since you have a flat surface and a uneven surface stick the tape to the entire underside of the aluminum piece cut out the required holes.

In essence you are insulating the aluminum piece from contact with the solder points.

 

[65535]

"Kapton tape is made of polyimide film with heat resistant silicone adhesive to withstand temperature up to 500°F."

:thumbsup: Won't be an issue, plain and easy to use. Pretty tough so when cutting make sure your tools are sharp.

 

[lightime]

Ok, perfect...gonna order me a roll and try it out. Thanks again!