What is the best way to connect spliced lighting wire?

[THP]

I recently purchased 3 Luminarc III reflectos with 400w coralvue electronic ballasts from www.reefexotics.com. The mogul bases for the reflectors and the ballasts obviously have wire leads but no connectors so I'm wondering what the best way or better yet, cleanest, safest way to connect these would be.

I tested the lights by simply using compression fittings comonly used in household incandescent light fixtures however, this obviously leaves ugly, bulky plastic fittings kicking around. Can I simply use quick disconnect type electrical connectors commonly used in the automotive industry? And if so, how can I tell what wire guage these things are so that I can pick the correct size connectors.

[mg426]

You can use the quick disconnect if you want. usually yellow is for 12 /10 gauge. Blue 14/16 gauge. Red for 20/22 gauge. Wire nuts will also work. If the wires splice/connection is to be exposed you can use shrink tubing or electical tape along with the connectors.

[THP]

Originally posted by mg426
You can use the quick disconnect if you want. usually yellow is for 12 /10 gauge. Blue 14/16 gauge. Red for 20/22 gauge. Wire nuts will also work. If the wires splice/connection is to be exposed you can use shrink tubing or electical tape along with the connectors.

Thanks very much. My only problem is in determining the wire gauge that came with the fixtures/ballasts. I guess I can bring one end into the local hardware store and get the guy's opinion.

[mg426]

Can you see any writing on the wire??

[THP]

Originally posted by mg426
Can you see any writing on the wire??

No, I looked for that but nothing visible. I also checked the smallish instruction paper that came with it but nothing there either. I suppose I'll simply bring 1 of the ballasts over to a home depot and compare the wire to others there. That should tell me which gauge (likely 14-16) then I can pick the connectors approprietly.

[mg426]

That would be my geuss. I have 250s and they run 16 gauge. It would still be a good idea to be sure and it sounds like you have it covered, best of luck to you.