FAQs: Low Voltage and Electrical Supplies

Refer to table below.

Some cloudiness is acceptable. However, if the resin has turned white and solidified, then the material may need to be returned to the distributor.

The Scotchcast Inline Splice Kit, 82-A series is UL Listed for submerged applications. The test sequence for such a listing involves immersion of the specified splice assembly under 1.8m (6 ft.) of water. Other splices may be suitable for similar use, but the user should evaluate and determine suitability of a particular splice for its intended use.

While resins may be used to pot junction boxes, we do not describe any of our products as “waterproof”. Almost any material will absorb some water, even if it may not be enough to cause any problems. Suitability in a specific application must ultimately be determined by the user.

There can be several reasons why a splice or resin may not function as desired: installation error, improper kit selection, or improper curing. Unfortunately, once the resin/splice is poured, it’s not possible to “fix” a problem. For best results, follow the included instructions, ensure that all surfaces are clean and dry, keep the resin sealed in the foil-lined guard bag until ready to mix and mix thoroughly prior to pouring. Roughening the cable jacket with (non-conductive) sand paper may improve adhesion of the resin. The resin should be allowed to cure prior to water/moisture exposure, particularly the more sensitive urethane-based resins (e.g. Scotchcast Resins 2104, 2123, 2130 or 2135).

We do not carry solvents for our resins, but there are several companies who may be able to assist with solvents for urethane (2104, 2123, 2130, 2135) or epoxy (4) resins, including Dynaloy, Inc. (http://www.dynaloy.com/ or 800-669-5709) and Chemetall-Oakite (http://www.chemetallamericas.com/ or 908-464-6900).

Resin cure time will vary depending on the ambient temperature, with colder temperatures resulting in longer cure times. In addition, cured resin should be cool, solid and tack-free (though Scotchcast Resin 2123 will remain somewhat tacky for several weeks).

Resin 400 has been replaced by Connector Sealing Packs 3570G. The formula is slightly different, but still comes in the same size.

Resin 2112 has been replaced by Scotchcast Re-enterable Resin 2123 (a polybutadiene resin). It also bonds to existing Resin 2112.e size.

Shelf life for our resins and other products can be found on the 3M Electrical home page (http://www.3m.com/electrical/) in the left hand column under “Product and Services” >”Shelf Life & Storage Conditions.” The date of manufacture is typically noted by an impression stamp on the bottom seam of the foil-lined resin guard bag in the format YYMMMDD.

Refer to 3M Scotchcast Potting Kit 2136. It has been marketed and used for these types of applications, though suitability for a specific application must ultimately be determined by the user.

There is no direct US equivalent to resins in other countries. Different countries have different rules for what chemicals can, and can’t, be used in that country. Therefore, the resin formulations must be different in order to be compliant with the rules in each country.

Different countries have different rules for what chemicals can determine the volume of the box by multiplying the 3 numbers together, the answer will be in cubic inches; Vol=Width x Length x Height. Then, if necessary, convert the answer from cubic inches into a liquid volume. The resin volume in smaller pouches is given in cubic inches, larger quantities are expressed in gallons. (Note: 1 gallon is equal to 231 cubic inches.)

Yes.

Refer to table below.

Refer to table below.

3M™ Resin Splices are tested to 1.8 meter depths. (6 ft.) Some of our customers have successfully used our resin splice kits at greater depths, after completing depth testing on their own.

A recommendation would be to check the 3M Scotchcast Inline Resin Power Cable Splice Kits 82-A series on page 173 of the online catalog.* Other resin splices may also work depending on the details of the application. You may refer to the splice kits table above, to the online catalog or contact technical service.

3M online electrical catalog

* However, the end user must determine if the product is suitable for their intended application.