Can the Self-Stripping Connector with Waterproof Sealant be Buried?

Updated 03/27/2026 | Published 03/23/2026

Question:

Self-Stripping Connector with Waterproof Sealant - 14-18 Gauge - White and Blue - Qty 1 Part Number: SWC501746-1 Can this product be used for low voltage landscape lighting and be buried? Thank you

asked by: Peter L

Expert Reply:

Hi there, that’s a great question and I’m glad you’re checking before burying anything since that’s where a lot of connection issues can start later on.

This connector is designed as a self stripping, heat shrink style connector with sealant, so it does provide a weather resistant seal once installed properly. That makes it suitable for low voltage applications like landscape lighting in terms of wire size and basic moisture protection.

That said, it’s not specifically rated or marketed for direct burial applications, so I wouldn’t recommend relying on it long term if it’s going to be buried in the ground where it’s exposed to constant moisture and soil conditions. For underground use, you typically want connectors that are specifically labeled for direct burial or gel filled waterproof connections that are designed for that environment.

expert reply by: Heather A

Peter L.

3/26/2026

Thank you. I know you can't guarantee that they will hold up buried, but I would guess that they would still be much better than most of the connectors that come on most low voltage lights.

Heather A.

3/26/2026

@PeterL I would go online and search direct burial waterproof connectors and see what you can find. If it were me.

Peter L.

3/26/2026

Yes, that makes sense. I was hoping since these connectors had the waterproof gel that they would work. In the YouTube video responses to questions, it was said they could be buried under "ground cover", so I guess that's a pretty fine line.

Heather A.

3/26/2026

@PeterL True, they do have the waterproof gel. The waterproof gel does a good job of sealing out moisture, so they can handle wet conditions like trailer wiring or outdoor use. Where it gets a little tricky is long term exposure underground, especially when the soil gets fully saturated after heavy rain. At that point it’s more like constant exposure rather than occasional moisture, and that’s where they may not hold up as reliably over time. If you give them a try let me know how it works out because now im curious too !

Big B.

3/27/2026

Peter, not worth it... Go to a lawn irrigation supplier (Hunter, Toro, etc.) and get the specific ground contact splicers that they sell. This product works very well on trailers, which are submerged for short periods but do not live in that wet, humid environment. The prefillled splice kits that the irrigation suppliers sell are very different and much more robust. I used to own an irrigation company so I am very familiar. That being said, I would not use them on my trailer or vice versa.