Waterproofing Switches

Basics

If you're going to use toggle switches to control your accessories, it's probably a good idea to make them as water-resistant as possible. There are three things I do to achieve this: use dielectric grease on the connectors, use a rubber relay "suspension" to reduce water exposure, and use a rubber toggle-switch boot to prevent water from entering from the top.

Dielectric Grease

Dielectric grease simply prevents water from getting to the connector surfaces and causing corrosion. It's available from any auto-parts vendor, from Honda, and from industrial suppliers.

Relay "Suspensions"

On the ST1300 cowl microfiche is item four, p/n 38306-MCA-000 "SUSPENSION", which is a sleeve intended to attach the relay to the cowl. These "suspensions" also make excellent waterproofing housings for simple switches, such as you might use for accessories on your motorcycle. Just cut a round hole in the end and fit it snugly around the switch body, and zip-tie the open end closely around the wires. Don't buy this one, though, because...

There is another, seemingly identical relay suspension available. But it's less than half the price!

• 38306-MCA-000 $6.57
• 38506-MCS-G00 $3.27

This second, cheaper relay suspension appears on the ST1300 wire harness microfiche as item nine.

Switch Boots

Switch boots are available online, or from Fry's. I have one from Fry's, made by "GC". It's part number 35-060. It has a vinyl boot and accepts switches with a 1/4" diameter and up to a 3/4" length.