How do I know my battery/controller is 100% watertight?

[John F]

I read on this forum that some people like to have their batteries encased. Why?

My battery plugs into the black box thing. It's a snug fit but doesn't seem to have a seal, unless I'm wrong.

Given that the connectors are in there, it's vital that it should be 100% watertight.

Can I be confident?

John F

 

[amigafan2003]

It doesn't have to be 100% water tight - unless you're riding through a lake.

 

[Scimitar]

Lock an imp in the box and pour custard over it. When you open the box, if the imp has any custard on his spoon, you'll know there's a leak.

 

[jerrysimon]

Water can cause problems in heavy down pours. I had a Cytronex once and the lights use to play up all the time in a heavy down pour. Most controllers I have seen in DIY affairs are water resistance which as stated, unless you submerse them in water would be fine.


Regards

Jerry

 

[John F]

So the jury is out?

Fact - water and electricity do not mix.

From the Wisper web site:-

"There is little danger from a wet battery and ours are designed to cope with riding in the rain, though it is not advised" eh??!!

So having paid a lot of cash for my new bike, I now find it's a bad idea to ride in the rain. I didn't expect that!

 

[Alan Quay]

Fact - water and electricity do not mix.

I'm afraid that's not a fact. Water can be an insulator, a conductor or a semi conductor depending on conditions. Therore it is more accurate to state that:
"Water and electricity mix. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, and sometimes not at all."

 

[John F]

I'm afraid that's not a fact. Water can be an insulator, a conductor or a semi conductor depending on conditions. Therore it is more accurate to state that:
"Water and electricity mix. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, and sometimes not at all."

Well it didn't mix in my kitchen recently causing all sorts of problems!

But back to the bike. I'm thinking some PVC insulation tape around the suspect areas would not go amiss, just in case I stuck in a downpour 20 miles from home.

 

[Eaglerider]

It should be fine, unless you ride into the canal. I would guess that very heavy sustained rain might cause a problem, but I try to avoid downpours, but I have been caught a few times. It's England after all, it's gonna rain sooner or later!

 

[103Alex1]

Well it didn't mix in my kitchen recently causing all sorts of problems!

But back to the bike. I'm thinking some PVC insulation tape around the suspect areas would not go amiss, just in case I stuck in a downpour 20 miles from home.

Not sure what bits you're worried about as I've never looked at a Woosh bike closely.

Bit of extra insulation never hurts for peace of mind if it troubles you. Tape's fine - provided it doesn't fall off at the 1st sign of water or damp ! Depending on where you want to use it I'm a big fan of this stuff ... but you need to be able to stretch it tight and round itself to fuse. Also it costs a bit so best used on permanent connections :

Everbuild SILWELD Clear Silicone Self Fusing Repair Tape

If it's connector pins you're worried about use some of this to beef the weatherproofing up a bit :

contralube.com | Contralube 770

I use it on the 8-pin external connector (motor lead) on the hub-motor bike and the battery pins on the Kalkhoff. Never had any issues with water to date. Even when I took the back hub motor wheel off the Trek, left the connector uncapped by mistake o), stuck my thumb over the end of a hose and gave the bike and pedals a quick jetwash. Bit of kitchen roll on the connector to dry it off and a load of contralube all over the pins before recoupling and everything was completely fine.

If it's a sealed box without gasket or the motor itself which concerns then opening up and using some instant gasket is usually enough to waterproof for anything other than a complete prolonged submersion.

For pretty much everything else there's always Sugru as a last resort

 

[KirstinS]

I ride to work every single day regardless of weather. In the sideways rain of Brighton water can be issue I have found. Not in the odd shower but in torrential rain

After a few mishaps I take no chances (or as few as possible). I have now

1. Got a drip loop for motor wire
2. Used extra silicon sealant (general kitchen/bathroom) or Sugru on spot where wire enters motor and where wire enters handlebar panel
3. Encased controller as waterproof as possible inside a normal cycling water bottle with emergency sponge in top

I do put my bike through some pretty extreme weather. More than many leisure riders that's for sure , so this is just me being extra careful

 

[spikey]

I have a Viking EGO bike bought from Tesco and thought I share my first experience in riding in the rain.

On Monday I had a 20 mile return journey in heavy rain. On the 1st half of the journey it started to rain in the middle of my journey I was quite wet including my jeans at my destination. Unfortunately on my return journey, the rain got worse so much so that it was hard to see. The bike was fine and never missed a beat but I was a dripping mess. This time my jeans was soaked through and even my shoes were water logged, and they are still drying out. Although I had a waterproof jacket my top was wet.

So far the bike is still working fine. I guess the battery located on top of the controller compartment helped to keep the electronics dry.

 

[John F]

Well some good advice thanks.

I will apply some sealant and pvc tape to a few areas and then stop worrying!

We shouldn't be needing to have this debate though. Are motorcyclists advised not to ride in the rain because of possible concerns with watertightness?!...