---

Just like Phil described......all my splices are heat shrink tinned butt connectors. However.....I know some fellows like using the twist lock wire nuts with waterproofing. I have a background in low voltage irrigation and lighting. Irrigation suppliers have the wire nuts with waterproofing material pre installed. The nuts also have a "serrated plastic baffle" (I have no idea how to describe it) that allows the wires in and holds the waterproofing material in place. Pretty slick. I prefer the heat shrink hard wiring to prevent separation while getting jostled around.