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Post by quaysider on Oct 30, 2016 6:38:09 GMT
Morning all, Today I plan to drill some holes in my lovely new roof to feed the solar cable through. I was thinking, AS my max drill bit size is 12 mm, (and the cable is only about 6) rather than buying a larger bit and wedging a bit of conduit through the hole to protect them (I've already got one of these to cover the hole - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282218175393?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ) is it acceptable to instead, say cover a couple of inches of each cable with self amalgamating tape to protect it from wear during any movement/expansion of the boat or should I be trying to use something a bit "stronger" - the panels will be circa 140v in full sun.
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Post by Gone on Oct 30, 2016 6:54:22 GMT
That is what I did though your hole size will only allow a 3mm thick layer. In this case I would make the cable a snug fit as movement is required for chaffing - no movement so no cutting. Obviously deburr the hole.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2016 7:13:11 GMT
ed as misunderstood the question.
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Post by tonyqj on Oct 30, 2016 7:37:57 GMT
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Post by quaysider on Oct 30, 2016 7:51:49 GMT
I've got a few 12mm closed gromets which I had thought about poking a small hole through - to create a seal but they look like they'd easily become dislodged from the steel - it's only 4mm on the roof (I hope - looking at the end overhand on the bow it appears to be 10 mm but I suspect they've welded an offcut on to make it LOOK more subtantial.
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Post by tonyqj on Oct 30, 2016 7:56:03 GMT
I've got a few 12mm closed gromets which I had thought about poking a small hole through - to create a seal but they look like they'd easily become dislodged from the steel - it's only 4mm on the roof (I hope - looking at the end overhand on the bow it appearsΒ to be 10 mm but I suspect they've welded an offcut on to make it LOOK more subtantial. If it's 4mm plate then it's quite likely that the folk in my link would stock suitable grommets. You'll probably find that postage would be a fiver though!
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Post by JohnV on Oct 30, 2016 8:49:41 GMT
buy a 20mm holesaw and fit these (available from almost any electrical supplier) uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-glands/6694673/edit to add .... put a smear of sikoflex or the like between steel and base of gland before fixing will ensure no leakage (not round cable)
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Post by tonyqj on Oct 30, 2016 9:05:32 GMT
buy a 20mm holesaw and fit these (available from almost any electrical supplier) Β uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-glands/6694673/edit to add .... put a smear of sikoflex or the like between steel and base of gland before fixing will ensure no leakage (not round cable) Without a doubt that's a better solution. I was just trying to find something that answered the original question about only a 12mm hole. You're right though - forget trying to achieve it with a 12mm hole, buy a hole saw and do it correctly. π
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Post by TonyDunkley on Oct 30, 2016 9:08:37 GMT
Morning all, Today I plan to drill some holes in my lovely new roof to feed the solar cable through. I was thinking, AS my max drill bit size is 12 mm, (and the cable is only about 6) rather than buying a larger bit and wedging a bit of conduit through the hole to protect them (I've already got one of these to cover the hole - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282218175393?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT ) is it acceptable to instead, say cover a couple of inches of each cable with self amalgamating tape to protect it from wear during any movement/expansion of the boat or should I be trying to use something a bit "stronger" - the panels will be circa 140v in full sun. That isn't going to be a long-lasting or leakproof way of doing it. Either run the cable from the solar panels through a waterproof cable gland of the correct size, or if you want to make the panels easily removable use a waterproof plug and socket. You'll find what you need if look on ASAP Supplies website, or in any well stocked marina chandlery.
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Post by larkboy on Oct 30, 2016 9:10:09 GMT
Yep, I'm with JohnV on this. Use proper watertight cable glands.
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Post by tonyt on Oct 30, 2016 9:10:36 GMT
After drilling I removed the sharp edges with a round file, put the cables through and filled round them with sealant making sure they were in the middle. I let that dry before I put the plastic box on. This way if the box leaks the water isn't going to get in.
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Post by tonyqj on Oct 30, 2016 9:49:00 GMT
After drilling I removed the sharp edges with a round file, put the cables through and filled round them with sealant making sure they were in the middle. I let that dry before I put the plastic box on. This way if the box leaks the water isn't going to get in. That strikes me as a lot of faffing about to achieve a bodge that's not as good or as neat as doing it properly.
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Post by tonyt on Oct 30, 2016 10:18:36 GMT
Enlighten me? Why would I drill a whole bigger than I have to fit a grommet? 20mm hole for putting two cables solar cables through just to use a standard grommet-why would I do that. I want to. Minimise holes in the roof. Using a proper box like Quaysider's link and making sure that the cables are protected against chaffing and ensuring that no water can get in even if the box/glands leak.
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Post by tonyqj on Oct 30, 2016 10:50:41 GMT
buy a 20mm holesaw and fit these (available from almost any electrical supplier) Β uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-glands/6694673/edit to add .... put a smear of sikoflex or the like between steel and base of gland before fixing will ensure no leakage (not round cable) Enlighten me? Why would I drill a whole bigger than I have to fit a grommet? 20mm hole for putting two cables solar cables through just to use a standard grommet-why would I do that. Β The above post states why.
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Post by tonyt on Oct 30, 2016 11:14:54 GMT
buy a 20mm holesaw and fit these (available from almost any electrical supplier) uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-glands/6694673/edit to add .... put a smear of sikoflex or the like between steel and base of gland before fixing will ensure no leakage (not round cable) Enlighten me? Why would I drill a whole bigger than I have to fit a grommet? 20mm hole for putting two cables solar cables through just to use a standard grommet-why would I do that. The above post states why. This describes using a stuffing gland directly through the roof if I an reading it correctly. The op's method and the one I used uses a cable box with two stuffing glands. Two different methods and nothing wrong with either imo . So where is the bodge?
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