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lambrettaman · 11-11-2021, 10:30

We are finishing up the installation of our arch. It is made from 1 1/2 stainless pipe and was designed to have wires pass through the bases of the legs through the deck.

We will be installing a GPS antenna, an Iridium Go antenna, and 2 pairs of solar cables.

We will be drilling holes into the arch at the top for the cables. What should we use for chafe protection at the entry points?

Steve_C · 11-11-2021, 10:37

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PaulCrawhorn · 11-11-2021, 10:40

oops .

lambrettaman · 11-11-2021, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve_C

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those look good, but I won't be able to but the nut on the inside since I'll be installing them on a tube.

goguygo · 11-11-2021, 10:57

I use those glands regularly in my job installing security cameras. When rear access is not available for the nut, I use a threaded tap.

lambrettaman · 11-11-2021, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by goguygo

I use those glands regularly in my job installing security cameras. When rear access is not available for the nut, I use a threaded tap.

nice!

guyrj33 · 11-11-2021, 11:32

https://www.amazon.com/InstallGear-1...S%2CB08GFGDFBY

Redline452 · 11-11-2021, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambrettaman

We will be drilling holes into the arch at the top for the cables. What should we use for chafe protection at the entry points?

I slid sections of ribbed wire loom over the wires and up through the deck into into each leg.

wiekeith · 11-11-2021, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambrettaman

We will be drilling holes into the arch at the top for the cables. What should we use for chafe protection at the entry points?

I did the following to minimise the bends in the cables and reduce the possibility of chafe. After drilling a hole I enlarged it top and bottom, forming an elliptical shape, by tilting the drill upwards with the drill bit still in the hole, and rotating. After removing the ‘knife edges’ with a file I inserted a suitable sized grommet (as suggested by guyrj33) into the hole.

GBonjour · 11-11-2021, 12:32

Hi, Just a thought, I would have the holes in the bottom of the tube to prevent water ingress Drill up then lead your wires up to there destination Use 1\2 inch thick rubber slightly larger than hole size to plug the hole with the wire going through the middle of the plug

guyrj33 · 11-11-2021, 12:48

This type of strain relief could also be used. It has the advantage of clamping the cable in place. Of course there are pros and cons.

MJH · 11-11-2021, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambrettaman

We are finishing up the installation of our arch. It is made from 1 1/2 stainless pipe and was designed to have wires pass through the bases of the legs through the deck.

We will be installing a GPS antenna, an Iridium Go antenna, and 2 pairs of solar cables.

We will be drilling holes into the arch at the top for the cables. What should we use for chafe protection at the entry points?

Ancor makes "vinyl grommets" to prevent wires from abrasion. Select the size you need based on the wire size. Note that you drill an oversized hole and then insert the grommet, then pass the wire through.

I first installed a new stainless steel Edson Pedestal and drilled holes in the stainless steel to pass wires through but I didn't use these things and sure enough one of the wire wore until it shorted out.

When I installed my stern stainless steel arch for solar panels and satellite communications antenna I avoided the whole problem and ran the wires on the outside of the tubes and wire tied them instead. I personally prefer the latter as the wires are easily available for maintenance if need be, it hasn't. Inside the tubes the wires are...well forget it. That's particularly troublesome if you are offshore or anyplace where undertaking a repair is problematic.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH