Thru deck solar wiring advice

[djousset]

I am in the final stages of my solar build/install and need to decide on wiring entry, (which is feeling like it’s pretty important). Drilling a hole in the deck is completely counter-intuitive, but it appears that's what many do and I'm not sure I see any other way. Panels will be mounted on both port and starboard rails, wires can be run down the stanchions, or aft along the rail. After researching it seems that parallel is best if there is any chance of shading so that’s the direction I am going in.

Better to drill near stanchions? Deck cable glands? Suggestions?

[jt11791]

Drill the hole where it will be out of the way and convenient for your installation. Use a cable clam: https://www.defender.com/product3.js...89996&id=28613

[Wotname]

There are many ways of sealing deck penetrations but IMO, the most important considerations are -

1. finding a position where water doesn't pool
2. finding a position that is out of the way of deck traffic and lines

Meeting these requirements can be a challenge but you will be well rewarded if you achieve both.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by jt11791

Drill the hole where it will be out of the way and convenient for your installation. Use a cable clam: https://www.defender.com/product3.js...89996&id=28613

Yes, this. Drill the wire holes in the black puck a little-bit undersize (one hole per round wire) then use soap and water, or cable lube to help you poke the wires through. I'm told that putting the puck in the freezer for a little while makes it easier to drill... haven't yet had the foresight to try that.


(and of course Wotname's advice for the location to use)

[RaymondR]

Situating the penetration on a sloping or vertical surface, such as a cockpit coaming, makes them much less liable to leaks.

[Bruce K]

In through a staunchion, then thru the deck under the stauncion; put a tube about 3 to 6" up inside the staunchion, wire thru the tube. Make sure the lifelines holes are sealed and there is a drain hole in the bottom of the staubchion base. seal thru deck tube with polyurethane or similar sealant.

[nuku34]

Why is a hole in the deck for the purpose of leading a wire from solar panels (or HF antenna from tuner to the backstay) "counter-intuitive"? I assume your boat has holes in the deck (with caps) for filling the water and fuel tanks and another hole in the deck for the anchor rode to get from deck to the chain locker, is that a problem?

[djousset]

Thanks for the input.

@wotname: Exactly, location is key. And no location meets your wise criteria well. I considered running aft and coming through the top of the transom. Is that crazy?

@lake effect: Good tip on the freezing

@Bruce K: I’ll look into this option

@nuku: the words “hole” and “boat” together make my eye twitch. Yes, I have many…. installed by professionals and well-sealed. I know it’s inevitable, just trying to minimize risk.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

Situating the penetration on a sloping or vertical surface, such as a cockpit coaming, makes them much less liable to leaks.

Indeed.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by djousset

Thanks for the input.

@wotname: Exactly, location is key. And no location meets your wise criteria well. I considered running aft and coming through the top of the transom. Is that crazy?

............

Not crazy at all assuming it doesn't add too much additional length. Clever actually!

[Spot]

Thanks for posting Diane. My solar setup is still quite temporary and I will need to solve the hole in the boat issue eventually too. I did put a fuse between the controller and battery so I feel good about that part.


I would also look at the install to make sure the cable glands are not somewhere where people or gear might easily become snagged.


Is this on a Pearson 33? Is there good access once inside the boat to make the wire runs? If you are a visual type person then maybe sketching it out over a plan view of the boat is a good exercise and then you have a place to take notes about wire lengths and what goes where.

[flee27]

And try to run the wires so the wires go uphill to the penetration glands of choice. Water does not run uphill very well.

Good luck
Foster

[DanielI]

I just did my solar with one of these:

https://www.scanstrut.com/marine/sai...multi/ds-multi

Seems better than individual cable cams if, as it sounds, you have multiple wires. So far, so good.

[noelex 77]

A swan neck fitting is worth considering:

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by DanielI

I just did my solar with one of these:

https://www.scanstrut.com/marine/sai...multi/ds-multi

Seems better than individual cable cams if, as it sounds, you have multiple wires. So far, so good.

That would indeed be nice if there are lots of cables to run. Note that you can drill 4+ holes in the insert of the larger size of the round cable glands, too. This year I helped run cables for a 3 panel installation - 6 wires (so 6 holes) through one round gland.