Best way to exit 12v cable (1 Viewer)

Jun 17, 2015
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I'm thinking of running a 12v cable out of the side of my van to supply a string of leds stuck to underside of awning case.

I've already drilled the roof for solar so I know how to do that and in that case used a large plastic box with double glands sikaflexed over the hole.

My question is. Is there something similar but smaller i can use for this new exit point? I realise i could just seal around the wire with sikaflex, but that would look a bit rubbish.

Any ideas?
 

Petest

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How about fitting an external 12v socket?

Plug into it when you need it
 

Techno

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CA_06171516062107-L.jpg

CA_06171516060850-L.jpg

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Sep 10, 2012
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As said above use a couple of Hella sockets and make a flylead up with plugs each end.
Thats what I did recently on my PVC.
Or u could fit a waterproof 12v socket at the top of the van and plug into that when required. Storing the plug in a clip inside awning when closed.
Or of course find a suitable roof gland and save any faffing about. One of these with sufficient clearance inside to tighten up and apply sealant
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M20-IP68-...hash=item25b85bfc4e:m:mIJTaTQ-1yXVD5M1B58B1Dw
 

sdc77

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My under awning LED is powered from my external door light. Removed the bulb in that and it's now the master switch for the LED
 
Aug 6, 2013
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My under awning LED is powered from my external door light. Removed the bulb in that and it's now the master switch for the LED
Good idea. It's also possible to fit a socket in the awning light itself for additional lights.

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Sep 18, 2011
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Hi Broken Link Removed interested in how you've done that, do you have any photos? and what sort of connection do you have into the bulb fitment?
 
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urban_biker
Jun 17, 2015
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I like your photos Techno. Exactly what I want to achieve, but can't see how you sealed the cable exit through the van wall behind the Awning box? I have a 2mm or a bit more, gap between my awning box and the wall so would probably need to remove awning to exit cable this way and sikaflex the hole. At least it would be hidden so that may be an option but removing awning would be a difficult job on my own.

I am also considering using either a small plastic junction box or a gland exiting just above the awning box. A gland seems less likely as ideally I would need one with 35-40mm of thread to get through the 30mm wall and I can't find any like that.

So I think I'll either use a junction box above or just a small sikaflexed hole behind the awning rail.

P.S - no external awning light on my van so that is not an option for me and also the reason why I want to add the lights.
 

Techno

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Yes there's a gap between mine but no water getting in. The small wire pictured
CA_06171516073203-L.jpg

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Popeye

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The small wire pictured

Well funsters I am shocked and horrified, this is the very first time I've seen a photo of Andy's work without him having tidied up first; look at it, wood chips and drill debris everywhere. :eek:
 
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urban_biker
Jun 17, 2015
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Thanks, I might give that approach a go. I'll have to see how the awning attaches, I may be able to loosen it a bit so I can seal behind the rail where the cable exits the wall without removing the awning fully.
 

magicsurfbus

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Out via the fridge vent? Saves drilling any more holes.

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sdc77

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I hate to admit ... but .. our original awning light is right up high under the awning. I have taken the cable out through the top of the lense and straight under the awning. You can't see it
:blush:
 

Techno

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The simple engineers way to do it would be to drill a 6mm hole right through and then use say a 20mm hole saw just through the awning thus giving clear access to seal the van
 
Aug 6, 2013
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Thanks, I might give that approach a go. I'll have to see how the awning attaches, I may be able to loosen it a bit so I can seal behind the rail where the cable exits the wall without removing the awning fully.
Use a sealant gun from the inside. The wires won't fill the hole so there'll be enough room & with any luck excess sealant will 'mushroom' behind the awning box.

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Jaws

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I would suggest fitting a water proof hella socket too.. readily available for use on motorcycles :)
 

maxi77

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One of these will give you a reusable waterproof cable exit



Just choose the one most appropriate you your job. They are available from many chandlers and on ebay

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urban_biker
Jun 17, 2015
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The simple engineers way to do it would be to drill a 6mm hole right through and then use say a 20mm hole saw just through the awning thus giving clear access to seal the van

Yes. Good idea.
 
Aug 6, 2013
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Not possible on mine
Wasn't thinking of yours :). TBH in my experience the least likely place to cause a leak is a hole you've drilled yourself. It's hidden leaks that cause problems.

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