Solar cable roof gland

[WonkyBass]

My roof mounted solar cable gland has come apart. The foot remains securely stuck to the roof but the top has separated.

It was installed professionally 7 years ago when the van was new. The cable remains sealed where it entered the roof.

Would you reseal the existing gland with Sikaflex 522 or go through the hassle of removing the stuck foot and disturbing the cable to fit a new gland? Is there a reason why the gland is in two parts? Are the two parts normally bonded or do they click together?

 

[tonyidle]

If it isn't leaking I'd put it back together using Sika. You'll need to clean it well.

 

[SandraL]

I dont think that housings is a two part item. The housing has cable glands screwed into it, then the housing is glued/sealed to the van. At least thats how I did mine......

 

[The Wino]

As above I don't think there is a foot to it it's just come unstuck from the roof I think the bit stuck to the roof is where the original sealant has set. I wonder if the gland was properly cleaned and keyed with sandpaper before sticking it down. I would unscrew the cable entry slide the gland away from the roof surface and thoroughly clean it and the roof, key it with sandpaper both surfaces clean with alcohol to degrease it and reseal . If the cable below the roof has enough slack you might not have to loosen the cable entry.

 

[Richard n Ann]

I stuck a box down on our roof and glanded into that, much stronger IMO

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[WonkyBass]

This housing has the facility for two cables but only one gland is fitted. The other is blanked.

Thanks for all the input. I’ve been back to check it and what I thought was a foot is actually a perfect mould of the cover base with all the mould marks etc. It is also softer when digging it with my fingernail than the cover. I think I’ll clean and glue/seal it rather than fit the new one I have ordered.

 

[Larrynwin]

I recently cleaned and re fixed mine, just put a brick on top until sealant cures. Best use sikaflex or similar , not silicone.

 

[Raul]

That looks like a cable entry cover. The gland is underneath. If the gland is watertight, the cover does nothing except collecting water dirt and protecting the gland from UV. I used 10mm gland with 6mm grommet, no covers, just under the panel.