Please show me your cables

[slawosz]

Hi,
I am currently rewiring my tiny installation. I have most of the things sorted, but still looking for inspiration. Something like from @Tranona below. Could you post some neat cable jobs please?

I have used Wagos quite a lot and have made up mini distribution boards by epoxying the connectors either onto removable boards or direct onto panels. couple of examples can be seen in theis photo of the main DC distribution panel.

View attachment 143869

Sort of evolved ass I went along and probably would not use that choc strip for the neg busbar if I was doing it again. works OK but not very elegant

PS:
This is how my current electric looks like. I added some Wago when I had to add some equipment during the season.

 

[Tranona]

I have posted this before - but think it answers the question. I like simple and visible!

 

[BabaYaga]

Hi,
I am currently rewiring my tiny installation. I have most of the things sorted, but still looking for inspiration. Something like from @Tranona below. Could you post some neat cable jobs please?


PS:
This is how my current electric looks like. I added some Wago when I had to add some equipment during the season.

If you don't have a 'rear wall' to put your connector blocks or are in lack of space generally, one idea could be to make some platform or other structure for them just behind (or above) the panel cut outs.
I made this 'box' from plywood and perspex to accommodate the connections from an additional 6 way fuse panel and the V- and A-meters, including a multipole change over switch, which involved a lot of wire.
Of course, tracing a fault will be a little more complicated, on the other hand the wire joints to the panel and meters/switch (of which some are soldered) will be more protected.
At the centre/left in this photo:

 

[MikeCC]

You can get clip-in plates for Wago connectors that can then be attached to a back board. Some are for single connectors, others multi. For the multi, make sure you get both parts. Also DIN rail mounting available. You can use the various holes and horns on the plate to secure wires with cable ties.

 

[Tranona]

You can get clip-in plates for Wago connectors that can then be attached to a back board. Some are for single connectors, others multi. For the multi, make sure you get both parts. Also DIN rail mounting available. You can use the various holes and horns on the plate to secure wires with cable ties.

I considered those but a you see I went for making my own little boards by sticking the individual connectors on with a dab of super glue on the back. Very flexible as you can make them up to fit the specific space - for example I have one inside the loo compartment to take the cables from the mast. 5 wires, 5* 2 way connectors all labeled on a board so no chance of any mistakes.

 

[slawosz]

The transparent plate idea from @BabaYaga is something that I really like. This way I will have single connection point, control over switches and fuse box, where in main compartment, which is small and awkward I am going to have only connections from actual boat cables. Possibly lot of terminals etc, but much cleaner that way.

 

[slawosz]

I finished the panel part. Still need to finish the cables on the boat. I have second, smaller fuse holder which will be used for devices that wont be switch operated (like radio).

 

[simondewing]

You just need to be OCD, then bundle and label everything both ends. High quality connectors also help

 

[LadyInBed]

Instead of box lacing using individual cable ties, I've gone over to using Spiral Wrap for sale | eBay
It's easier to add / remove cables.

 

[simondewing]

Well I have tried that, its great for preventing chafe but takes way too long to lace on and off.
Big box of tie wraps and small pair of snips is quicker and easier.
Just have to pick up all the loose bits you clip off

 

[andsarkit]

I've used a lot of this type of cable trunking for panel building. It comes in all sizes down to about 12mm square and is very easy to add and remove cables. You can also lose excess cable and it is all neatly covered by the clip on top. It requires much less skill than lacing bundled cables.