Trunking or Not?

[Stemar]

I'm moving my solar panels to a frame mounted between the backstays on Jazzcat, which means the cable has to go down a backstay, I'm using this sort of thing

Does it need to go in trunking as additional protection?

 

[PaulRainbow]

I'm moving my solar panels to a frame mounted between the backstays on Jazzcat, which means the cable has to go down a backstay, I'm using this sort of thing

Does it need to go in trunking as additional protection?

Not usually, as long as it's secure and isn't going to chafe. But i would use Oceanflex 2 Core Tinned Thin Wall Cable (Round Twin) - 2 x 29A (2.5mm²)

Check around for best pricing.

 

[Stemar]

Thanks, Paul.

I have the flat version of that, so I reckon I'll be OK with a cable tie every 20cm or so.

 

[Concerto]

Thanks, Paul.

I have the flat version of that, so I reckon I'll be OK with a cable tie every 20cm or so.

Personally I prefer to use electrical tape as it is neater and holds the cable exactly where you want it on the backstay, plus it looks neater than cable ties.

 

[Stemar]

Personally I prefer to use electrical tape as it is neater and holds the cable exactly where you want it on the backstay, plus it looks neater than cable ties.

Well, it's on with cable ties for now. If Management doesn't approve, I'll try the tape.

Two 80w panels, wired in series were giving me about 5w at 1500 yesterday, but on a cloudy, early April day, I suppose I shouldn't be too disappointed.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Personally I prefer to use electrical tape as it is neater and holds the cable exactly where you want it on the backstay, plus it looks neater than cable ties.

Until it's been in the Sun for a while and it turns into a sticky, slimy mess.

Using the correct size cable ties, it looks neat enough and holds it in place just fine.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-cable-ties-black-100mm-x-2-5mm-100-pack/65467

 

[Boathook]

Well, it's on with cable ties for now. If Management doesn't approve, I'll try the tape.

Two 80w panels, wired in series were giving me about 5w at 1500 yesterday, but on a cloudy, early April day, I suppose I shouldn't be too disappointed.

Hope you used cutters that give a blunt end on the cable ties. Something like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/VCELINK-Pr...VHdSyMoKn&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

[Stemar]

Hope you used cutters that give a blunt end on the cable ties. Something like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/VCELINK-Precision-Diagonal-Electronic-Processing/dp/B0C4F1QT1M/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?crid=3O7STR6HZ6XOH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D1Tcj--KfyDXgBkLi0rsnc3VnUy9-JaiJ8So5Lnfp-m_TRd6yCx2FZyudJB80F1jSt4ZTG441OBzf4-ISFKzi2Lnww2nTgPwU5LdV_4jyJP9CbZWj3yGcOl2t4xyR7Afz5e6NerUNzBr06qe-i4NqW1jM6xjue-6_hiD_2fHpeocxq57kliDyVXZyHxQ1ORNzMLD3KlRPQ5ru132j8OP4iUnOnYSA-dcNu4CkPnRi2Te1U6Xy8CPpgf_fZ-C8IvAJ8mKjvZaVfcxPUKU4plu1uN51mKjITf6kWMekZNUqIc.8h1_8JF7QqqyvhrPLwelh-PCTh332wF_-Jwtxf2KsXU&dib_tag=se&keywords=flush+cutters&qid=1775117135&sprefix=flush+cut,aps,228&sr=8-5-spons&aref=JVHdSyMoKn&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

No, I used the ones I had, so I expect one will bite me sooner or later, but they aren't anywhere I'm likely to get too close.

Even so, I should probably touch them with a soldering iron.

 

[Minerva]

Hope you used cutters that give a blunt end on the cable ties. Something like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/VCELINK-Precision-Diagonal-Electronic-Processing/dp/B0C4F1QT1M/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?crid=3O7STR6HZ6XOH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D1Tcj--KfyDXgBkLi0rsnc3VnUy9-JaiJ8So5Lnfp-m_TRd6yCx2FZyudJB80F1jSt4ZTG441OBzf4-ISFKzi2Lnww2nTgPwU5LdV_4jyJP9CbZWj3yGcOl2t4xyR7Afz5e6NerUNzBr06qe-i4NqW1jM6xjue-6_hiD_2fHpeocxq57kliDyVXZyHxQ1ORNzMLD3KlRPQ5ru132j8OP4iUnOnYSA-dcNu4CkPnRi2Te1U6Xy8CPpgf_fZ-C8IvAJ8mKjvZaVfcxPUKU4plu1uN51mKjITf6kWMekZNUqIc.8h1_8JF7QqqyvhrPLwelh-PCTh332wF_-Jwtxf2KsXU&dib_tag=se&keywords=flush+cutters&qid=1775117135&sprefix=flush+cut,aps,228&sr=8-5-spons&aref=JVHdSyMoKn&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

A handy hint - nail clippers take the edges off and you’ve probably already got them aboard in your toiletries bag!

 

[PaulRainbow]

A handy hint - nail clippers take the edges off and you’ve probably already got them aboard in your toiletries bag!

Or a Stanley knife.

 

[Rappey]

I just cable tied my solar and other cables down the back stay making it easy to add or remove more wires . Looks fine and is for function rather than winning a beauty contest