Solar wiring through vent, how to seal hole in vent line

[doughere]

I had to bring the wire for my rooftop solar panels down through the kitchen sink vent pipe. I drilled a 3/4 in hole to fish wire through; how have others sealed this hole??

Thanks,
Doug

[gtnsmlr]

Seems to me, the OP was asking a question on how to patch up a hole made AFTER the wire was installed, NOT what was the best method of installation. Maybe some of the more enlightened ones on this forum could spend more time working on their comprehension before banging out a bunch of condescending dribble...

[Vintage465]

Done properly, there is no reason to fear punching a new hole in the roof. Often times it gets you to your ultimate location using less conductor resulting in less voltage drop. There is already at least 6-7 penetrations in the roof from the manufacturer. Everything is available to do as good or likely better job of penetrating and sealing up the roof then the manufacturer did. It is a good fear to overcome, then you will have more experience and confidence to address future plans or issues regarding maintenance to your roof..........my opinion of course, not looking for a fight.

[Bill_Satellite]

.

[RickLight]

"lacking skill or training" is hardly an insult unless the target is a professional. To my ears your own attack is unwarranted and your advise better taken than given. I understand your sensitivity and wish to keep things civil but you may have gone too far.

Running wires down the vent is well known and common with DIY and cable installers, but hardly a top quality method.

[Bill_Satellite]

.

[naturist]

For what it’s worth, the op’s wire entry method is a brilliant but jackleg way to solve a problem best solved by an off-the-shelf wire entry gland such as this One.

[wa8yxm]

GOOP. Plumber's GOOP (most any flavor will work) The original formula was called Shoe Goo but people found it useful for so many things that they changed the name to _________ GOOP,. each flavor (Automotive, plumbers, houshold, marine, RV and other) has a SLIGHTLY different formula in respect to chemical and UV and other resistance but they all work basically the same. Very sticky stuff

[Lwiddis]

X2, gtnsmir and bfl. Hopefully you used a big wire size...8?

[BFL13]

In the TC we had, I used a roof top vent cap which was removable, passed the wires down the vent tube, and was able to replace the vent cap where it goes on.

Down below I had drilled a hole in the vent pipe, got the wires out to route to the controller, and sealed the hole where the wires came out of the vent pipe with whatever goop I had handy. Dicor, or eavestrough sealer. It is not a pressure seal, so anything that sticks.

[gtnsmlr]

doughere wrote:
I had to bring the wire for my rooftop solar panels down through the kitchen sink vent pipe. I drilled a 3/4 in hole to fish wire through; how have others sealed this hole??

Thanks,
Doug

Go get a plastic coupler same size as vent pipe. Cut in half lengthwise, notch the cup to slide over wire glue on and seal gaps with 3M 5200. Tie wire works good to hold in place while adhesive sets.

[ScottG]

Should have just gone up and over the pipe, then let the vents cover keep any weather from getting in.
I would fix the hole and do exactly that if it were mine.

Good luck.