Forum Discussion

Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
Apr 10, 2015

UV Protection for Cable on Roof?

I'm installing a cell antenna on my aluminum roof and running the cable down the fridge exhaust. Any suggestions on something to cover the cable to prevent UV damage? I have some Eternabond, but it makes a mess if I want to remove/replace the cable.

Thanks,
  • Maybe the cable is already UV tolerant with no precaution required.
    Or get some cable that will work.
  • Most of the MC4 and MC3 wire I see has a UV stabilized jacket. I didn't wrap mine but if I wanted to, I'd get some Techflex. It is the easiest covering to work with, IMO.
  • A couple of coats of any good acrylic/latex OUTDOOR paint will work.
    Art.
  • I didn't have good luck with clear heatshrink. But Harbor Fright sells rolls of black split loom tubing. Better yet is nylon tubing from delcity.net Glue it split side down. It'll last longer than your rig without sending you to the poorhouse.
  • I used sch 40 electrical pvc
    screwed to the roof with two hole straps and sealed with Dicor self leveling sealant. never had a leak and it's been on there 12 years.
  • If it is possible, perhaps hit heatshrink.com for some UV resistant tubing? They have some clear stuff that shrinks 3:1. This would be a lot easier to handle than tape, and repositioning the wires is a lot easier than if it were taped down.
  • one of my neighbors ran wiring on the roof in standard PVC piping. looked sort of silly but nobody actually sees it.
    bumpy
  • I installed some black split-loom from NAPA on mine. It was up there for ten years before I changed the antenna.
  • Does the cable actually need protection from UV? Do you know what material the outer sheath is made of?

    Aluminum foil duct tape (not the silvered cloth duck tape, but actual foil with a paper backing that gets removed to expose the adhesive) would work nicely and be a lot easier to remove than Eternabond. It's readily available at big box stores, etc. Doubtless there are plenty of other possibilities.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,190 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 23, 2025