Day 103: Electrical Wiring and Devices on Roof – Day 7

Projects

• PVC electrical wire conduit system on roof with junction boxes

Project Status

• In progress

Time Spent

• 8 Hours

Steps Taken

1. Run wires through large junction box into van
2. Run small LED light wires through wire gland in large junction box
3. Run camera ethernet cat 6 cable through gland into PVC tee adapter
4. Drill holes in small plastic junction box
5. Install male threaded PVC adapter and plastic nut in small junction box
6. Connect three (3) small LED light wires together with wire nut at large junction box and wrap with electrical tape
7. Drill holes in large junction box
8. Install male threaded PVC adapter and plastic nut in large junction box
9. Connect PVC tubing to large junction box
10. Run all wires from driver side of van to passenger side through large junction box and down into van
11. Cement all PVC connections together

Materials Used

• Keep in mind that prices frequently fluctuate.
• It’s common for products to be delisted on Amazon. If you find a delisted product, please Email Me at steve@campervanfreedom.com and I will fix it.

Tools Used

Pictures

Short Video

Plans For Tomorrow

• Continue work on PVC conduit system and running wires

Long Form Article

PVC Electrical Wire Conduit System Installation

Project Status: In Progress

Time Spent: 8 Hours

Today, I continued the intricate process of installing an electrical wiring system on the roof of my van, utilizing a comprehensive PVC pipe framework to house and protect the wiring. Here’s a detailed account of the steps taken and materials used:

Steps Undertaken:

Large Junction Boxes Setup:

• Routed various electrical cables from a large junction box into the van, including the neutral and hot wires.
• Passed small LED light wires and a camera ethernet CAT 6 cable through a gland into a PVC tee adapter, ensuring that each connection met the National Electric Code for safety and efficiency.

Small Plastic Junction Box Configuration:

• Drilled entry points in a small plastic junction box for cable management.
• Installed a PVC male adapter and secured it with a plastic nut, emphasizing a corrosion-resistant connection suitable for industrial applications.

Wiring and Sealing:

• Linked three LED light wires using TICONN solder seal wire connectors, known for their high quality and insulated properties, then wrapped the connection in electrical tape to ensure durability and safety.
• Attached copper clad aluminum wire segments, chosen for their electrical conductivity and lightweight nature, across the van from the driver side to the passenger side through the electrical junction boxes.

Finalizing PVC Connections:

• Secured and cemented all PVC connections together, using a mix of white wire for neutral and color-coded wires for easy identification.

Materials Used:

• REOLINK IP Security Camera Outdoor, 5 MP Home Surveillance Outdoor Indoor PoE Camera – https://amzn.to/4aoVLpP 😊
• San-Young LED Tractor Work Lights – https://amzn.to/49AOt0P 🚜
• Sealproof 1-Gang 3 1/2-Inch Holes Weatherproof Rectangular Exterior Electrical Outlet Box – https://amzn.to/3PRy6WE ⚡
• Gray 14240 1-Gang Rectangular Stamped Weatherproof Cover – https://amzn.to/49pwN8w 🛠️
• Cord Grip Cable Glands Kit – https://amzn.to/49qbPX0 🔗
• TICONN 150 PCS Solder Seal Wire Connectors – https://amzn.to/4apIb5l 🔧
• GS Power 12 Gauge Stranded Flexible Copper Clad Aluminum CCA Primary Automotive Wire – https://amzn.to/3J8GMnT 🚗
• Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 50 ft – https://amzn.to/43SABxJ 🌐
• 3/4″ PVC Pipe [40″ x 10 Pack] – https://amzn.to/3vH2GLN 🚰
• 3/4 Inch White 2-Way PVC Male Adapter Pipe Fittings – https://amzn.to/43ZQjah 🛠️
• 3/4″ 45 Degree PVC Elbow Fitting – https://amzn.to/43Zkizl 🚧
• 3/4″ PVC Pipe Fitting Adapter Connector Union Coupling – https://amzn.to/4aQtYyk 🔩
• Stainless Steel Cable Tie Gun With 100PCS Stainless Steel Cable Ties – https://amzn.to/3JgtPZe 🧰
• 11.8 Inch Metal Zip Tie (With Screw Hole Base) – https://amzn.to/4aBldsm 🔗
• Oatey-31012, 4 oz, Clear PVC Cement – https://amzn.to/3VXiK75 🛠️
• GE Advanced Silicone Caulk – https://amzn.to/3WghqMP 🏠
• Amazon Basics Electrical Tape, 3/4-inch by 60-feet – https://amzn.to/3VZSzwA 📏
• Junction Box IP65 Waterproof 11.42×8.27×3.94 inch – https://amzn.to/4aW3f3x 📦
• Junction Box IP65 Waterproof ABS Plastic Electrical Project Case – https://amzn.to/4d3dFjE 📦

Tools Deployed:

• Dewalt DCD794B 20V MAX ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver – https://amzn.to/3xdrGLh 😎
• DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece – https://amzn.to/3TBApOS 🛠️
• 9.0Ah Replacement for Dewalt 20v/60v Max Battery – https://amzn.to/3PHncTz 🔋
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Driver Kit, Brushless, 1/4″ Hex Chuck, 2 Batteries and Charger – https://amzn.to/3vw5dbP 🔧
• NEIKO 10048A Security Bit Set 100-Piece Set – https://amzn.to/4aGL1mj 👍
• DEWALT DWHT70263M Ergonomic Push Button Locking Folding Metric Hex Key Set – https://amzn.to/3vuezow 🔑
• Milwaukee 49-22-4185 All Purpose Professional Ice Hardened Hole Saw Kit 28 Piece – https://amzn.to/3VXgRXJ ⚙️
• DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper – https://amzn.to/3w1mFoB 📌
• VEVOR 1/2″ Drive Impact Socket Set – https://amzn.to/3Urehbi 🔩
• HORUSDY 6-Piece Impact Grade Power Drill Sockets Adapter Sets – https://amzn.to/3JttEdk 🛠️

Plans For Tomorrow:

I plan to continue enhancing the PVC conduit system and finalize the wiring setup, ensuring every wire and cable is securely managed and meets all regulatory standards.

This meticulous approach not only ensures a robust electrical box setup but also enhances the overall functionality and safety of my mobile home, turning it into a well-equipped camper van ready for adventures.