Anchor light wire strain relief.

[DAVA390]

So, steaming light failed about a month ago, now that mast is down, boat home,it is time to replace the wire and fixture. With this mission in mind, I promptly cut the wrong plug wires at the mast base so now the anchor light fixture and wires are invited to the party. At the mast top ,the PO had stripped the shielding off the double 16 gauge wires and wrapped the 16 around the bracket into some knots before running them into the fixture. The exit hole at the top of the mast is big enough for shielded cable to come out ,wondering about some kind of clamp, doohickey, etc. to help hold the wire or was P.O. an unsung genius? Photos in daylight , eventually....Calling all Sumners, king of doohickeys ...

 

[DAVA390]

Well, this is disappointing...

 

[Michael Davis]

Some chafe protection and an under-writers knot? Is there some way to fasten it inside the mast? Anything to stop that rattle when at anchor.

 

[DAVA390]

Well, been browsing,see some electrical wiring brackets, clamps have a bracket that could be attached to the mast. I woywo have to research an underwriters knot, don't know that one.

 

[Michael Davis]

have to research an underwriters knot

Should be one in old table or floor lamps. Most newer lamps have plastic locks on the wire.

 

[DAVA390]

Thanks.

 

[jibes138]

Tie some small diameter line to the wire and then tie the line to something to provide the strain relief. I'd avoid putting more screws in the mast if anyway possible.

 

[DAVA390]

Yes, working on an idea to avoid drilling or screws, thanks.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I'm not entirely sure on the specifics of your application but here are my thoughts...

To keep things quiet I'd recommend putting some foam pipe insulation inside the mast. This is assuming you have no other lines other than electrical running inside. I'd would definitely attach a line to each foam piece for easy removal. In addition this may help keep the wire from moving around

As for protecting the line we're looking at two things -- Keep the wire from getting cut by a sharp edge (such as the hole in the mast) and to keep it from repeated bending at a sharp angle. Heat shrink or self amalgamating tape can help with both if the hole in the mast is large enough. Another option that most of us have probably seen is a rubber grommet in the hole of the mast. This really only protects against chaffing/cutting the line. A third option which would probably require a larger hole in the mast is to add a connector. This is a cleaner look, easier to remove the light for service but it does come at a cost of one more item to maintain.

I'd also recommend using a fish stick for running wires if you run into issues. I can't tell you how many times I've ran wire swearing that I could get away without it only to waste an hour, get the fish stick and then had the job done in three minutes.