Shielding longer exterior power runs

[Sauce]

What is the preferred product or method to shield longer external power runs? Im considering running power to an on board compressor behind the rear wheel, or to aux lighting on the rear bumper and would need to run power from under the hood (I don't have OEM aux switches). Will run a low gauge wiring, but want to make sure the wiring is protected from the elements, etc... Ideally would run the whole run under the truck rather than through the cab and out the back. Pretty new to all of this, so any suggestions appreciated.

FWIW, Im running from an Auxbeam box (will only power the switch and lights from the box, compressor will have direct battery power due to high amperage).

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[John E Davies]

I suggest regular split loom sleeve, but do use a high temp version, and be sure to keep it well away from any hot parts, especially the exhaust! It can trap water and dirt, so position the slit at the very bottom -everywhere - to prevent that. I would pick a color other than black to differentiate it from all the other black wiring under the truck. I have used this brand on many projects and it is fine and affordable. You can buy split loom in the smaller sizes “by the foot” at NAPA, or in 10 foot rolls at other auto parts stores.


ZhiYo 20FT 1/2” Wire Loom Split Tubing Auto Wire Conduit Flexible Cover | High Temperature Heat Resistant -40F to 257F | Plastic Cover for Electrical Wires & Cables, Orange

Be sure to add a fuse right at the battery connection, either inline or on the terminal itself, and also run the ground wire to the battery, don’t rely on a chassis ground, that is problematic and is considered to be poor practice.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Sauce]

Good feedback. Thank you. Assume you are just taping up the sleeve at 6-10” intervals rather than wrapping the full length?

 

[Ultra45]

If you want to go overkill use motorsports battery cable and techflex dragon sleeve. Check out prowireusa.com.

 

[John E Davies]

Don’t tape the split loom, use small 4” nylon cable ties every six inches around the loom, and larger ones as needed to secure that to the truck itself. If you don’t have any, get a big variety pack, you will use a lot of them. These are good.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...ural-White-4in-8in-11in-natural-650/203531946

DO NOT use Harbor Freight or cheap Amazon ones, the quality control is crap and they don’t hold well and they may get brittle and snap. Keep them stored away from direct sunlight due to UV degradation. Under the truck and in the engine area they are fine. Not so much for a roof rack light….

You may need to add steel clamps if there are not enough good tie down locations, use your judgement here.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[Ultra45]

DO NOT use Harbor Freight or cheap Amazon ones, the quality control is crap ...

If you want a high quality ty rap try the ones from T&B Ty Rap. They are far better than anything else I've ever used. I still have bags of the Amazon junk for quick things around the house, but use the Ty Raps for anything car related.

 

[Bushmechanic]

I suggest regular split loom sleeve, but do use a high temp version, and be sure to keep it well away from any hot parts, especially the exhaust! It can trap water and dirt, so position the slit at the very bottom -everywhere - to prevent that. I would pick a color other than black to differentiate it from all the other black wiring under the truck. I have used this brand on many projects and it is fine and affordable. You can buy split loom in the smaller sizes “by the foot” at NAPA, or in 10 foot rolls at other auto parts stores.


ZhiYo 20FT 1/2” Wire Loom Split Tubing Auto Wire Conduit Flexible Cover | High Temperature Heat Resistant -40F to 257F | Plastic Cover for Electrical Wires & Cables, Orange

Be sure to add a fuse right at the battery connection, either inline or on the terminal itself, and also run the ground wire to the battery, don’t rely on a chassis ground, that is problematic and is considered to be poor practice.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

That's clean.

It's a very practical, elegant job.

 

[stemplar]

What is the preferred product or method to shield longer external power runs?

When I’m running more than one wire I like to wrap them in wiring harness cloth tape then stuff that into a woven split loom sheath.

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