[TowerTalk] Sealing cables at PVC exit?

[ersmar at comcast.net]

Paul:

     From your description I'm not sure exactly how your PVC is configured at each end.  Assuming your PVC emerges from the ground vertically, you ought to include a PVC U-turn (two 90-degree elbows) in the end(s) so that the cables emerge DOWNWARD.  You can then use attic insulation to stuff the end(s) of the PVC U's around the cables.  And don't glue these U's to the vertical PVC; let them loose so you can remove them for easier cable pulling.

     This method: allows for the conduit to breathe, i.e., lets moisture evaporate to a certain extent; prevents large fauna such as mice from entering said conduit; and is easy to remove to add/remove cables in the future.

     In my conduit system the ends of the 3 inch PVC's enter steel boxes at the shack and tower ends.  Therefore, I don't need to include such drip loops in my PVC system.  At the shack end the cables are routed from the steel box into the crawl space underneath the ground-floor shack.  In this manner the moisture from the conduit can be evacuated from the crawl space through normal ventillation.

73 de
Gene Smar  AD3F


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Paul Ferguson" <Paul at PaulFerguson.us>
> I am using buried 4-inch PVC pipe to run coax and control cables from 
> shack to tower base. The PVC come out of the ground, turn horizontal, 
> and end a foot or two above the tower base. The cables will exit the 
> PVC, take a small drip loop, and get routed onward.
> 
> What is the best way to seal the end of the PVC around the cables? I 
> thought about using a PVC end cap and drilling holes, but adding a 
> future cable would be difficult. I am interested in hearing what 
> creative solutions others have found.
> 
> 73,
> Paul
> K5ESW  
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