Extension cords to roof

[aERonAUtical96]

Looking for ideas/techniques/how to on keeping extension cords that run to rooftop elements in a clean, organized and possibly hidden manner.

Thanks

[dirknerkle]

Don't know if this will be very helpful, but I use sump pump drain hose and run cables through that, much like a cable organizer you might use at a desk (only larger). You can buy a 50' coil of it for about $10 last time I looked, it's black (perfect if you have a black roof), and about 2" in diameter. It provides additional protection from the elements, although living in Florida, you don't encounter the same issues of ice/etc. we do. But it's pretty slick if I want to move a whole set of cables -- I just move the whole hose.

By the way, Merry Christmas!

-dave

[Trip]

I usually zip tie mine up a gutter and then run it along the gutter using light clips.

[aERonAUtical96]

What about running up the wall? Was thinking about using some sort of conduit, but was looking for something on the cheap

[Photovor]

I just vertical pieces of my down spouts to conceal wires (often zip-tying the cables to the down spouts). If your cables had to go up where they may be more visible, you could always get a section or two of down spout and run the cables up through that, and no one would know the difference.

[aERonAUtical96]

I don't have downspouts. But I am thinking of installing 2 temp pieces just for this purpose. Should look like part of the house.

Thanks for the ideas.

[dirknerkle]

Downspouts are a great idea, and they're cheap, too. Also, remember that metal guttering material has sharp edges, so be very careful with them both in avoiding cutting your fingers as well as compromising the insulation on your cabling! A broken piece of insulation inside a metal downspout could create a very dangerous situation!

Another option is just PVC pipe. Cheap, easy to mount, non-electrically conductive...

[ppohlman]

I don't have downspouts. But I am thinking of installing 2 temp pieces just for this purpose. Should look like part of the house.

Downspouts are a great idea, and they're cheap, too. Also, remember that metal guttering material has sharp edges, so be very careful with them both in avoiding cutting your fingers as well as compromising the insulation on your cabling! A broken piece of insulation inside a metal downspout could create a very dangerous situation!

If you're thinking of using a section of downspout solely for the purpose of running cables to the roof, then I would suggest using the plastic/vinyl downspout. Then you don't have to worry about the sharp edges and cutting fingers or cabling.

[Michael]

I ziptie my cords to the back of the downspouts. I buy white cords for these runs and you can not see them at all.

- Michael

[hartlove]

If you have vinyl siding, you can easily fit a couple of cords under the vinyl trim at the corners of your house. It also fits in J channel around windows, and where a one story roof meets a two story wall. Works great for me.