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  #1  
Old 03-03-2012, 06:20 PM
SledDog SledDog is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
Posts: 16
Default Wing Conduit Question - Why Not?

First time poster...

I have opened the RV-9 main rib tooling holes closest to the spar to 5/8" according to the wing wiring .pdf. After the 5/8" OD bushings are installed, I think this should accommodate the wiring needs for a day VFR RV-9. The reason for using bushings instead of conduit is I just like the look of a neatly bundled wires...even though nobody will ever see them.

My question is about installing the 3/4" conduit that is also shown in the wing wiring .pdf. I really can't imagine having a need to run additional wires, but if one should ever come up, it seems like it would be a lot easier to add the conduit now instead of trying to drill additional holes in the wing ribs after the wings are closed. Are there any reasons not to install the conduit while the wings are being constructed besides a little more time and money?

I have searched the forums and a lot of you have installed the conduit. But I'm also sure a lot of you haven't.

Thanks,
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  #2  
Old 03-03-2012, 07:11 PM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
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Default Welcome to VAF!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by SledDog View Post
First time poster...

Roger, Welcome to VAF---good to have you here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rvmike View Post
------ Enjoy your build. Did I just beat Mike S to this one?.
Yep, sure did
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  #3  
Old 03-03-2012, 07:13 PM
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hydroguy2 hydroguy2 is offline
 
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Location: Townsend, Montana
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Default

I did the bushings also. No conduit run for Aurora, as it is not part of the mission. It was a tough choice to build in lightness and not let project creep run rampant.
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  #4  
Old 03-03-2012, 07:19 PM
DaAV8R DaAV8R is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Lee's Summit, MO
Posts: 747
Default conduit

I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't do conduit.

I can see the need for conduit if you are going to rivet on the wingtip. If the tip is removable it shouldn't be a big deal to run a fish down the grommets and pull a wire. A removable tip and a conduit seems like belt and suspenders to me.

Like all things, to each his own.
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  #5  
Old 03-03-2012, 09:52 PM
Joe Parish Joe Parish is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 209
Default

No conduit here. I plan on putting an expandable sleeve (chinese finger) over the wires and running thru the bushings. Plan on putting a dab of RTD on the sleeve at each bushing to keep it in place.
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  #6  
Old 03-03-2012, 10:37 PM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,685
Default I put in the conduit

It eliminates the need for bundle ties to keep the wires routed in a straight line, eliminated the need to deal with the string ties (or tie-wraps)for wire replacemenr if you need to change the wiring for any reason (original wire gauge too small), protect the wire bundle from the tools left inside when you closed up the wing. All that said I have yet to change a wire after 8 years of flying the airplane.

Bob Axsom
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  #7  
Old 03-03-2012, 11:27 PM
roee roee is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego, CA, U.S.A.
Posts: 770
Default Why not:

Do the following experiment:

Cut a short piece of that corrugated plastic conduit that Van's sells. Take it outside and set it down on a concrete surface well away from anything flammable. Use a match or a lighter to put a flame to the conduit material for one or two seconds until the conduit ignites. Take a few steps back so that you don't breath the smoke. Stand back and watch.

No conduit for me.
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  #8  
Old 03-03-2012, 11:55 PM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
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Posts: 5,685
Default I used standard plastic electrical conduit

Didn't use Van's.

Bob Axsom
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  #9  
Old 03-04-2012, 05:14 AM
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miyu1975 miyu1975 is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Indianapolis, IN
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Default

I ran conduit...and glad I did, sure makes it easy feeding those wires down. I too used electrical conduit from the aviation conduit isle at Lowes.
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  #10  
Old 03-04-2012, 06:44 AM
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Jimboscr Jimboscr is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Adelaide South Australia, Australia
Posts: 193
Default Try a different "condute"

[quote=roee;636026]Do the following experiment:

Cut a short piece of that corrugated plastic conduit that Van's sells. Take it outside and set it down on a concrete surface well away from anything flammable. Use a match or a lighter to put a flame to the conduit material for one or two seconds until the conduit ignites. Take a few steps back so that you don't breath the smoke. Stand back and watch.


What Roee said is true. However if you do the same to black irrigation pipe
(13mm Dripper line) It won't sustain a flame and goes out once you remove the heat source. It is also easier to get a wire down as it is smooth not corrugated.
Cheers

Jim
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