Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

rolliejoe OP t1_j6gfw67 wrote

Reply to comment by jackson71 in Can I drill a hole in this door, and are there open/closable hole caps I can add to both sides? by rolliejoe

Unfortunately the battery/generator is extremely expensive and not weatherproof (while the solar panel is). On top of that, in situations where I'll be using it, I'll likely need to be solar charging and also having things connected to it at the same time, which would means cords needed to be run indoors regardless. I was/am hoping that a single hole drilled in the door would be an easy answer without complications or things that could go wrong.

20

Bakedintheusa t1_j6gk0js wrote

Don't do it, you'll regret it. Find an alternative location or option.

97

wildcarde815 t1_j6gqcoz wrote

And wire up a proper outdoor box with an inverted plug instead of some suicide wire approach.

70

tictac205 t1_j6jnwfd wrote

I did something similar to what you’re describing- a pass through box. So I can run a small generator & leave the doors & windows shut.

3

dominus_aranearum t1_j6gmv43 wrote

You started out your post by saying you're not a handy person. Please take it from a professional contractor and everyone else here. It is a horrible idea to drill a hole through a door for this purpose.

Not only would you be creating a cold spot and water intrusion spot. The hole would need to be bigger than 3/4" as the plug end of a power cord requires 1-1/4" to pass through. Multiple cords equals a bigger hole.

Additionally, you're creating a serious trip hazard.

More information is needed to determine what exactly it is you're trying to do. People hook up generators (solar or otherwise) to their electrical panels but there are absolutely necessary safety requirements to doing so. If you're adamant about running a power cord from outside to inside, open a window and run it that way. If needed, cut a board to fit a partially opened window and drill a hole in it for your cords.

Just please do not put a hole in your french doors.

93

Yowomboo t1_j6gu7bt wrote

Fixing a hole in the door is going to cost more than paying someone to come out and install a proper pass through. A more permanent solution that running extension cords should be set up though.

14

PositiveFalse t1_j6glkiz wrote

The generator/battery and panel manufacturer(s) - or the local distributors of such components in your area - should have connector options available to go from the exterior to the interior...

Generally speaking, it is a BAD idea to use a hole for temporary cable runs between the exterior & the interior. Most likely, too, it's going to violate at least a code or two...

To answer your original question, though: Yes, absolutely, you can drill a hole through that door in that area...

Bear in mind that you'll most likely be penetrating a very thin steel skin, passing through a foam core, and then encountering another very thin steel skin. Use a sharp bit, NOT elbow grease, or else you'll also be smoothing some sheet metal as well. AND make sure that you drill the correct hole size for the proper CONNECTOR that you'll be using, instead!

24

CrustedButte t1_j6gkgsc wrote

I'm sorry, but running a generator inside? Is it designed to be run indoors? Because if not that's a good way to die.

Edit: Not weatherproof does not mean safe for indoor use. Also, charging batteries releases hydrogen and other glasses.

13

MacShi9 t1_j6idpco wrote

I’m pretty sure it’s a battery pack, which are being marketed as “gasless generator” or “solar generator”.

2

seventhpaw t1_j6hgz95 wrote

Since you've admitted that you're not a handy person, have you considered the cost of having your modification repaired?

An easier solution would be to run the wires through a window.

Get a length of thick (at least 5x the diameter of your thickest cable) closed cell foam (a pool noodle could even work) and cut it to length to fit in the windowsill. Cut a 3-5 inch slit through the center of the foam, enough for you to push the connectors on the wires through. Place the foam in the windowsill, and close the window as tightly as possible. Cut a dowel or broom handle to length such that when wedged in the window frame, it compresses the window into the foam. Use "no residue tape" to seal up all edges of the window and foam for weatherproofing, both inside and outside.

9