Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: shibby on December 30, 2006, 07:22:35 PM

Title: where to run wires through the firewall?
Post by: shibby on December 30, 2006, 07:22:35 PM

I'm going to be installing a power inverter I got for xmas. Planning on mounting it to the side of the transmission hump on the passenger side. It's a large inverter (1000 watt) and needs at least 4 awg wire. Is there anywhere on the passenger side to run wires through or am I going to have to make my own hole. And if i need to drill in to the firewall where would you suggest, as i don't want to go too low and create entry points for water if I end up going through any deep holes.

Title: Re: where to run wires through the firewall?
Post by: redbull on December 30, 2006, 11:22:16 PM

If you do drill a hole, buy a pack of grommets from Princess Auto and as long as you choose the right drill bit/grommet, water shouldn't be much of an issue.

If you are in water that deep, be worried about your ignition system and alt!

Title: where to run wires through the firewall?
Post by: RckyMtnTJ on December 31, 2006, 12:10:07 AM

The TJ's have a grommet just above your gas pedal.  Thats where I ran my wires for windshield mounted lights.  I just poked a hole and ran mine through there.  I'm not sure how big the wireing is for your inverter.  This grommet might be too small for that.

Title: where to run wires through the firewall?
Post by: JackstandJohnny on January 05, 2007, 10:35:15 AM

i second that idea. drilling holes in your firewall can be sketchy.  most of the time nothing bad will happen, however, i saw an idiot at work drill without checking.... drilled right through a wiring harness in between the firewall and cab. i know, crazy but hey, it happens. i don't think it'd matter ona TJ though, but i' would use that preexisting grommet
mu .02

Title: where to run wires through the firewall?
Post by: triver525 on January 05, 2007, 12:30:59 PM

I put a lot of thought into pulling wires through the firewall and DC makes an awesome boot for their stock firewall penetrations.  I would seriously consider getting a stock grommet from the dealer and drilling a new hole.  If you're only running a couple of wires you can go through the existing but if you plan on doing it a few times save yourself the hassle.

The nice thing about the DC grommet is that it is actually a boot.  So you wrap your harness with electrical tape to seal it, run it through the grommet which has a boot and then you tape over the boot onto the harness.  You'll never get a better seal otherwise.