Clear Wire for Sunpower

[malx]

Hi, Everyone.

Anyone here have an ATI Sunpower that they've replaced the black wire to a clear one? reason I ask is because my new Nano tank sits in front of a window, and I'm considering cutting the black wire and replacing it with a clear lamp wire.

Example here:

[homer1475]

Just be aware that there is 5 wires inside the lead from the junction box to the fixture. 3 for the light, and 2 for the fans(might be more or less if it's a dimmable fixture, I only have the non dimmable one).

Instead of cutting them, I would disassemble the fixture, and junction box. Then replace from inside the junction box, to the fixture.

I have replaced the cord from the junction box to the fixture, just regular black wire though.

[mcgyvr]

Not sure I've ever seen 3 conductor clear..
Sure 2 conductor lamp cable comes in clear but you need 3 because of the ground...
There is always white though...

[malx]

Thanks for the tips you both.

[malx]

Originally Posted by homer1475

Just be aware that there is 5 wires inside the lead from the junction box to the fixture. 3 for the light, and 2 for the fans(might be more or less if it's a dimmable fixture, I only have the non dimmable one).

Instead of cutting them, I would disassemble the fixture, and junction box. Then replace from inside the junction box, to the fixture.

I have replaced the cord from the junction box to the fixture, just regular black wire though.

Thanks. You don't happen to have a picture of what the inside of the junction box looked like do you?

Let me know,
Joey

[homer1475]

I don't no. All it is is soldered connections for the fan plug, and wires leading to the ight from the other plug. I honestly don't even know why they used a box like they did.

I cut the plug end off my fan power supply and wired it directly to the other wires. The plug end got corroded from sitting next to saltwater all it's life and would not work. Only reason I know what it looks like in there.

[malx]

Ok. I'm going to see if someone locally is selling a cheap/broken one before I start messing with my brand new one.

[BrettDS]

Originally Posted by malx

Ok. I'm going to see if someone locally is selling a cheap/broken one before I start messing with my brand new one.

Honestly, before you do that I might try to source the wire first. It may be difficult to find 5 conductor clear wire and even if you do, only the insulation is clear... the conductors will still be opaque and with 5 conductors the wire will probably still be pretty visible.

Before you invest a lot in this I would suggest trying to make sure that you can even find a wire that will work for you and that it will be invisible enough for you to go through the effort of trying to change it out.

[malx]

Originally Posted by BrettDS

Honestly, before you do that I might try to source the wire first. It may be difficult to find 5 conductor clear wire and even if you do, only the insulation is clear... the conductors will still be opaque and with 5 conductors the wire will probably still be pretty visible.

Before you invest a lot in this I would suggest trying to make sure that you can even find a wire that will work for you and that it will be invisible enough for you to go through the effort of trying to change it out.

There's a hardware store down the street that has the wire, I go there frequently and found some wire late last week. Good tip though.

[homer1475]

Tomorrow during tank maintenance, if I remember I'll snap a couple pics of the inside of the box. You'll be surprised how simple it really is. You could do away with the box if you're comfortable soldering. Might do this myself tomorrow now that I mention it.

[malx]

Originally Posted by homer1475

Tomorrow during tank maintenance, if I remember I'll snap a couple pics of the inside of the box. You'll be surprised how simple it really is. You could do away with the box if you're comfortable soldering. Might do this myself tomorrow now that I mention it.

Thanks!

[homer1475]

Totally forgot about this, sorry.

I will pull it out tomorrow and get a couple shots for you though.

EDIT:

Actually I kind of felt bad, so I got up and snapped a couple pics for you. Next post, just because its easier from tapatalk then a browser to post photos.

[homer1475]

Ok so pics as promised.







Like I said, very simple setup and the huge a*s box really isn't needed. I suppose they did it for ease of replacing one of the power cords, but still kind of chunky.

My plan is to cut the wires of the plugs for the fans and solder them together(have already done this as you can see from the pics), and do the same for the light plugs just so I can do away with the clunky box as it's fairly cumbersome to try and hide. Of course you could do away with 2 plugs and put them all on one plug too, but then all would be on, or all would be off. You could not differentiate between 2 sets of bulbs. Another option to cut down on the chunkiness of that box.

[malx]

Originally Posted by homer1475

Ok so pics as promised.







Like I said, very simple setup and the huge a*s box really isn't needed. I suppose they did it for ease of replacing one of the power cords, but still kind of chunky.

My plan is to cut the wires of the plugs for the fans and solder them together(have already done this as you can see from the pics), and do the same for the light plugs just so I can do away with the clunky box as it's fairly cumbersome to try and hide. Of course you could do away with 2 plugs and put them all on one plug too, but then all would be on, or all would be off. You could not differentiate between 2 sets of bulbs. Another option to cut down on the chunkiness of that box.

Wow thanks that's great! That actually looks really easy and I wouldn't have to cut anything, I can just unscrew it and be done.

Cool! So now I know what I'm going to do next time I'm bored haha.

Cheers,
Joey