Drilling a hole in a french door... not something I'd recommend for a solar wire. The door wont care and you say not openable so if it's in worn condition then sure you could. Did you verify the door is wood not metal skinned?

A cap for a hole like this would be an easy 3D print job. Or you could get a 3/4" dowel and cut your own plug. Put a little door knob pull on it and you could insert & remove as needed.

Are you running the cord and attaching it to the panels yourself? If not and it's a normal extension cord plug, your hole is going to need to be a good amount bigger.

Not a big deal. That spot is nowhere near the glass. As for the caps, just go on Amazon and search for "3/4 inch plastic hole caps," and you'll find several different types.

Your friendly neighborhood hardware store will have a selection of hole plugs. Get those before you drill. Use a spade bit and go in halfway on each side.

The door never opens? Not a problem but it would look more esthetic pleasing going through a wall with a plate of some sort.

Thanks, much appreciated.

Like in the picture I linked, the 2nd half of the "door" with the red circle on it isn't designed to be opened. Trying to go through a wall and then my house's siding, etc. seems like it would be 10000% more risk of me messing something up, VS just having a small black/white cap on the bottom of the door frame, since I don't plan to have the wire running out the door 99% of the time.

It’s a terrible idea to drill through a door when there are other options. The best solution would be to drill through floorboards or flashing around the door frame rather than through a door.

It isn’t more risk. You will need to buy a drill bit that is long enough to go fully through the wall

Yes you may.

Yeah, so if this is a standard 12v wire you're running, try prying off the door trims. I'd bet good money there's at least a half inch of space somewhere in there you could run this wire through to the outside, possibly leaving a small connector inside the wall that you just plug the solar panel and battery into when in use. Something like https://www.harborfreight.com/solar-power-connection-cable-kit-59171.html one of these kinds of connectors. Then just carve out a tiny bit of drywall to allow the trim to sit flush, recaulk and you're in business.

This is funny. I was staring at my identical doors today wondering if I could use a glass cutter to take out a bottom “pane” area for a makeshift cat door!

If its something you're hardly ever going to use then just run the cable through the open door,,, having your door open less than a quarter inch probably isn't going to hurt anything. Sometimes we make things harder than they need to be.

Yeah. I think it usually takes a 1.25" hole to pass 3-prong US cord plugs through.

It is often very cold (even more so when I'll likely be using it) and I wouldn't want to be letting the cold air in by keeping the entire door open.

Edit: Also, even if not cold, insects.

It's a dumb idea to drill a .75" hole through a door to run a wire.

You're probably right that this is the simplest way for you to run the plug. My recommendation is that before you touch the door with the drill, you make the hole in some scrap wood. To be absolutely sure your plug head will fit through and your hole plugs will fit.

If you want to try at a more elegant wall solution, this old reddit thread has ideas: https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/hsv7zr/internal_wall_pass_through_for_coax/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

If you try to cut tempered glass the entire panel will explode.

That is what I was afraid of lol. Thank you.

You can run a cord under a.door and still shut it

While that is the correct way to do it... I have serious doubts he could line up the 2 holes.

The surface where the drill comes out is likely to splinter. So either start the hole on both sides and meet in the middle, or if you're worried about accuracy, at least tape up the far side before you start drilling.

Need more detail for what you're actually doing.

The key here is what you said: "Hello, I'm not a handy person"

It's not a good idea to drill through a door for what you're trying to do; and that's unclear.

Why can't battery be charged outside along with the panel?

Drill it with a small regular drill bit first to line it up.

That said, I would much rather go through the wall with a pass through box of some sort than go through a door!

If they are single glazed doors from before 1940 then it is easy to remove a panel of the glass. After that doors became much less servicable.

It will be much cheaper/easier to just put the battery in a waterproof Rubbermaid container and have it sit outside with the panels.

If you must do this, I wouldn't do it through the door, otherwise you'll end up having to replace the door whenever you move out (or sooner if your plug ends up leaking).

Also look for things like flat cables, you might very easily be able to just run the cable under the other door.

Or try simply closing the door on the wires. There's a decent chance they fit under the door without making any changes!

Firewall grommets from an auto parts store or random plastic hole plugs from the hardware store (if they have a decent one) would be simpler for someone who's not handy

Please find another way to get this run - this is a terrible idea that will come up with future owners of this house and could cost you a lot of money to replace.

Also, if this is a fibreglass or vinyl door - absolutely do not do this. It will never be the same and could lead to some serious condition issues if water gets in and starts to degrade stuff.

You shouldn't drill through the door to run an electrical cable, that's just an accident waiting to happen. Where are the panels and batteries located exactly?I'm guessing the panels are in your yard and not on your roof?

What type of battery are you using? Most batteries worth charging with a solar panel will outgas exploding gases when charging.

If you are using a smaller SLA (sealed lead acid) battery I’d wonder if this project is worth it at all.

What is your main goal?

What sized solar panel are you using?

What sized and what type battery?

Find a way to run electrical conduit through a wall. The door is a bad idea.

Thanks, good tip about the scrap wood, I'll definitely do that first.

I considered that approach, but the cable is a custom one for this unit and is round rather than flat, and the door closes very tightly. If it was a flat cable or a generic one where I could just buy a flat one I'd go that route, but in this case it unfortunately isn't an option.

Good tip, thank you.

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.

I mention in some other replies that I'll likely need to be using the battery while it is charging, so having it outside isn't really an option. The cable that comes with it for the panel is round and I think a custom one, but I'll at least check to see if a 3rd party flat cable is available, though my door does close tightly.

You are suggesting damaging a 1000+/- dollar door to run a cord.

Going through an adjacent wall is likely simpler to do and repair.

Do not do this.

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

Can you get a second battery and swap the two of them? That's a far better idea then drilling through the door (which is a horrible idea)

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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.

Terrible idea. Run it though the wall if you need to. Or see if you can get a flat extension cord that fits under the door.

My sage advice is to call an electrician. The expert will evaluate what you want to get done and then will do it in a way that will probably both surprise you and look much better than your idea. If the electrician shows up and is dressed like Merlin the Magician it's because they really can be magicians when getting electrons through walls.

>non-open-able door

People in this thread seem to be missing this. A non-openable door is not a door. I assume it's made of wood. If so, drill away.

Suggestions:

1. Use a spade bit so that a bit of pokey-ness of the drill comes out the other side before the hole is cleared. Then switch sides and drill back in, which reduces tear-out.

2. get a piece of closed cell foam (you can check by trying to blow through it, no air going through means it's closed cell, a pool noodle or a foam mat would work), and use that for your plug, just cut with scissors. Hot-glue them together to make it as thick as your door. If you want to make it pretty, glue a circular piece of wood to this foam plug. Make the foam plug slightly larger than the hole.

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!

Doors are expensive. You will never be able to repair it to hide the damage. Much better to drill a hole through the wall, which you can easily repair (unless you have some exotic stone on the outside of the house).

I still don't like the idea - it would be much better to place the battery in a waterproof box and leave it outside. They can be had very cheaply.

Depending on the place you are, the things you are suggestion would void any homeowner warranty claims in all sorts of situations.

I would instead suggest either providing much more info about the specific needs you are trying to meet (all the stuff you are just leaving out for some reason) OR just get a small enclosure you can keep the generator in.

The fumes only make it hard to focus and stay up :-)

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.

I just need a quick nap

> Or try simply closing the door on the wires

Didn't you read? It's a non-opening door. /s

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

To add to this, a door like the one you are thinking of drilling through is probably around $300 to 400 to replace DIY, double that to have it done professionally.

I'm not sure what you (OP) need to use the battery for, but also worth seeing if that connection is available in a flat cable. (12v or household 120v are both available)

Does your door have no jamb my good man? You can't just go around drilling holes in doors like a common ruffian!

If it's low voltage, find an alarm or home AV tech. Those guys are magicians at running wire through existing space and keeping it hidden,and they are probably cheaper than a licensed electrician.

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.

As another poster said you will need a bigger hole than you think. If you decide to go this route drill a hole in a scrap 2x4 to make sure you have a big enough hole to pass the cord through. Then go to the hardware store(s) to find the right plugs.

I would find a different section of wall and put a mail plug in a weathertight box on the outside and put a standard outlet on the inside. Probably label them so no one is confused in the future. Something like this, but built for a home, search page. Bring a picture to a big box or electical supply.

Put the male on the outside and a regular outlet on the inside - in the same stud cavity. Use proper size romex - cut it long so you can do all of the fishing with boxes out.

This will not be up to code, but will only be a danger when power is applied.

Very true. Do not cut on the tempered glass.

Installing a cat door is not impossible though. It's just not cheap.

Glass can be fabricated into "any" shape before it is tempered.

You could remove the existing glass, and replace it with a custom piece which has a cut out for your cats door.

Is there a window you could pass it through? You can cut a pool noodle or piece of pipe insulation to width stick that in there and shut the window on it to seal the gap around the cord.

A replacement custom made cable in flat is unlikely to cost a lot, certainly cheaper than having to replace the door.

Depends on your financial situation. If you can afford to buy another door if ever needed, then I say hell yeah drill that hole you’ll figure it out. If needing a new door at some point would be very inconvenient or if it’s a super expensive door, then no, don’t do this.

Side note: any windows near by to thread the cord through? Or maybe leave the door open a tad? Or, if you have that rubber strip under the door for weatherproofing you may have enough room to squeeze a cord right under the door.

Ask someone with a 3d printer to print out a plug for that. They probably have a white color and can build it in a 3d designer application.

https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=Hole+plug&page=3&type=things&sort=relevant

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Okay, so a few questions I need answered to give high quality advice.

What devices is the battery/solar generator intended to power, and how frequently will they be used?

What is the total combined wattage ratings of the devices, and how long do they have to be powered?

What is the brand of battery/solar generator, and what is its capacity?

Are you using the battery/solar generator for everyday use, or for emergency use? If for emergency use, what are the anticipated weather conditions for emergency use? If for emergency use, what is the expected duration of the emergency?

How many days a year are you anticipating the battery and solar panels will be used?

Where will the solar panels be located? Are they permanently fixed in place? How many hours of sunlight does the intended location receive? Have you done a sunlight survey to verify the location receives the maximum amount of sun available?

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.

It'd be better to go through a wall than your door imo

The frame around the door is usually a hole already (so it can be adjusted for the door, straight and level as compared to the wall), just need to remove the door trims around the door. Don't drill in the door.

Same search, but for rubber.

Yeah. Only modify doors for stuff like cat flaps or peepholes. Never for cables even if it seems like a good idea.

Don't listen to anyone telling you not to do something because the next owner may not like it. Fuck that noise, this is your house, your door, and your problem it it goes wrong. Let the next owner worry about the next owner.

With that being said, I say go for it. There shouldn't be any glass there. I would use a hole saw or a spade bit, practice/test in a piece of wood, like a 2x4, before working on your door. Drill from one side until the center bit pokes through the other side then drill from the other side to finish. Google 3/4 in white plugs to find something to plug the hole, maybe stick some insulation in there if you live somewhere cold.

Try not to listen to these naysayers. No matter how badly you mess this up it can always be fixed. Even if you absolutely destroy it, they make new ones in factories every day. It's not an irreplaceable piece of architecture or art and no one will die if a door gets ruined. Just go slow, take your time, and stop and reassess if something doesn't seem right.

Thanks! This was both helpful and reassuring.

Good idea!

It closes very tightly, I may see if I can find a 3rd party compatible flat cable (instead of the round supplied), but the connections are not standard ones.

Thanks, good suggestion about the foam plug. And yes, it is made of wood and I wasn't sure what to call it since it isn't really a "door" and it also isn't a wall/drywall. I've gotten lots of conflicting advice here so I'm trying to consider everything, but trying to drill through my drywall, insulation, and vinyl siding (like many have suggested) just seems like a much, much, much more likely to cause problems approach.

I will jump on the bandwagon with the group saying don't do it.

I suggest hiring a professional to add an outlet inside and outside with connectors. this way you get no air drafts, no unsightly hole in your door.

It's not that difficult to add the outlets and will give you a much better look and function than manually running a cord through a hole in the door.

As an electrician, I would tell you that there's absolutely a better way to go about this. Don't put a hole in your door for this.

This maybe a stupid question, but have you tried charging the battery with the electricity from inside the home?

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

Professional door repair guy here

No.

Just drill the hole in the doors trim, usually they will leave 3/4 of an inch extra space between the door frame casing and your houses framing, perfect for the cord you need to run

There are so many better places to put a hole for access to something like this - do you have a layout or photo's of where you want the equipment to be?

It's easier to repair a hole in brick or stucco than in a door.

Could OP just install a cat flap and run the temporary cords through that as needed?

We have French doors where we don't utilize one half. We replaced that side with a solid door and installed a dog door within that door. So when we move we can reinstall the set if someone else doesn't want a dog door. Worked out well so far.

So....a wall?

-Mitch Hedberg, probably

Door salesman here. If that is a wooden door, I would highly suggest not doing that. You severely compromise the integrity of the door drilling a hole in it outside of the lock lock area.

Steel or fiberglass door is not a problem. Make sure there is a sleeve to protect the wire from rubbing on the skin of the door causing a short. Especially if it is steel.

All that being said, I still wouldn’t do it. Replacing that door will cost thousands. Fixing it would be a lot of paint and Bondo.

That is a great idea!

Lol, why not.

Never drill holes into a door. What a huge security risk.

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.

Please don't wreck those beautiful doors😊

Prefer drilling thru frame than door, for sure

Security risk? Drilling a 3/4” hole?

there's no glass down there. Can't guess why you are doing that to hook up a solar panel. You are ruining a beautiful door, for what a friggin extension cord? Rain Water WILL get into the core of the door after you do that.

You electrician will happily put a NEMA 4 hook up outside the house for you to plug your solar into and even run a line from there to wherever you want.

I would sooner go through the walls then I would the door especially since the door opens and closes there’s a chance to wear down the hole with cable or cause internal issues to the cable and door.

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It's your non-door! Do what you like.

Lol, 90% of comments telling you no.. OP: “so the consensus is go for it!” You already made up your mind before posting. Good luck with your door hole 🤷‍♂️

The dreamless slumber

Please don't do this. You really can't put it 2 feet to the right through the wall where it won't cost $1000 to fix in the future?

Also, attempting to drill a hole without power tools by using a screw is likely to either end in frustration or a giant split in the wood.