More Power Distribution Block Questions

[TERTOLA]

So... We some questions about the power distribution block...



A)How do we connect the power distribution blocks?

B)what gauge wire do you use for them?
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[seanl]

you put the blocks on the din rail that came with the kit.
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/2008_Assets/Manual/2008_Robot_Power_Distribution_Diagram.pdf
thats a diagram of the electrical components and how to wire its shows how the blocks go. they all just snap on to the din rail. and you tighten with the screws in the middle.

<R47> All main and branch circuits shall be wired with appropriately sized wire:
-- 12 AWG or larger diameter wire must be used for all circuits protected by a 40A circuit
breaker.
-- 14 AWG or larger diameter wire must be used for all circuits protected by a 30A circuit
breaker.
-- 18 AWG or larger diameter wire must be used for all circuits protected by a 20A circuit
breaker.
-- 24 AWG or larger diameter wire must be used for providing power to pneumatic valves.

[divergentdave]

Actually, the wires going into the power distribution block (i.e. from circuit breaker or to fuse blocks) should be 6AWG, since they'll only be protected by the 120A breaker.

[jgannon]

Actually, the wires going into the power distribution block (i.e. from circuit breaker or to fuse blocks) should be 6AWG, since they'll only be protected by the 120A breaker.
Some of the wires in the power distribution block should be 6AWG, but not all of them. For instance, since there is no ground stud on the Maxi block, the ground returns for those circuits go directly to the black power distribution block... those wires are typically 12AWG.

[beemgruem]

Yeah, we put 6 gauges for battery and the main circuit breakers connections and the rest of them are 10 just in case.. If I were you I would just use 10AWG.. except the main things for 6..

And for the power distribution block you need the rail..

If you have more questions PM me..

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Joe is correct, nice job, Joe. The main circuit breaker, battery, large and small fuse panels all need to use #6 wire per the Power Distribution Diagram. Remember the Power Diagram is referenced in the robot rules. (The heavy weight lines on the drawing are all #6, either red for positive or black for negative) If you choose to use #12 for your 40 amp circuits then the return lines (black wires) should come back to the Rockwell Power Distro Block. The Q&A has responded that you may return these wires to the common buss on the small fuse panels but I recommend against this. When you return all high current lines to the block, they will not add to the voltage drop in the wires feeding the panel. The critical issue is pulling the RC below 8 volts. This is very easily done when you sum currents in your wiring.

[organman42]

What is the minimum length for the din rail? I know that it is somewhere, but everybody I have asked can't find it.

[interfect]

As far as I know, there isn't a minimum length. It has to be long enough to hold the block on securely.

[neoshaakti]

some pictures of our prototype and our final board
hope this helps!
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/ForceNB/PDB2.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/ForceNB/PDB.jpg

[Al Skierkiewicz]

These pictures show a correctly assembeld block (as near as I can tell.) You may cut the DIN rail to whatever length you need. You only need to include as many sections of the block as your design requires. The yellow jumpers can be cut to match your configuration. Nice, short lengths of #6 on the input side should be used wherever you can. The gray blocks are needed to hold the assembly together so yes, the three are required. Fan wires can be twisted together to make a neater package.
When in doubt, the Tips and Guidelines document on the First website has assembly instructions.