Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Considering the theme for this year's FRC game, Steampunk, we were wondering if we could use a copper colored wire for our positive wiring(+)?
As seen here:https://www.platt.com/platt-electric...spx?zpid=62861

I am aware that, robot rule R51, from the game last year, states that you may use: "Red, yellow, white, brown, or black-with-stripe on the positive connections."
Is this possible or should we go with plain brown wire?
Or should we stick to regular black and red to keep our wiring typical?

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated,
FRC Team 2906: Sentinel Prime Robotics
Spanaway Lake High School, Tacoma, WA

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

I don't like to tempt the gods of inspection on items like this.

That said, there is gold and black wire sheath available.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Correction, Tan wire: Tan wire-Platt

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

I would shy away from copper-colored wire. The last thing you need is an inspector telling you to "rewire your robot, and use insulation this time". Brown or yellow, though, I don't think you'd run into that problem.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

You could always sleeve your wires with paracord.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

+1

Get creative in an area that does not require an inspector to make a judgement call.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Ok, thank you we just wanted a second opinion. We will look into cable sleeving instead.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Insulated pipe with copper or brass paint would look like real steam pipes, but may be too much effort.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

I will bring this up during LRI inspector training. I suspect we may see creative painting/covering/aging of a lot of items this year.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

I'd recommend sticking with the typical red and black wiring. It will be easier for the inspector to look over or for a CSA to assist you with if a problem was to arise. As someone who has helped teams with their wiring during competition (even occasionally in queue) it is much easier when the wiring is easy to sort through. And a big part of that is the fact that it is standard. It would be really cool, but I think that it would be better to avoid it in the long run.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

In 2012, it was ruled that painted wire didn't change its color. Logically, then, a copper color painted wire should be fine. *

*Not all inspectors may agree with this impeccable logic, which is why it should be a q/a question.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Brown/blue are standard colors for wiring and could better looking than red/black if you are going that deep into a steampunk theme.

It is fully within past years rules.

I have seen teams use both schemes in robot wiring to denote different types of DC circuits.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

I'm imagining bringing that q&a to the pit and arguing with Al about the definition of a stripe.

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Argue????? Me???
I cannot speak to 2017 rules other than to remind everyone that the wire color codes have changed very little in decades. The colors are chosen from the NEC and other worldwide standards for low voltage DC wiring.
To go a step further, to be "steam punk", electrics would need to be powered from a steam turbine operated dynamo but electric wiring would still be required to follow all rules as they would apply. As to the steam powered dynamo, I would look carefully at whatever rules would replace or supplement 2016 rules R1, R31, R35, R36, R38, and the entire pneumatic section.
Just saying...

Re: Steampunk wiring - wiring color
 

Please don't make an already difficult job unbearable ........ Color coding is there for a reason and you shouldn't poke bears with a sharp stick.
:cool: