What would a safe robot look like?

[Fletch1373]

Originally Posted by kamocat

Is electrical tape okay as an insulator?

I would say yes, provided it's done right. You want to make sure the tape overlaps the insulation. I prefer to have it overlap at least as much as there is copper exposed(or even better, just cut off the exposed copper). You also want to make sure the end is covered(either by pinching the tape together, or my prefered way of folding the end over before I make the final wrap with tape)

Originally Posted by kamocat

Is heat-shrink okay as an insulator?

See comments about electrical tape. Heatshrink tubing should primarily be used for insulating and holding together soldered connections. I wouldn't use it simply to cover the exposed end of a wire.

Originally Posted by kamocat

Would it be acceptable to take a bare piece of wire, wrap it in electrical tape, and put it on your robot?

I have done this in the past when removing a component from the robot. It's not ideal, but if you plan to replace that component in the near future and you make sure the wire is properly covered and tied down, then I would say it's fine.

Originally Posted by kamocat

How much copper can be left exposed?

I wouldn't leave any exposed copper. Crimped connections should have the wire insulation inside the covering, otherwise should be taped appropriately. Soldered connections should be covered in heatshrink tube(see above). And loose wires should be appropriately covered or removed completely