Electrical Wires

[Mike o.]

I have a question about the wires that we can use with electrical work. Do we have to use the red and black wires that FIRST supplied us with in the kit of parts or are we allowed to go out and get our own wires to use? I ask this question because my team feels that the wires that FIRST supplied us with are really stiff and we are wondering if we can use more flexible and different colored wires.

I would also like to know if there are any limitations and restrictions.

Mike O'Brien
Team 384

[Jordan A.]

From the additional parts list.

Wire: Proper gauge, color & insulated

[Nate Smith]

Originally posted by Mike o.
I have a question about the wires that we can use with electrical work. Do we have to use the red and black wires that FIRST supplied us with in the kit of parts or are we allowed to go out and get our own wires to use? I ask this question because my team feels that the wires that FIRST supplied us with are really stiff and we are wondering if we can use more flexible and different colored wires.

I would also like to know if there are any limitations and restrictions.

Mike O'Brien
Team 384

There are some restrictions, as follows:
Rule C21:
All wires distributing power with a constant polarity(i.e., not a Relay Module, speed controller, or sensor output) must be color-coded as follows:
-Use Red or White Wire for +12VDC and +5VDC connections.
-Use black wire for ground connections.

Also, see rules C5-C8. They outline particular sizes of wire that must be used in different circumstances, because of the currents involved. So, in a nutshell, you don't have to use the exact wire in the kit, but they do put restrictions on what you can/cannot use in different circumstances.

[Katie Reynolds]

Originally posted by Mike o.
I have a question about the wires that we can use with electrical work. Do we have to use the red and black wires that FIRST supplied us with in the kit of parts or are we allowed to go out and get our own wires to use? I ask this question because my team feels that the wires that FIRST supplied us with are really stiff and we are wondering if we can use more flexible and different colored wires.

Yep - No colored wire other than black, red or white.

- Katie

[Joe Ross]

C21 only defines the colors that can be used for wires that carry constant polarity. The output of the speed controllers and spikes do not have constant polarity and do not fall under this restriction (which is also stated in the rule)

It is a bit of a pain to explain to the inspectors why a certain speed controller has 2 black wires coming from it, but it is legal.

It seems that I'm just repeating what Nate said, but it seems that not everyone realizes this.