<R55> relay 20A

[holty531]

the updated rule 55 says
Rule <R55>
-Each relay module must be protected with one and only one 20A circuit
breaker.

can someone clarify???
the yellow thing in a spike relay module is a fuse, correct?
when used with a compressor, you change the yellow fuse to the 20amp auto reset breaker correct?

so, if there is one 20A circuit breaker in the Spike and there has to be a breaker in the Fuse Panel also right? this equals 2 circuit breakers!

can someone explain how you use only one 20A breaker with the Spike Relay?

thnks.

[Miner]

the yellow thing in a spike relay module is a fuse, correct?

Correct

so, if there is one 20A circuit breaker in the Spike and there has to be a breaker in the Fuse Panel also right? this equals 2 circuit breakers!

The yellow thing in the Spike is a fuse. You cant put a breaker into that slot. The fuse must stay in the Spike. There is no Fuse Panel. There is a Breaker Panel and a Maxi block. The breaker panel is what the 20 and 30 amp auto reset breakers go into. It powers things like Spikes and the RC.

The Spikes must be powered through the breaker panel. You are correct, that does have 2 20 amp breaker/fuses in it, but the rule only applies to breakers. IF THIS IS CONFUSING AT ALL, ASK AGAIN.

The Spike will be plugged into the breaker panel on a 20 amp breaker. This just gives it double protection. Normally it is annoying to replace fuses and that is why they us the auto reset breakers. Like I said, if you need more clarification, ask again.

Good Luck
Jacob

[holty531]

so to clarify..

compressor>spike[20ampAutobreaker]>breakerpanel[20amp autobreaker]

thats two 20amp breakers?...or do we put the fuse in the breakerpanel instead?

[Miner]

The fuse is what is inside the Spike. It can be replaced if blown. The fuse will look black and the connection will be broken.

Starting at the power source (positive lead):

Battery
Breaker Panel
20 amp auto reset breaker (in the breaker panel)
Spike (positive lead)
20 amp fuse (in the Spike)
Compressor

The power first goes through a breaker, and then through a fuse in the Spike, then on to the Compressor.

[holty531]

i have previously heard that the compressor frequently blows the yellow fuse, so people have took out the yellow fuse and put in a 20amp auto breaker;to save money...

so is this new rule outlawing this?

[Vikesrock]

The fuse in the Spike may be replaced with a breaker for and ONLY FOR the compressor.

[Miner]

The fuse in the Spike may be replaced with a breaker for and ONLY FOR the compressor.

I have not heard that, or read it either. Is that in the rules? If it is allowed it could save a great deal of money. Cool.

[Vikesrock]

Yes, this in the rules, here you go:

Originally Posted by FRC Manual

<R67> The control system is provided to allow wireless control of the ROBOTS. The Operator
Interface, Robot Controller, speed controllers, relay modules, radio modems, batteries,
battery charger, AC adapter, and 9-pin cables shall not be tampered with, modified, or
adjusted in any way (tampering includes drilling, cutting, machining, gluing, rewiring, etc.),
with the following exceptions:
 Dip switches on the Operator Interface may be set as appropriate.
 User programmable code in the Robot Controller may be customized.
 Speed controllers may be calibrated as described in owner's manuals.
 The fuse on the Spike relay for the air compressor may be replaced with a 20 Amp Snap-
Action circuit breaker.

[Miner]

The fuse on the Spike relay for the air compressor may be replaced with a 20 Amp Snap-
Action circuit breaker.

Thank you much.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Holty et al,
The 20 amp breaker that must feed each Spike is in place to protect the wiring that runs to the Spike. Should that wire short, the breaker trips to protect the wire from self destruction. The 20 amp fuse on the Spike itself is to protect the contacts of the relays inside the Spike from destruction. The fuse on the Spike that feeds the compressor may be changed to a 20 amp self resetting breaker as shown in the rules quoted above. The compressor has a start current of 25 amps while it only has a run current of 10.5 amps. If you don't change the fuse to a breaker, you will most definetly be changing the fuse often. Remember this rule only applies to the compressor Spike and no others.

[sabruce01]

Are we required to use the same type of auto reset fuse that came in the KOP, or can we just obtain another type of auto reset type fuse from our local parts store?

[vhcook]

You are required to use the exact same type of snap-action circuit breaker as in the KOP. See the third bullet on <R45> for details.

[Alan Anderson]

The Manual Is Your Friend.

Originally Posted by <R45>

Items specifically PROHIBITED from use on the ROBOT include:...Circuit breakers different from those provided in the Kit Of Parts. Note: the Snap Action brand circuit breakers provided have unique “trip” characteristics. No substitute brands are permitted.

Originally Posted by <R55>

All active circuit breaker / power distribution panel branch circuits shall be protected from overload with an appropriate value auto resetting Snap Action circuit breaker from the Kit Of Parts.

[sabruce01]

Oh well, guess I'll place another order!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Be sure to read R55 in both Team Update 8 & 9 for the latest info on this question.