Wire Discussion

[Mike AA]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Wire prices sure have gone absolutely through the roof. We use 4ga ultra-finely stranded audio power wire for our main power runs from the battery and to the Rockwell block and breaker panels. We paid $6 per foot for it locally. It is available for about $3.50 per foot online. The 4 gauge is useful for the main power runs. With the kind of current FRC robots can draw, you can get a considerable voltage drop over 6ga (especially the low strand count wire they give you in the KOP).

We traditionally position CIM motors so we don't have to extend their wires. For power to the Victor speed controls we use regular 12 gauge power wire. On 500 series can motors we use 14 gauge zip cord and for spikes we use 18 gauge zip cord from McMaster.

On a related note, does anyone know why a good red (red, not pink) color wire is so hard to come by. Seems like more manufacturers are making it an off-red color that is closer to pink.

I am surprised you go to a larger main wire but for your drive victors you still only use the minimum. You could still get a good voltage drop on 12 if your motors are pushed.

-Mike