Legal Wiring

[TimTheGreat]

Would using 2 conductor stranded wire that is covered with a grey insulator be legal? The rules say that the wires must be colored but does that mean the entire wire or just the ends where it connects to the components of the robot.

http://www.libertycable.com/products...onductor-cable

This is the type of wire I am talking about. I could always remove the grey but to keep things simple it'd be nice to keep it on.

[theawesome1730]

I don't know what official judgement would say, but we typically run wires together in nylon braid and that covers the color markings. Red and black are always clearly visible at the ends of the wires. We've not had an issue with inspection and I would think that if sufficient color shows it wouldn't be an issue. Again, I can't say for certain though. A team that has tried this in the past will probably be able to better answer your question. If your goal is to keep wires paired, you may want to look at this. It's the same thing we use on our robots.

[Jon Stratis]

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it... the wires are clearly color coded inside the outer jacket, and that coloring should be obvious at either end. Additionally, if you need to cut or splice the wire in the middle for anything, you'll have to expose the color coding in order to do so. This is really no different conceptually than using a nylon wire mesh sleeve, and I know teams have used that without issue for ages. But that's just my opinion, which means absolutely nothing at your event!

Ask on the Q&A when it opens in about 100 days. Then you can be sure the answer is consistent across all events you go to.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Tim,
The grey is referred to as "jacket" and this wire is legal on FRC robots where color coding is required. There is a weight disadvantage though. The jacket is often filled with clay and can be hydroscopic meaning it will absorb moisture from the air. While this amount is small, added to the additional weight of the jacket might pick up more weight than you want. The zip cord available from places like MCM Electronics works as well, doesn't carry any extra weight and is easier to prepare. Check the varieties and quantity here...
http://electronics.mcmelectronics.co...p+cord&x=0&y=0
I currently use the jacketed variety for feeding speakers in the studios here.

[wireties]

It is legal. We've been making PWM cables this way for 10 years. It does weigh a little more but we like protecting the conductors.