Wire Size

[nlt5]

The wire's on our compressor are 16 gauge, I believe, which are too big to fit into the PCM. It does not seem correct to use 18 gauge from the PCM and connect those to the 16 gauge compressor wire. Is this okay to do and if not what can we do to properly connect our compressor to the PCM. Second question...We need to run on the 24 volt side to get our double solenoids to work but our compressor is a 12 volt. Can we do this? or will we destroy our compressor running the PCM on the 24 volt side?

Thank you for the support

[Jon Stratis]

The compressor voltage is separate from the solenoid voltage - the compressor will always run at 12V, regardless of the position of the jumper. So don't worry about that!

As for the wires... the PCM should be sitting behind a 20A fuse or breaker (per R44 and R48), so 18 gauge wire is appropriate.

[nlt5]

Thank you for the quick response. We are going to have our compressor off the robot so we need to have quick connects to plug the compressor into the PCM. The PCM is behind a 20 amp fuse but can I connect 18 gauge wire to 16 gauge wire?

[Sperkowsky]

16AWG wires fit perfectly fine if correctly stripped in the PCM. I believe it would be against the rules and possibly dangerous to use 18AWG wires to connect the compressor.

I would personally check this out https://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s...ing-pneumatics

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

16AWG wires fit perfectly fine if correctly stripped in the PCM. I believe it would be against the rules and possibly dangerous to use 18AWG wires to connect the compressor.

This is incorrect.

R49 specifically lists "Compressor outputs from the PCM" as being 18 gauge as the minimum wire size. The same for the sires between the PCM and the PDP.

[dradel]

For a quick connect, head down to local hobby shop and get connectors for rc car batteries. Very durable and easy to integrate. I would not recommend hooking and unhooking to the pcm.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

This is incorrect.

R49 specifically lists "Compressor outputs from the PCM" as being 18 gauge as the minimum wire size. The same for the sires between the PCM and the PDP.

Alright so, it is not illegal but I am still wondering why the op is having issues using 16awg wire with the PCM as it is designed specifically for 16awg.

[philso]

If you are having trouble fitting the the 16 AWG wire into the PCM, are the wire strands all "crinkly" or frayed? If so, try cutting off the part you have stripped now and re-strip it to the proper length (see the PCM Users Manual). Twist the stripped part of the wire with your finger tips so that all the strands lay together nicely in a tight and round bundle. Use a small screwdriver to push the button on the Weidmuller connector as far down as it will go. Don't push too hard or it will never come up again and you will have to send your PCM to CTRE for repair. Insert the wire into the hole until no more un-insulated wire is showing. the 16 AWG will be a tight fit so be patient and don't rush and fray the wire on the sides of the hole. All strands must be in the same hole with none sticking out to the side where it can short on adjacent wires. Release the button. One needs a steady hand and patience to do this. A flashlight can help too.