Self-fabricated electrical connections

Technical Electrical
1

Can we use self-fabricated electrical connections, like a coupling for 6 gauge wire?

2

If I am interpreting the rule correctly, no. The rule is, and I quote

Additional electronic components for use on the robot must be either COTS items, or assembled from COTS items. Additional electronic components include any object that conducts electricity other than IFI relays and speed controllers, wires, connectors and solder.

Obviously your connector conducts electricity, so it falls under this rule. If you use a #6 gage connector from the hardware store, you are good. But if you make a connector from scratch, it doesn’t constitute a “Commercial, Off-the-shelf” component (at least I don’t think so). Your best bet would be to run over to the hardware store and spend 15 cents on a crimp-on connector.

3

You might want to read R40 more carefully:

Additional electronic components for use on the robot must be either COTS items, or assembled from COTS items. Additional electronic components include any object that conducts electricity other than IFI relays and speed controllers, wires, connectors and solder. [emphasis mine]
As far as I can tell, custom connectors should be fine. However, be aware that you are required to use the Terminal Supply SLU-70 connectors to attach wire to the battery, breaker panel, and 120A breaker per rule R48.

4

I came to the same conclusion. However, you should be prepared to prove to the inspectors that your custom connectors are safe for carrying the maximum amount of current for that leg of the circuit.

5

There is one excpetion from what I can tell…

<R48> The ES-18-12 Battery, the Main 120 Amp Circuit
Breaker, and the IFI CB/Distribution panel must be
connected as shown in the diagram. The ES-18-12
Battery must use the Anderson Connector and the
copper SLU-70 lugs provided in the Terminal Supply
Bag.

So, from what I can tell as long as you aren’t using your custom connector on the battery, you should be fine.

6

Thanks guys; I guess I should have been more exact with my first question…
But… My specific situation is that I’m trying to make self fabricate a a coupling for the 6-gauge wire that is connected to the GND end of anderson terminal that will connect to the battery. The specific peice is that coupling. We currently use two of the ring terminals included in the kit and put a bolt through them both and covered the entire thing a LOT of electrical tape.

7

Shu et al,
The rules have not been lenient on the use of odd electrical connections in the past and certainly homemade electrical parts will draw the attention of the inspectors. Under no circumstances can a team use anything other than the copper screw compression connector provided in KOP for primary wiring. These are available from all the suppliers and Home Depot, Ace, etc. I know that teams are having a problem with this ruling, but that is the answer from FIRST.