Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Electronics wiring and box : one's observations

Randy,

I've built quite a few boxes for myself and others. I have a few
observations about electrical and electronics cabinets. I am not an
electronics guy but I think these are valid. I'm sure Jon E and others could
elaborate if necessary. IMO;

The most common error made is to use an enclosure that is too small. When
there is not enough space for your main components, it follows that you will
not have enough space for neat or easy wiring.

If there is not enough space, signal and power conductors get placed too
close or together. Wire looms such as Panduit or wire tie loops take up space
too. So make sure the enclosure is even bigger than one would first estimate.
Many devices require cooling space around them. Make sure this space stays
clear and un-obstructed. Layout should be optimized for best wiring not for
best fit.

Be careful of your grounding scheme, I have seen many pcs of equipment fail
to run because of inadequate or improper grounding.

Wire, though costing only a few dollars for many feet, will often be used as
though made of gold. Be generous when using wire so it can be routed through
all the wire management devices that (should) have been installed. Only
exceptions are when noise sensitive signals are involved. Again, optimizing
layout helps most.

Use the correct wire type. Wires for control are almost always smaller than
power wires, some will wire everything with 12 Ga. wire. This will not work.
Insisting on using THHN when MTW or equivalent is better will cause grief
too. Stiff wire is hard to route and will resist all attempts to create a
neat job.

Use more than two or three colors. AC power, low voltage control, DC power
and other industries all have different color schemes. Try to standardize
your own scheme and stick to it. Helps you and others trouble shoot your
equipment.

Get a P-touch or Brady wire marker if you can and number/ mark your wires
when possible. Saves hours later, when the machine has been running so long
you forgot what that "bundle of wires" was for.

Document your work as much as possible even if you mark all the wires. Even
a one line diagram is better than nothing.

There are many others but away from a cabinet, these are the only ones that
come to mind. Flame suit on.

Peter
THRD, Inc.


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