Low Voltage System wiring (5-24VDC), Rules of Thumb?
Low Voltage System wiring (5-24VDC), Rules of Thumb?
(OP)
Hi all,
As the subject suggests I'm working on a prototype of a device with various electrical components (i.e. logic controllers, Raspberry Pi + touch screen, DC motor, steppers etc.) raging from 5VDC and up to 24VDC.
The highest power rating of a single component will be the Raspberry Pi 4 (w/touch screen), drawing max power of 15W (5VDC @ 3Amp).
(just to be clear, the system is assembled and operational)
I was wondering if there is a handbook, site page, youtube video etc. with recommended rules of thumb and practices that I should consider and double check to make sure I wont get any "surprises".
And please, I know some of you will have the urge to "discipline" me that I'm doing things wrong, that I must have an electrical engineer and/or electrician working on this, but this is the current reality of the project, so it will be greatly appreciated of you spare me this "lecture".
Best,
SD
As the subject suggests I'm working on a prototype of a device with various electrical components (i.e. logic controllers, Raspberry Pi + touch screen, DC motor, steppers etc.) raging from 5VDC and up to 24VDC.
The highest power rating of a single component will be the Raspberry Pi 4 (w/touch screen), drawing max power of 15W (5VDC @ 3Amp).
(just to be clear, the system is assembled and operational)
I was wondering if there is a handbook, site page, youtube video etc. with recommended rules of thumb and practices that I should consider and double check to make sure I wont get any "surprises".
And please, I know some of you will have the urge to "discipline" me that I'm doing things wrong, that I must have an electrical engineer and/or electrician working on this, but this is the current reality of the project, so it will be greatly appreciated of you spare me this "lecture".
Best,
SD
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RE: Low Voltage System wiring (5-24VDC), Rules of Thumb?
Is your power supply for each voltage current-limiting? If so, at what current?
What size wires are you using for power wiring? How did you calculate their values?
Do you have overcurrent protection, e.g., fuses, protecting all ungrounded power wires? Is it needed? If so, what types and sizes for each device? How did you calculate their values? Do they provide selective coordination, i.e., will the one closest to a fault actuate first?
Do you have an adequate ground connection to any exposed metal components such that there is a low impedance path back to the power supply that will allow the appropriate overcurrent protection device to actuate in the event of a fault to ground? This includes any 120 V circuit wiring that may provide power to any low voltage power supplies, meaning a three-wire cord with a grounding plug unless the equipment is double-insulated.
Is there adequate heat removal for all components, including the wiring?
Those voltages are not life-threatening. However, it would be good practice to use finger-safe wiring terminals for power wiring. Cover exposed wires with heat shrink tubing if necessary.
xnuke
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RE: Low Voltage System wiring (5-24VDC), Rules of Thumb?
There are also crimp ferrules for stranded wire, that helps prevent a wild strand from causing problems.
Wire nuts are considered poor practice.