FRC 2019 First Robotics: Wiring solutions: How Ferrules Can Improve Your Robot from AutomationDirect

Basic Wiring concepts can greatly affect your Robots reliability while on the field. Take this Pneumatic control module for example. If you look closely you will notice this stray wire. This wire could eventually cause a shutdown of the PCM or the even cause the RoboRio to reboot while on the Field. This is where using Ferrules can really improve your performance. A wiring ferrule takes a pliable stripped wire and makes it rigid while also providing an insulated strain gauge at the junction of the Wire and insulation. This will give you a reliable electrical connection while reducing the chance of electrical shorts. Applying Wire Ferrules could not be simpler, as long as you have the right tools. Links to the tools used in this video can be found in the description below. First you need to strip the wire. Insert the wire into the correct gauge Ferrule. Use a proper crimping tool like the one shown here, and make sure to crimp only on the metal sleeve and not on the insulation. And there you go. A nice bonus of using Ferrules with spring clamps like these, is that you do not need even need a tool to insert them. They just pop right in. If the ferrule is applied correctly there will be no copper showing and this wire can be inserted and removed multiple times without having the wire turn into a mess like this. So, save yourself a future headache and use this Basic wiring technique. Good luck and have a Great FRC Season.