Linac Tech (Customer) asked a question.
Feedback On Enclosure Wiring
I have my first Click PLC project wired up in an enclosure. Space is somewhat constrained given I have to keep the enclosure size to conform with existing.
Functionally, it works. Visually, it's a bit of a mess.
Just looking for any constructive comments from more experienced builders on how I can improve how I've wired this up? Please be kind, it's my first attempt.
Thanks
it works it is my experience to always go the next size up in enclosure than what you need at the time, in case they want to add extra feature later after you have wired it, and not sure if other people do it but I always fold a piece of paper in corner of enclosure with schematic and wiring diagram for the next time the equipment needs servicing or for other personnel, the next thing I noticed is that you need conduit wire clamp or grommets around your conduit holes so the sharp edge does not wear on the wire insulation down the road, and last thing if your wiring needs cleaning up a few zip ties does alot, good job on your first control box overall
Thanks for your comments. I should have added that this particular box is on the bench atm for testing but will have conduits when it goes into the field. I will definitely use a few tie wraps to tidy up a bit, I was going to use cable troughs but not enough room. I like the idea of including the schematic.
Thanks again.
Ziplinks are bulky and unnecessary in this case, wire the PLC cards direct to your field terminals. Can likely move PLC in place of Ziplinks.
Top load and/or multi-level TBs will free up some space. Top load will allow you to add a small 1" piece of tall duct in between the top and bottom DIN rails if desired.
If this panel is going to be installed with the knockouts shown, it'd going to be a mess regardless of what you do for layout. If you can keep just bottom penetrations it will be tidier.
The panels that this will replace are a mix of top entry only and top & bottom entry as shown in the example photos. I agree that the ZIP Links are taking a lot of space ...consensus among our techs is that they like the ZIP Links but I am only using one input and 1 output on the C0-08CDR expansion module ... so I think I will remove that ZIP Link anyway and wire those direct and re-evaluate.
I'd like to see if I can fit a 1" duct above the top rail .. this is where the AC voltages are entering the panel.
Appreciate the comments and feedback. Thanks.
Start using Ferrules.. It will force a Cleaner and more Reliable Connection on Wiring..
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/wiring_solutions/wire_end_connectors/insulated_ferrules/v30ae000737
I do not like the AD Tool.. It crushed the Ferrule too much..
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/tools_-a-_test_equipment/pliers,_stripping_-a-_crimping_tools/crimping_pliers_-a-_dies/k70za000113
This is like the one I use.. It's Sold by the Devil.. But I like it..
https://www.amazon.com/Preciva-Octagonal-Connectors-Self-Adjustable-Terminals/dp/B0CRD5JC7W/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=15YXJOJ3JOLE1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EOWs9wyz0gYlbxRhrlbyJiv8DAFP4Ns4D_ziQZWh2oy09VXeME_4XaLQquPZ9wD-9WpShJo9M58brWP4cOq5gd_-hmSI55MEhCv7Kz63VElMif9GyVdP5SB4slt23utiIJNaZWfStZ03jMZp2xaXEDJfxu90UGRFq9cGuonlDP-UPxvhkxtg_pHGHwssPHyazyzjwsS0X0kA5v6ZlUOiR5ubnYLkOA2_4vXWnX7rdayWphZnVlW34Sw6sxJWZEHNRnHdUsbG02N92xRJs1y9cROd1Y-8-WuRbZsczck69RA.7yzAUJTFAAwx7cRdr_Rzbjdmn93AchsEjXxwGgnQKhw&dib_tag=se&keywords=ferrules+crimping+tool&qid=1713973265&sprefix=Ferrules%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Cap
Excellent idea! Thanks for the tool suggestion, I've ordered one from the devil :-)
Although costing more, I use the ZL-RTB20-1 as they're narrower. I try to avoid wiring directly to the click terminals as they seem to take dental instrument screw drivers.
Thanks Todd, I missed those.
I use a setup like this one for most of my small control boxes for various machines