Working with Wire

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Contributors: Paul Smith, bboyho
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Wire Management

Twisting Wires into a Braid

It is a good idea to braid long wires that are used in a project. There are a few benefits of twisting the wires together:

  • keeps the project organized
  • prevents wires from being pulled from moving parts
  • strengthens the connection

Below is an example of braiding four hook-up wires together for a non-addressable LED. To braid your wires, twist a pair of wires in a counterclockwise pattern between your index finger and thumb using both hands. In this case, the green and red wires were twisted first.

Wire Management Braiding Counterclockwise 1

Twist the other pair of wires in a counterclockwise pattern.

Wire Management Braiding Counterclockwise 2

Twist the pairs of wires in a clockwise pattern.

Wire Management Braiding Clockwise

Once finished, the wires in your project will be manageable and easier to handle. Below are a few examples with braided wires used in projects.

Circuit secured to bottom of cardboard box with electrical tape Inside of Bluetooth Box with Twisted Wires
Some Twisted Wires Used in the Interactive 3D Printed LED Diamond Prop Tutorial Twisted Wires Used in the Wireless Audio Bluetooth Adapter w/ BC127 Tutorial

Sleeves and Cable Carriers

Sleeves and cable carriers are also useful in further protecting the connection from moveable parts. The image below shows loose wires on the Shapeoko.

Unprotected Wires

Below are images of wires within a sleeve and cable carrier for protection.

Cable Sleeve Cable Carrier

Labeling Complex Wiring

Sometimes it is useful to label wires using sticky notes, tape, or markers to help keep track of connections using the same color of wire, complex wiring, and to troubleshoot projects.

Wires Inserted into Poke-Home Connector

Labeled wires from the micro:arcade kit