Wiring under the benchwork, how?

[electrolove]

I wonder if there is a good way to draw wires under the benchwork? When the layout is finished we have wires for the power bus, tortoises, lighting and so on. Is there a way to keep them from just hanging under the benchwork?

[tstage]

electrolove,

Depending where your braces are supporting your layout table, you could use eye-hooks. (They look like question mark with a threaded end.) One end of the eye-hook is open so you can slip bundles of wire inside to keep them together. You can also use velcro loops to bundel them, as well.

Tom

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

electrolove,

Depending where your braces are supporting your layout table, you could use eye-hooks. (They look like question mark with a threaded end.) One end of the eye-hook is open so you can slip bundles of wire inside to keep them together. You can also use velcro loops to bundel them, as well.

Tom

Do you mean something like this?



Is this a common way?

[TomDiehl]

Also, you can drill holes in the framework and thread the wires through them. Of course, if the wiring is already in, it's too late for this. Auto parts stores used to sell something called a wire loom. It was intended for the spark plug wires to hold them away from hot parts like the exhaust manifold, but would work for this, too. The loom snaps closed around the wire so these can be used after the wiring is done, just screw them fast to the framework.

[tstage]

electrolove,

Yep, but there some that have more of an opening. (That one is closed off.) It also doesn't have to be very heavy duty. You want one that has more of a "hook" to it.

Tom

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

electrolove,

Yep, but there some that have more of an opening. (That one is closed off.) It also doesn't have to be very heavy duty. You want one that has more of a "hook" to it.

Tom

I just changed the picture to this one:

[ac4400fan]

They also make those brass screw in kind, That with the xmas season you can find them by the xmas light section i use those
Carl..

[electrolove]

Please point me to some pictures on the net, it's very easy to understand for a Swede that way [:D]

[Anonymous]

Use (eye) hooks to support the wire. Cheap and are clean when you are done. I use small to larger ones. It will depend on how many wires you are running to a certian area. It also makes it easy for repairs later if need be.I also have termial blocks at either end of the wire eg. (from the control panel to the devise you are controlling) which will allow easier change out later for failed equipment.

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bgardner2

Use (eye) hooks to support the wire. Cheap and are clean when you are done. I use small to larger ones. It will depend on how many wires you are running to a certian area. It also makes it easy for repairs later if need be.I also have termial blocks at either end of the wire eg. (from the control panel to the devise you are controlling) which will allow easier change out later for failed equipment.

Something like this?

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electrolove
Something like this?

electrolove,

That's the kind...[tup]

Tom

[nbrodar]

I use Gardner Bender Plastic "P" Clamps. They are plastic loops with a screw tab on one end, and come in a varity of sizes.

Nick

[Anonymous]

I've used all sorts - some of my wiring is held on with gaffa/duct tape, some is rather more solidly held with staples, though getting the staple gun aimed properly is sometimes a little tricky!

[Anonymous]

The hooks and eye hooks are good for making points to attach the wires to. I use plastic wire ties to bundle the wires together and to attach the bundles to the hooks. This link shows the best picture I could find on short notice. It even shows how they work. Sort of.

http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm?terms=614&cartLogFrom=froogle

They are so common here in the United States that I think they will be available world wide. Bigger versions are even used for handcuffs. But I am sure none of us know anything about that.

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nbrodar

I use Gardner Bender Plastic "P" Clamps. They are plastic loops with a screw tab on one end, and come in a varity of sizes.

Nick

Is this what you mean?

[electrolove]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bukwrm

The hooks and eye hooks are good for making points to attach the wires to. I use plastic wire ties to bundle the wires together and to attach the bundles to the hooks. This link shows the best picture I could find on short notice. It even shows how they work. Sort of.

http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm?terms=614&cartLogFrom=froogle

They are so common here in the United States that I think they will be available world wide. Bigger versions are even used for handcuffs. But I am sure none of us know anything about that.

Yes they are called 'buntband' here in Sweden and it's not any problem to find them here [:D] They comes in many colors and sizes.

[electrolove]

Maybe you can show some photos from under your layouts, interesting...

[selector]

EL, the ones you show in the second post above are avail in plastic, too. But, yes, those are useful for keeping bundles of wires from flapping in the breeze...so to speak.

[jawnt]

Saw something in a recent MR that looks like the best solution --- was in a piece on track work on foam base ----- a channel in the foam at the front of the bench for all the bundles of wire then covered with a secenery profile facia. Would work with any kind of benchwork and it eliminates the need to get under the bench. Just remove the facia to get to all the wiring except the feeders going to the devices.

For the feeders you could use the electrician's conduit method ie small plastic tubing for the feeders to run in. Just remember to tie (tape) a string on the feeders when you need to remove them --- makes it easier to pull new feeders in[:-^] John T

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by electrolove
Is this what you mean?

That is what I use for keeping the wiring neat and orderly on my layout. I keep a supply of several different sizes and some small drywall screws handy on my workbench for whenever I need to add some.

[espee3004]

I cut up a plastic bleach bottle in 1/2" wide strips. Cut off a 3" long piece, doubled it over, pierced the ends with a scriber, looped the strip around the wiring and then used a small sheet metal screw to hold it underneath the benchwork. Cheap, easy and just put in as many as you need to keep the wirers from drooping.

Ralph

[JohnT14808]

Welcome to the forum, espee3004!! ...and a nifty, inexpensive way to bundle layout wire. Good thinking!!