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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > CNC Machine Related Electronics > using ethernet cable for wiring stepper
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    167

    using ethernet cable for wiring stepper

    how about using ethernet cat5 cables for wiring steppers to the controller ?
    or a simple regular wire will do ?

    thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Not recommended, because it's a solid wire that will eventually break due to the constant bending. Mullti stranded is a much better choice, preferably shielded.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

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    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

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    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    887
    There is cat 5 that is stranded. Its what they use in patch cables.
    I still dont know if cat 5 will work, I dont know the guage, but my steppers use 22 gage wire.

    I dont know what amp cap. the cat 5 wire will handle. I also dont know if the twisted pairs would cause noise of interferiance (SP)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    167
    actually the reason i though of cat5 wires is that they are made to reduce noise cause its twisted pair.
    i will try and get back to you

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    742
    Quote Originally Posted by max_imum2000
    how about using ethernet cat5 cables for wiring steppers to the controller ?
    or a simple regular wire will do ?

    thanks
    Not in my lifetime.

    Regular un-shielded STRANDED (solid wire breaks) cable of approximately 22 AWG works well for steppers up to approximately 225 in/oz works fine.

    With larger steppers, a larger wire size is required.

    Normally care in cable routing is all that is required in using un-sheilded cabling.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    668
    Why try to reinvent the wheel? Just use wire that works. Cat5 cable was made for a different app.
    Steve
    DO SOMETHING, EVEN IF IT'S WRONG!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Quote Originally Posted by Madclicker
    Why try to reinvent the wheel?
    Not disagreeing with you, but half the posts here are from people trying to reinvent the wheel.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

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