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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Paladin on August 28, 2012, 10:21:12 PM

Title: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: Paladin on August 28, 2012, 10:21:12 PM
If I wanted to run airlines, wire etc for future plans what numbers and sizes would I need for air throttle, Jakes and even possible air seats? Do air suspension seats require power?

I have DOT air line in 3/8" as well as 1/4" I believe and also 1/8"

I have a large amount of various gauges of wire, I'd imagine 10g would be be plenty sufficient for Jakes?

Oh, what about a tachometer? What sizes and how many do I need for that?

I wired for fuel level. I'm working on wires for door alarm.

Wiring  for D-tv dome.


I think I'm pretty well set for cameras and monitors and related power wires and breaker panels. Of course there are the obligatorily harnesses for  I'm just trying to think well ahead while I'm making my looms for any reasonable future contingency.

What sort of things have you guys wired for "just in case" and also with a definite plan in mind? I have the possible macerator, plumbing to the clean rinse water in the waste bay and a light to see in the dark there.  Heated mirror wiring though I really doubt I'd install it, my brother has a pair for me. Trailer wiring. James Bond jet pack and oil slick...........

I know I'm forgetting some very important stuff but my brain friend, what is it and what do I need for it? What are the more important things that we all should wire for?





Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: buswarrior on August 29, 2012, 12:20:06 AM
Whatever you run, you will use up and need more.

Just one of those things that happen.

Figuring out how to get a big conduit stuffed through, with the obligatory access points in each bay, as well as up front and back there, with a number of strings left for pulling more wires....

Yes, a dream, but we busnuts are a resourceful bunch.

Get the professional wire marking tapes from the electrical contractor supply. The numbers are printed right on it, you just peel and stick and they stay there. Label everything wherever you can access it.

And then the wire numbers are transferred to your schematics.

You do have schematics for your additions...?

happy coaching!
buswarrior
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: TomC on August 29, 2012, 07:00:48 AM
Mostly for added engine gauges and options-I bought five different colored 50ft 3 wire extension cords, tie strapped them together and ran them from the engine compartment to the driver's compartment.  But-I first cut the wires 4ft behind the plug-so that the plug is in the engine compartment.  Then if I need to remove the engine cradle, just unplug the extension cords-and since they are all different colored, easy to replug back in.  So far I have used two wires for tachometer and two wires for the cruise control. That leaves still 11 wires available.  Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: lvmci on August 29, 2012, 09:03:35 AM
Hi, you may want to run 2 extra coax's, there is a 1/8" version, as long as you treat it more gentle while installing it. it will work as good as RG58/59 or 8281, a lot of busnuts are installing side cameras, some even with remote controls, which may require dedicated control wires & power, lvmci...
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: Paladin on August 29, 2012, 11:29:11 AM
Excellent answers and while I do have side body cameras it never occurred to me that they could ever be adjustable someday.


Still, I'm waiting for some kind soul to answer with how many wires and air lines I'll need to be prepared for air throttle, air seat and Jakes. I know that I'll be wanting the Jakes and the air throttle so I definitely need to plan in advance for them.

   
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: lostagain on August 29, 2012, 12:15:07 PM
Jakes: I think you only need one wire for Jakes. You would take 12 or 24 volt from the front panel to a switch on the dash, then from it to the engine compartment. Wiring the Jakes through the clutch and the brake is all done at the front I would think.

Air seat. You would probably take air from the accessory tank below the driver. And if you need electricity, again it is at the front.

If I was building a bus conversion, I would run twice (three times) as many wires and air lines as I think I would need. Because once the bus is done, running a wire front to back is nearly impossible in the tunnel, so you end up going along the ceiling of the baggage bays, or along the floor upstairs, neither of which is very tidy, and is for sure a PITA.

JC
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: Dave5Cs on August 29, 2012, 02:18:14 PM
1/4" Air lines for your seats generally don't need electric unless you get electric seats :D
Dave5Cs
Title: Re: Running wire etc for future plans
Post by: JackConrad on August 31, 2012, 05:50:43 AM
Trailer cable.   Available in several different combinations of individual wire sizes and numer of wires.  We ran double what we thought we would need and still ended up running more wires later.  Jack

http://www.waytekwire.com/products/1465/Trailer-Cable/&pg=2 (http://www.waytekwire.com/products/1465/Trailer-Cable/&pg=2)