Running wires for new gauges, would cat6 ethernet be ok?

neoneddy · July 31, 2018, 09:21:25 AM

I'm installing a tachometer this week, I did a quick test mount and all seemed well (need to figure out a way to calibrate, but I digress). I have to pull a mess of cabinets down and whatnot to run the wire, so I figured why not run a few for spares and other unknown items. Then I got to thinking, I have 600 feet of cat6 ethernet cable here, why not pull 8 conductors at once. It's 23 gauge or so, so pretty thin, but solid core.

I'm thinking for pure signal wire it would be fine, I don't think much in the way of current would be pulled. I know these same wires are used for Power Over Ethernet as well.

Just curious on thoughts or a better bundle of wires to pull.

Lee Bradley · July 31, 2018, 09:41:37 AM

I ran cat6 all over the bus but I use it to signal latching relays. For power and gauges I ran brake cable from 18 to 12 gauge. Figure out how many circuits you will need in your wildest dreams and double it.

https://www.delcity.net/store/Duplex-Brake-Cable/p_818437.h_180696

oldmansax · July 31, 2018, 01:03:07 PM

18Ga thermostat wire would be better. You can get 10 conductor.

TOM

richard5933 · July 31, 2018, 03:01:41 PM

Have you checked the wiring diagram for your bus to see if the factory did this for you? In our GM 4108 I've identified about 6 pairs going between the engine bay and the driver's electric box which were installed and labeled in the book as 'blank'. They are taped on the ends from the factory and will serve us well as we move forward. We also ran a few additional cables with we had things opened up for 120v circuits should the need every arise.

DoubleEagle · July 31, 2018, 04:34:26 PM

I would not be surprised if it was Custom Coach that did that.

richard5933 · July 31, 2018, 05:33:46 PM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on July 31, 2018, 04:34:26 PM
I would not be surprised if it was Custom Coach that did that.

Custom Coach did run some extra cables as well. The problem with the CC wires is they are not really labeled from one end to the other so I need to use a tone generator to trace them.

The ones I see in the engine bay electric box and the driver's electric box are definitely from GM. They are in the GM wiring diagrams and tables labeled as 'blank'. My guess is that there was either optional equipment not installed, or they were planning for future equipment to be installed by the owner. When I first saw all the carefully folded and taped wires in the electrical boxes I was upset thinking the PO had cut a bunch of wire. Then I found out the story and was relieved.

chessie4905 · July 31, 2018, 05:35:48 PM

The wiring diagram books lists some spares plus several in place for optional equipment.

DoubleEagle · July 31, 2018, 06:40:23 PM

Then it was Custom Coach that ordered the extra cable option, since they received it new for conversion. You really lucked out getting this Coach, it is full of quality features. I was given a tour of Custom Coach back in the nineties, they really did great work.

lvmci · July 31, 2018, 07:41:18 PM

Hi Eddy, don't forget that the busses flex, alot. Solid cable doesn't flex well, and over time and bad roads, solid may break, lvmci...

TomC · July 31, 2018, 09:36:51 PM

To run wires from the engine to the driver's compartment, I bought 5 different colored 3 wire 50ft extension cords and nylon tied them together. Now I have 15 wires all color coded for additional gauges, or even 120vac if needed. Cheap and easy. Good Luck, TomC

neoneddy · August 01, 2018, 07:30:14 AM

I think there are spares, I noticed those when going over things on the road trying to get my primary systems up and running again. But, being that the culprit was a broken wire from fatigue and age, I don't know I want to use those at the moment.

I happened up an auto store and thought I'd stop in, fella behind the counter had some brake wire, 3 or 4 conductor wire in a grey flat insulator. I'll run that over the cat6, or maybe I'll run some cat 6 anyway, ya never know, maybe I'll want wifi back there. I assume there is no issue using the chassis for ground, so I've got 3 or 4 gauges / signals, whatever at my disposal.

I had hoped to get it run last night, but the neighbor (who is a city bus driver by day) stopped over, so we BS'd the evening away. It's the way she goes sometimes.

Speaking of, my plan was to go through the floor in the back someplace near the rear drivers side electrical panel, that seem logical? I need to adjust the bed frame anyway, so I'll be doing some tear out while I'm at it.