Frayed Heatbed Power cable
Hello, Prusa Community.
I recently had a heatbed temp runaway error. I manipulated the power/thermistor cable bundle and noticed intermittent power light on the attachment fixture.
As I started disassembling for inspection, I found that the NEGATIVE (Black) lead had frayed to to the point disconnecting (see the imaged below).
I've been running this machine daily for 3 years, so this may be normal wear-and-tear , but I suspect my mediocre build skills as the cause for this failure.
Does anyone have a suggestion for how I can ensure that I've attached the cables with the method best suited to ensure that this doesn't recur? Or is this a normal wear issue given the constant linear Y motion of the bed?
Thanks in advance for guidance!
Michael
RE: Frayed Heatbed Power cable
Hi Michael,
The bends in the wires suggest that you re formed the wires to get them into the cable cover, after attaching them to the build plate, probably sticking straight out.
the correct way is to attach them at a slight angle . facing towards each other.
was the braided cover coming out of the cable cover clamp? when you disassembled it?
The braid is used as a cable strain relief, if it comes out of the clamp, the strain relief doesn't work
I replaced my heatbed wires using 16AWG Flexible Silicone insulated wire (Like they use for Radio Control Car Battery wiring).
And have never had a problem since
you can buy the silicone wire in metre lengths on ebay, Amazon, AliExpress etc.
the flexible silicone wire has lots of fine strands in copper, which makes it MUCH more flexible...
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Frayed Heatbed Power cable
You dropped a perfect diagnosis of exactly what I did, Joan! Thanks for the guidance on installing AND for the ProTip on the flex silicone wire.
RE: Frayed Heatbed Power cable
sometimes we have personal experience!
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK