Using flat cables

[No Longer Active]

I notice that many people that build their own projects use flat cable to connect electrical components due to that fact that it's neat and tidy and provides a great way to simply push in a connector and away you go.

But looking at these flat cables, they look very delicate and was wondering just how you are meant to strip the ends without breaking the cable, surely the average pair of wire strippers is enough to shred the wire to pieces, so how is this done?

Cheers,

Alex

[fordgt40]

Alex

If you are using flat cable to go from one multi pin connector to another, then these connectors are called IDC (insulation displacement connectors). The connector is in two pieces with V shaped sharp metal tags that cut into the insulation and make the connection. This is achieved by either using a special tool (readily available on Ebay or Rapid) - alternatively you could use a vice.

If you are using flat cable to connect to various points then I would terminate into an IDC D Sub 25 way connector. You can then route the individual wires from this connector to the data points you require. Either way there is no stripping of individual wires within the flat cable.

David

[flatlandpilot]

I had my doubts with the way the connectors make contact
with the wires, but I can say I never had problems with bad contacts.

for pressing the connectors together I use a small bench-screw

BTW it is possible to use 2 or 3 small flatcables
to fill up the 25 of a connector. This can be very handy.

[verticallimit]

I just made a part of my overhead panel, and i use flatcable, directly from the connector and to my contacts and LEDs.
I use the panel for beta test and have moved and changed it several times and I must admit that flat cable is more rubust than it appears to be.
I have made the wire ends long enough so that there will not be a jerk in the thin wire. The common negative wire is made of thicker and more rubust cord, and I've tied my ribbon cable down to it and this protects the flat cable against jerks

[Doon1]

There's wire strippers made for ribbon cable. You can usually pick them up where you buy the cable.
John