Wiring that can retract and expand?

[NightsThunder]

I am trying to figure out how to run wiring with or thru a expanding and retracting "arm" possibly hydraulic. I want it to expand to at least 20' and retract down to around 3'. The wiring would be 18-24 gauge. I can add more detail if needed.

 

[Dadface]

So that the wire itself does not stretch you will need coiled wiring of the type you have on a telephone handset.

 

[stewartcs]

I am trying to figure out how to run wiring with or thru a expanding and retracting "arm" possibly hydraulic. I want it to expand to at least 20' and retract down to around 3'. The wiring would be 18-24 gauge. I can add more detail if needed.

What kind of signal you are transmitting. Can you describe the circuit a bit more?

CS

 

[pantaz]

Reels or flexible track are the most common methods I've seen.

 

[NightsThunder]

What kind of signal you are transmitting. Can you describe the circuit a bit more?

CS

It is some what complicated. I am building a custom trailer, it will have a series of "cages" ranging in size from 20" tall by 40" wide by 6' long to 39" tall, 40" wide, 12' long and sizes in between. They will run along side each other and stacked up to 6 high. I am still in the design process of this trailer. But the idea is that the "cages unfold kinda like a tackle box off each side of the trailer and then expand outward, separating each "cage" by at least 20ft. That is why I am trying to figure out how to expand and contract the wiring between each "cage". Each cage will have a series of electronic inputs on it(between 84 and 360 inputs per "cage"), able to run a temporary 12v-24v current with a control panel. The control panel will have a certain number of channels on it, still unsure on how many. But it will have to control between 400 and up to 5000 inputs. Sorry if this is confusing. I am good at visualizing what I am designing not so good and filling in the details.

 

[DaveC426913]

You could attach the wires so that they "feather" or "accordian" like a dropped mainsail on a sailboat. (See attached)

 

[DaveC426913]

Better yet, just string the wire lengthwise on your cages. This will use more wire but will create less bending tension of the cables. Also, it doesn;t use any fancy widgets or attachments that could fail.