Meridian Cable has been a beacon of excellence in custom cable assembly manufacturing and cable design for nearly three decades. Each assembly we produce is a testament to our meticulous process, which involves intricate design, complex details, impeccable workmanship, and extensive quality control testing.
One of the most critical steps in any wiring project is creating the drawing for the custom cable assembly. In this pivotal first step, design engineers create a blueprint, laying the foundation for the entire project. It’s the start of something new and exciting every time, but it doesn’t just happen. In our experience, creating a custom cable assembly drawing takes intentionality, extensive research, and a healthy dose of brain power. Fortunately, there are a few best practices for your cable assembly drawings. Here are a few of those best practices from our experts.
Plain Title and Revision History
First and foremost, set yourself up for success with solid file management practices starting with a clear title and well-marked revision history. Your title should be concise and easily understood, highlighting the project specifics (client, equipment, purpose, date, etc.). A project’s title is not the time to get creative. Instead, consider the searchability of your project title. For example, if you create a project for “Big Tech Incorporated,” use that in your title and other relevant information.
Regarding revision history, your record-keeping will save you a massive headache down the road. Custom cable assembly drawings are rarely a one-and-done process. Maintain a thorough record of each version of your project, noting each time a change is made, and trust us, there will be several changes throughout the design process.
The Big Big Picture
Once you have your title and a system for revision history in place, the creation process can begin. This is where the purpose of your custom cable assembly will be your driving force. The design should start with the overarching functionality and purpose of the assembly. You’ll want to look at the big picture before working toward the more minor details. As you draw and design the cable assembly, the big picture of its purpose, the intended location, and the equipment with which it will operate are all components to consider.
When you start with the big picture of your custom cable assembly’s purpose, this can be your guiding light throughout the creation process. If something doesn’t work toward the design’s purpose, it shouldn’t be in your design. Focus on your primary goals and streamline the design process.
Work Toward the Smaller Details
Once you have the big picture in mind and on paper, it’s time to add the fine details. Depending on the size and purpose of your assembly, the small details can be a lengthy process, so prepare to spend adequate time during this step. Working this way allows you to start with the overarching theme and then fill in the smaller details as necessary.
Think of your cable assembly drawing as a numbered process. You likely know what you’re drawing; you’re just filling in the small details to create a complete picture. With this perspective, you won’t get caught up in the minutiae of every little thing. Instead, you have a clear goal to work toward in your design.
Stick With Standard Symbols and Conventions
Again, now is not the time to be creative with your symbols and conventions. Standard terminology and symbols create accessibility and universal understanding. A custom cable assembly drawing should be precise and comprehendible by any project manager, engineer, manufacturer, etc. No one will thank you if you use unique language, symbols, and conventions.
Common symbols in custom cable assembly drawings may include connectors, splices, cable types, terminations, etc. For additional clarity, consider using standard color conventions throughout your project’s drawings. Maintaining consistency throughout your project will save you (or someone else) the hassle and headache of interpreting your ‘creative’ symbols and conventions.
Following standard conventions will also help create a clear cable path and routing throughout your design. As you add cables and terminations, the standardized visual representation will help anyone viewing your blueprint in the future.
Triple-Check the Details
At this point in the process, you should have a fair representation of your project and some, if not most, of the minor details. It’s a good practice to start double- and triple-checking what you have on paper at this stage. It can be easy to make a mistake or overlook a fine detail throughout the design process.
Minor design flaws can lead to big problems, especially when it comes to electrical wiring. By periodically checking yourself and thoroughly examining the details, you can potentially avoid bigger mistakes down the road. Instead of letting small problems grow, triple-check yourself throughout the drawing and design stage to nip them in the bud.
Scale for Simplicity
In our years of creating custom cable assemblies and wiring solutions, we have seen it all when it comes to blueprints and designs. One of the most frustrating and technically challenging issues to overcome is when the scale is not correct. Even if your labeling and terminology are spot on, if your scale is off, working with your custom cable assembly design can be a nightmare.
As you draft the design for your custom cable assembly, remember to draw to scale for the project. Scaling not only simplifies your drawing but also provides accessibility and understanding for anyone who may view your plans in the future. The last thing you want is for your project to come to a screeching halt due to an improper or non-existent scaling issue.
Label and Reference Everything
Labeling and referencing can make your life much easier as you design your custom cable assembly. Noting what type of termination, cable, port, conductor, etc., is the key to a successful drawing. As you design, your drawing should be understandable by anyone on the project, so labeling and referencing every detail of your cable assembly ensures no ambiguity.
As you label for reference, be sure to use standard language, symbols, and conventions for clarity. It also doesn’t hurt to check and recheck your labels to ensure they are correct and in order.
Don’t Forget the Termination and Connector Details
No custom cable assembly drawing is complete without the termination and connector details. These crucial bits of information will halt any progress on your manufacturing and functionality if incorrect. These details can help prevent costly mistakes with sensitive equipment, complex electrical systems, or critical connection components. After all, terminations and connectors are among the most essential parts of an assembly’s ability to serve its purpose.
Record Safety Information
Despite being number 9 on this list, safety should always be a first consideration when designing a custom cable assembly. Your goal with your design is to ensure proper and safe functionality for your project. Your design should incorporate any safety information relevant to the equipment, environment, or conditions in which the assembly will be used. For example, if you’re designing a custom cable assembly for an outdoor area, weather considerations should be made to ensure the wiring solution can function in potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Your design draft should clearly indicate the relevant safety information and operational expectations. Much of this will depend on the intended use and environment for your custom cable assembly.
Consider Future Accessibility
In today’s age, most custom cable assembly designs are rendered digitally. However, if you’re a textile individual and prefer the old pen-and-paper method, it can be challenging to ensure your design remains accessible and malleable throughout the process. Consider drafting a digital version of your finalized design, ensuring future accessibility and adjustability as you create your custom cable assembly.
In some cases, even if the design functions on paper, it may contain a flaw that goes unnoticed until a prototype is created. A digital rendering can often be more accessible and can be adjusted as needed. Instead of going back to the drawing board in a literal sense, a digital plan can be adjusted with a few keystrokes.
Final Check
A final check and run-through is in order as your project design winds down. Performing a final check of the labels, conventions, etc., helps to clear up any potentially missed details within your design. Before testing and prototyping, the final inspection is paramount for the continued progress of your custom cable assembly project.
Your custom cable assembly drawing is ready after you’ve crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s. Of course, there could be other steps depending on your specific project and the necessities of your equipment. A complete and thorough design helps streamline the following prototyping, testing, and manufacturing processes.
Get Expert Help With Meridian
We understand the massive effort that goes into every cable assembly design because we’ve done it for nearly three decades. If drafting your custom cable assembly drawing sends you into a spiral, we get it. Fortunately, you don’t have to stress over the fine details of your cable assembly project because we’re here to help. Our experienced team of design engineers is ready and able to guide you through the entire process or create the design for you.
If you want expert help on your custom cable assembly design, contact our team to get started today.