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28 gauge wire too small?
markronz:
I have a question about wiring also. After reading this post, I went out in search of 22 gauge wire. I just bought some cable at Home Depot last night that's similar to this:
http://alarmsuperstore.com/zen-cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=117_122&products_id=858
It was labeled "security cable" and 22-2 stranded. I guess this means 22 gauge wire, 2 stranded, right? So I assume this means that I can de-case the bigger wire, and use the two individual wires that are within in to wire up my controls right?
Also, about quick disconnects, is there a recommended size for these? Like is there one that is going to crimp easier onto 22 gauge wire? Or will I just have to possibly fold the cable over once so that it fits better inside of the qd? Also any special tricks to this? Or is it as simple as jamming it in there and crimping it?
Thanks!
ragnar:
A 75 foot roll of 20 gauge twisted wire costs $6 at Radio Shack. This is not overly complex wiring. I'd just take my time and keep things neat and wiring will not be an issue.
If concerend, just consider adding tape to each wire end and labeling the wire via the tape based flag. Masking tape does a fine job of this. That way, you know what goes where. Not as nice looking but the box innards are not commonly visible.
MikeDeuce:
Are there any hobbyist electricians on staff to set me straight with current carrying wire sizes?
I'm thinking more along the lines of powering masses of LEDs, now that we have the luxury of all these LED/output controller boards. In the past, I've always gone the overkill route to play it safe (18-20awg) but I've been considering the use of stranded 24awg cat5e cable.
In referencing the chart here: http://www.interfacebus.com/Copper_Wire_AWG_SIze.html
I'm reading it as though 24awg is capable of carrying 577mA... which is confirmed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable#Characteristics
Am I correct then, in concluding that even with RGB LEDs that consume a max of ~60mA, that 24awg is grossly overkill?
DillonFoulds:
Until someone more educated chimes in...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_over_Ethernet#Standard_implementation
padstack:
--- Quote from: MikeDeuce on August 24, 2010, 07:28:09 pm ---Are there any hobbyist electricians on staff to set me straight with current carrying wire sizes?
I'm thinking more along the lines of powering masses of LEDs, now that we have the luxury of all these LED/output controller boards. In the past, I've always gone the overkill route to play it safe (18-20awg) but I've been considering the use of stranded 24awg cat5e cable.
In referencing the chart here: http://www.interfacebus.com/Copper_Wire_AWG_SIze.html
I'm reading it as though 24awg is capable of carrying 577mA... which is confirmed here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable#Characteristics
Am I correct then, in concluding that even with RGB LEDs that consume a max of ~60mA, that 24awg is grossly overkill?
--- End quote ---
I would think so. Here's a link to a catalog page from the company I work for:
http://www.peigenesis.com/images/content/cannon/CSG/KJA/itt-cannon-kja-mil-dtl-38999-series-III-description-applications-technical-specifications-pgs191-193.pdf
(and no, I'm not trying to sell anything. Quite honestly, you'd be crazy to use this stuff in this hobby as a mated pair of 38999's would probably cost more than most of the hardware in your system! LOL!)
Scroll down to page two for the current ratings.
Basically, you have to consider both the wire and the contact. Anything under an amp is nothing. As mentioned before, if you use something too small for the rated contact, you might as well solder it as a crimp won't be very good quality. A roll of 16 or 18AWG wire isn't that expensive when comparing the hassle of troubleshooting bad connections. Cat5 will work (I've used plenty of it myself), but IMO unless you have the proper tooling and terminals you could be asking for trouble (especially if you've never messed with this stuff before). Typically, even crappy tooling is more expensive than the roll of 18AWG wire.
I'd pick up a cheap crimp tool, some 1/4" fast-on terminals, and a spool of 18 or 18AWG wire from harbor freight and save yourself any hassle.
Just my $0.02.