Wiring question -- the BEST way?

[kspiff]

I'll soon need to get started on wiring my control panel(s) for my upcoming cabinet.. I've done the planning and acquired [some of] the controls, but I have one question (which I think I know the answer to, but..): using an i-Pac (and an AT power supply for +5/+12) and Opti-Pac, is 22 AWG solid core wire the ideal solution for all wiring? Or should I use 18 AWG solid core for the grounds and +5/+12 leads (as Mr. Salty recommends)?  

Also, is stranded wire acceptable (or necessary)? I have a large spool of 22 AWG stranded wire already.. but then again, it's a pain to solder into d-sub solder cups for making panel quick disconnects.. the stranded works fine for crimped pin d-subs, but I'd rather have stronger, soldered connectors.

Any help appreciated.. I'm going all out on this and just don't want to ruin any of the controls I can't replace.  

kspiff

[aramis]

Well, this is just my own opinion, but...

I think 22awg is fine for everything. I can't imagine why any considerable amount of current would be flowing through your input lines which would require something "thicker" than 22awg. It shouldn't take much to sink the input to turn it "on".

Also, I would stay away from solid core wire. It can get very brittle, or get stress fractures in the conductor. In other words, it would tend to fail more often if you were thinking of interchangeable control panels where the "plug" gets attached/re-attached often.

As far as using the stranded 22awg for d-sub connectors, I say "practice makes perfect". I've got 20 years soldering experience, so maybe it's easy for me to say that, I dunno.

[aramis]

oh, and just for reference...

A CSA/UL rated 22awg wire (90degC / 300v) can handle about 6 amps max. Wires with higher C rating insulation can go higher than that.

I can't imagine having anything close to a 6A current draw??? Please let me know if I'm mistaken!!!