Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Connorsdad on August 12, 2013, 11:43:09 am
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I want to extend the power lines coming from my power supply for things such as an external led switch, pololu controller, 12v motor etc. The wires from my psu are rated 18 awg, would it be safe to extend these with 16 awg wire?
The reason I ask is I purchased 16 awg wire after reading that it is used on most psu's.
I'll be glad when the wiring up bit is done, I've already fried one pololu controller, inadvertently dragged it on top of the metal hdd casing without noticing ::)
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It depends on how much current is being drawn and how long the run is.
No worries with the LEDs, but the 12v motor may be an issue depending on how much current it draws.
It would be a good idea to use a separate power supply or a laptop block for the motor anyway.
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Heres the motor that I have connected to my psu powerlines:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00858TMYY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00858TMYY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I have it connected to the main psu since march and no troubles, have I just been lucky?
I understand absolutely diddly squat about amps, voltage, currents etc so I will take any advice you guys have to offer.
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As long as the .13 amp rating on the side of the motor is correct, 16 gauge is fine even for very long runs of wire.
I wasn't expecting the current draw to be that low. I'm used to playing with recoil solenoids, steering ffb, & linear actuators which pull a lot more. :P
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Cheers Badmouth, thanks for your input :)
Sent from Amstrad CPC464