What gauge wire do i need?

[aphex]

As per my previous post, I am adding a jack that fits onto a 24 volt regulated (500 mA) AC/DC adapter using a female inline adapter.

Question is; What gauge wire will I need? (I assume it should be the same gauge as the AC/DC adapter wire)

 

[corkyg]

My understanding is that the gauge of the wire would depend largely on the distance or length of circuit for efficiency. How many feet/meters?

 

[aphex]

the part i will make will be 10" or so.

 

[PurdueRy]

It's still overkill, but use stranded 22 AWG. It will easily handle the current, be very flexible and is readily available from any store that sells wire.

 

[HVAC]

In free air, 32AWG will handle 500mA, but for power transmission 24AWG is recommended (but very conservative). Basically, the larger the wire (smaller the gauge number) the less voltage drop will occur between the power supply and the load. One must trade-off between mechanical reliability(larger is better,stranded is better), voltage drop(larger is better), cost(smaller is better,solid is better), flexibility(smaller is generally better, stranded is better), etc.....

 

[aphex]

I found some 24 gauge 2-gauge rainbow wire at ratshack... That should work?

http://www.radioshack.com/prod...p?productId=2062655&cp

 

[JackMDS]

24 would be OK but you should use Stranded not solid.

http://www.radioshack.com/prod...wire&parentPage=search

 

[SerpentRoyal]

24!

 

[aphex]

what does stranded do?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: aphex
what does stranded do?

Makes the wire bend easier and not break as easily. In addition, it solders better.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: aphex
what does stranded do?

It means that the cable is comprise of few thin copper wires, rather than one thick wire.

Thus as posted above: "Makes the wire bend easier and not break as easily. In addition, it solders better".