LesCir Posted July 31, 2010 Report Share Posted July 31, 2010 I have a circuit of relays and diodes. Total draw will be 400ma at 12 volts. (Actual PS delivery is 13.2 volts).What gauge wire do I need to safely hook this up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hero999 Posted July 31, 2010 Report Share Posted July 31, 2010 It depends on many factors: the ambient temperature, maximum temperate rating of the cable insulation, the resistance of the conductor and the ability of the cable to dissipate heat, which depends on whether it's is buried, sheathed, in free air, coiled up and the how good a thermal insulator the electrical insulation is.Here's a table giving general values.http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Wire-Gauge_AmpacityUse the Wikipedia table, if you need to convert to metric.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge#Table_of_AWG_wire_sizesFor 400mA I wouldn't worry about it, if it's thinner than #30, it probably won't be mechanically strong enough for what you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LesCir Posted July 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2010 Thanks... you're right, even with my enclosed wiring, it looks like anything in my parts box will do it :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.