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| KL27x:
I also use 30AWG single/solid conductor "wrapping wire" more than just about anything else for circuit board-level work, whether pcb rework or for use with protoboards. It looks "wrong" because the holes in the protoboard are so large. But as long as the wires are kept short, they can pass a lot of current with minimal voltage drop and heat. There are multiple reasons to use wire this thin besides cost. It is very easy to strip. The small cross section means that the insulation doesn't have time to melt while soldering the connection. And the very thin insulation and conductor make for high density connections without building a mess, and small enough to fit to the pins of almost any IC. You would think it is too thin to be reliable, mechanically, but IME it works great once you get the hang of getting the wires the right length and placement. Getting the jumpers where they won't be disturbed works a lot better than trying to use wire so thick that it can handle abuse. |
| bob91343:
If you really want to get scientific, use a wire size such that the current density in the wire is low. A rule of thumb might be 400 circular mils per ampere. Look in a wire chart for the circular mils of the wire size you want to use and divide by the current you expect. If the result is above 400 you are safe. (the value 400 is arbitrary based on experience) Of course there is more to it than that. Wire has resistance and inductance, so it's possible those parameters will be limiting the suitability of a given wire size. Plus, thin wire is fragile. |
| fixit7:
--- Quote from: bob91343 on June 07, 2019, 06:04:04 am ---If you really want to get scientific, use a wire size such that the current density in the wire is low. A rule of thumb might be 400 circular mils per ampere. Look in a wire chart for the circular mils of the wire size you want to use and divide by the current you expect. If the result is above 400 you are safe. (the value 400 is arbitrary based on experience) Of course there is more to it than that. Wire has resistance and inductance, so it's possible those parameters will be limiting the suitability of a given wire size. Plus, thin wire is fragile. --- End quote --- I think I will try 22 gauge. Like you said, thinner wire is fragile. So far, my projects have been low power. I will use P = E squared when I get to the point of more complex circuits. ----------------- R Future projects will be to use AC current for transformers to step down current. I salvaged a lot of parts from a laser printer. I think the bulb for the drum is what draws the most current. The input has a 15 amp fuse. |
| bob91343:
You may learn, as I have, that salvaging parts from old discarded gear can be very useful. I have a house full of components of many types, including diodes, transistors, ICs, motors, fans, transformers, capacitors, fuses, on and on. I file them so that if I need something I can usually find it. This has paid off for me over and over. Not only in saving money by already having what I need, but also saving time in searching for sources as well as being able to get on with the current project. Of course, as in my case, one can carry it too far. One needs to realize that most people would think it's foolish but I don't much care what people think. |
| fixit7:
--- Quote from: bob91343 on June 07, 2019, 06:01:29 pm ---You may learn, as I have, that salvaging parts from old discarded gear can be very useful. I have a house full of components of many types, including diodes, transistors, ICs, motors, fans, transformers, capacitors, fuses, on and on. I file them so that if I need something I can usually find it. This has paid off for me over and over. Not only in saving money by already having what I need, but also saving time in searching for sources as well as being able to get on with the current project. Of course, as in my case, one can carry it too far. One needs to realize that most people would think it's foolish but I don't much care what people think. --- End quote --- It is definitely not foolish. You are recycling what would end up in a landfill. That's commendable. Just a few things I have found in dumpsters or had been put out for trash in the last 6 months. Hard drives from a DVR Enough wood to fill a small closet Ironing board that had a broken weld Take care, Andy |
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