dullard
Elite Member
Is there any rule of thumb about what size wire to use for various applications? I'm doing some electrical work in my research machine and need to order some wire. Here are my needs:
1) 120V AC, 7A,
2) 24V DC, 2.1A,
3) 24V DC, 0.4A.
All the hook-up wire I see says it is rated for 600V or more - so voltage isn't a problem. But I'm curious about the current. I assume the thicker wires are meant for higher currents. But is there a rule of thumb of what thickness to use for these currents? I'd rather avoid ordering excessively thick wire (cost and difficulty of use).
1) 120V AC, 7A,
2) 24V DC, 2.1A,
3) 24V DC, 0.4A.
All the hook-up wire I see says it is rated for 600V or more - so voltage isn't a problem. But I'm curious about the current. I assume the thicker wires are meant for higher currents. But is there a rule of thumb of what thickness to use for these currents? I'd rather avoid ordering excessively thick wire (cost and difficulty of use).
