6 replies to this topic

[Alchemist]

What gauge (AWG) of wire is recommended for the lead wires please? Do you use a different gauge for "hot rewinds" as opposed to "over-the-counter" type motors like the Falcon 7, TSRF etc.,? What criteria must be considered when selecting lead wires?

Thank you.

Ernie

[Marty Stanley]

Ernie,

Basically you have really only a couple of choices today. TQ supplies either 16 or 18 gauge lead wires.

Electrically the difference is as thus:

16 AWG wire will provide 4.016 ohms of resistance per 1000 feet of length. Given this, a typical slot car lead wire is 6 inches in length and will provide .002 ohms of rsistance.

18 AWG wire will provide 6.385 ohms of resistance per 1000 feet of length. Given this, a typical slot car lead wire is 6 inches in length and will provide .006 ohms of rsistance.

Knowing that the voltage drop is calculated by multiplying resistance and current draw. Assuming you are running a hot group 12 motor that at full load will draw 10 amps, you can simply see that the voltage drop is thus

16 gauge wire - 10 amps x .002 = .02 volts lost

18 gauge wire - 10 amps x .006 = .06 volts lost

I really don't think that it makes that much of a difference electrically.

Personally I like 16 gauge wire as it is much more flexible. I'd rather have that quality as I can have more voltage loss in the total circuit of power supply, controller hook up, braids and such as I have in the lead wire.

Of course, this is simply my opinion.

[Bill from NH]

Ernie, choose a wire that has lots of fine strands & a silicone insulation as both provide for flex. In my estimation, if you buy a brand name wire, it doesn't matter much whether it's TQ, Koford, Alpha, Parma, Slick 7, Professor Motor, Proslot, Dick P., or whatever. If you're talking vintage motors & period looking wire, your choices are somewhat limited.

[JerseyJohn]

Ernie,

Basically you have really only a couple of choices today. TQ supplies either 16 or 18 gauge lead wires.

Electrically the difference is as thus:

16 AWG wire will provide 4.016 ohms of resistance per 1000 feet of length. Given this, a typical slot car lead wire is 6 inches in length and will provide .002 ohms of rsistance.

18 AWG wire will provide 6.385 ohms of resistance per 1000 feet of length. Given this, a typical slot car lead wire is 6 inches in length and will provide .006 ohms of rsistance.

Knowing that the voltage drop is calculated by multiplying resistance and current draw. Assuming you are running a hot group 12 motor that at full load will draw 10 amps, you can simply see that the voltage drop is thus

16 gauge wire - 10 amps x .002 = .02 volts lost

18 gauge wire - 10 amps x .006 = .06 volts lost

I really don't think that it makes that much of a difference electrically.

Personally I like 16 gauge wire as it is much more flexible. I'd rather have that quality as I can have more voltage loss in the total circuit of power supply, controller hook up, braids and such as I have in the lead wire.

Of course, this is simply my opinion.

Hay Wild Man..What is shakin BIG BACON !!!!

[Marty Stanley]

JJ,

The only thing shakin' is the weather forecast! New Jersey is gonna get two feet of snow!

[Alchemist]

You guys are awesome! I really appreciate the information you share and provides me with technical knowledge as well.

Many thanks, gentlemen!

Ernie

[DannyHotShot1]

Don't forget about the strand count. I prefer 18 gauge because it has the highest strand count.