How thick does a lead wire need to be? Seems to me as long as the lead wire is at least as thick as the wire on the motor it should be as thick as it needs to be. Am I right on my thinking?
Leadwire?
Started by
Pappy
, Oct 15 2019 04:40 AM
11 replies to this topic
#1
Pappy
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 04:40 AM
Jim "Butch" Dunaway
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#2
havlicek
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 05:36 AM
I attached a link to a chart-thingie Butch, but it says an open motor should have wire around as thick as a garden hose. Then again, even the thin and very flexible Mabuchi stuff works well on some pretty amp-hungry motors...so what do I know? 
http://assets.bluese...ion_chartlg.jpg
John Havlicek
#3
Pappy
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 08:32 AM
John,
The reason I'm asking is because this is the wire we use in 1/32 scale racing, https://www.slotcarc...-Feet-p563.html thin, very flexible and never breaks. I was just wondering if it would carry enough current for Retro Racing. It's 168 individual strands with very thin but tough silicone insulation.
Jim "Butch" Dunaway
I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do it's because I missed my exit.
All my life I've strived to keep from becoming a millionaire, so far I've succeeded.
There are three kinds of people in the world, those that are good at math and those that aren't.
No matter how big of a hammer you use, you can't pound common sense into stupid people, believe me, I've tried.
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#4
MSwiss
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 08:36 AM
Retro cars don't draw much power.
IMO, your biggest issue would be if it provided adequate guide return.
IMO, your biggest issue would be if it provided adequate guide return.
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Mike Swiss
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#5
mreibman
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 08:41 AM
I showed up for a wing race (group 12) with 18 ga lead wire, and got chastised for using "drag lead wire". It was 150 strand silicone, and works nice. I have since changed my lead wires to a thinner 22 ga. silicone which is only about 60 strands. Both are rated for 600V and 200 degrees C. A local drag racer uses 26 ga. magnet wire. Bearing in mind, the magnet wire is solid and not springy (holds its shape more or less).
So the anecdotal answer is - use what works for your car first of all (drag cars don't turn). But stranded is more appropriate for DC. 22 AWG silicone ought to do you fine.
Mike Reibman
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Alleged amateur racer.
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Able to maintain slot cars with a single bound.
Faster than a speeding Womp.
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#6
Half Fast
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 08:53 AM
TQ 20 gauge wire is commonly used in Retro racing. The thicker TQ wire as well.
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#7
Rotorranch
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 08:59 AM
FWIW... for the last 10 years or so I've been using TQ 18ga leadwire on most everything. I did recently get some 20, 22 and 24ga silicone wire off ePay. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks good. It might be stiff enough to center the guide.
Rotor
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#8
Pablo
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 09:26 AM
What Swiss said
Paul Wolcott
#9
havlicek
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 10:55 AM
I agree with the above too. That wire should be more than fine as far as current-carrying, but the "self-centering" of such flexible wire is something to consider. Then again, if you have already been using it, you're probably familiar with all that too. Looks like nice stuff!
John Havlicek
#10
Danny Zona
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 10:57 AM
Lap times will let you know if thick vs thin is better.
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#11
Pappy
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 11:11 AM
Thanks for all the input, especially about centering the guide flag. Gives me a couple of things to think about with what I'm trying to do.
Jim "Butch" Dunaway
I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do it's because I missed my exit.
All my life I've strived to keep from becoming a millionaire, so far I've succeeded.
There are three kinds of people in the world, those that are good at math and those that aren't.
No matter how big of a hammer you use, you can't pound common sense into stupid people, believe me, I've tried.
2000 Jackasses
#12
orangecrate
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Posted 15 October 2019 - 12:24 PM
A digital VOM is a great pit box tool. If you do not have one, home depot or lowes sells them and harbor freight. There are various on line sites for basic electricity and basic electronics and all about ohm,s law.
David Schneider
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