[sdiy] Wire Gauge Help

[Roy J. Tellason]

On Monday 12 May 2008 14:38, Sam Ecoff wrote:
> Hi Guys,
>
> Can anybody tell me what gauge of wire I want to use for handling
> 120V lines into a power supply? I've read online that 14 ga is
> typically used for 15 amp circuits, but this is a 1.5 amp supply.
> Thoughts?

That's typical for house wiring,  not the internals of equipment...

I'll typically use 18 or 20 gauge wire for stuff like that.  The quality of 
the insulation is more important than the absolute size of the wire.

Generally,  smaller wire is used for smaller currents,  consistent with it 
being phyically up to the job (stresses,  etc.).  Wire size only becomes a 
real issue when current levels cause too much voltage drop (not likely in 
this case) which results in heating of the wire,  thus causing fires,  etc.

Typical line cords are 18 gauge.

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