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Sorry another wire / gauge / length question

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by iJDub, Feb 6, 2014.

  1. Feb 6, 2014 at 10:51 PM
    #1
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sorry the calculators normally don't drop under 15 feet or 5 amps.

    Anyway, could I use 22 awg wires to go from cabin switch to relays (total length is about 4 feet. These are purely to trigger the relays.
     
  2. Feb 6, 2014 at 11:15 PM
    #2
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Electrically? You are fine as long as you fuse them at 5a.
    Mechanically? Personally, I won't use anything smaller than 18ga in a vehicle, simply from a durability standpoint. Yes, the factory wiring runs 20, 22, and maybe even 24.
    They are also factory loomed harnesses that are self-supporting and secured so they aren't moving.
    I would only run 20-24ga if it is contained in a multi-conductor cable. Ethernet cable is actually a very useful cable as long as it is fused at 2 amps (24ga).

    As far as tables going under 15ft, just use the 15ft spec and you'll be okay for anything shorter.
    Resistance is measured in ohms per 1000ft...22ga is 16.14 ohms/kft, so down at even 15ft you're only looking at a quarter of an ohm.
    4ft is insignificant.
    Understand that voltage drop is a function of length AND current. With little or no load (such as a relay coil), you get little or no voltage drop.

    There is a good table here:
    http://wiki.xtronics.com/index.php/Wire-Gauge_Ampacity
     
  3. Feb 6, 2014 at 11:19 PM
    #3
    iJDub

    iJDub [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh it is in a shielded conduit type cable. Like cat5 sorta. That's why I even asked.
     
  4. Feb 6, 2014 at 11:23 PM
    #4
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    You'll be fine. But do be sure it is 22ga... network cables are 24ga and telephone cables are often 28ga.
    Even if it's 26ga, it'll probably still be okay to drive the relays (one relay per pair), but be sure to fuse it appropriately (1a for 26ga).
     

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