Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] wire gauge and steppers

On Sun, 20 Apr 2003 16:50:27 -0000, you wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I am trying to figure out the wire sizes needed inside my panel
>between the transformer and rectifier-cap and Gecko's.
>
>I want to use 4 Geckos, 3 set for 2.4 amps and one set for 1.5 amps.

This is relatively low current.

>
>Since the DC buss is 35 volts, I don't think 18 ga would be a problem
>to the Geckos or to the Steppers.

Voltage is not relevant to wire size, but is relevant to the
insulation thickness. Most wire is rated well over 100 volts, so no
problems there (typically 600 volts for household wire).

>
>I googled 'wire chart, 'wire gauge chart' and so forth, but have not
>found any simple tables for rating 18 ga on a 24VAC line or on the DC
>line. assuming the 24VDC runs about 4 inches, I hope 18 is fine.

I think that you're fine, although if you want, you can use #14 wire
if it makes you feel better.

Wire is rated at ohms/1000 feet, so that * the current gives you your
volts drop but that's per 1000 feet. You could tolerate a bit of drop
in the stepper wires, (if you look at the wires on the steppers,
they're probably #20 or #22). Your real voltage drop is over a
distance generally less than 1 foot, so you will lose more in the
connectors, if any.

Off hand, I'd use #18, or #16 if you feel better about it.

>
>Anyone have any links to either the calculatins or a chart ?

What I've given you is strictly "off the top of my head"....

Household: #12 is ok to 20 amps
#14 is ok to 15

#16 is probably ok to 10

#18 ok to 5 amps... again, guessing..... #18 is used for 10 to 15
amps at 117, so again, no big deal... Household runs are often in the
70 foot range, but at more voltage drop permissible....

What the heck, #16 or #18 is fine...

Harvey

>
>Dave
>