Wire size

[jdbostrom]

Okay, I have this thing about using wire that is a lot bigger than I really need, just to be on the safe side. I just decided to pull out the majority of the 18 gauge wire that I was using for everything down to lights and replace it with some 22 gauge stranded. I got to the motor (a 12v Johnson running off a 7.2v NiMH) and I am wondering if I am safe replacing the 18 gauge with the 22, or should I just leave it?

I don't know how much current the motor draws or exactly what size it is, but the can is about 2.5 inches long and probably about 1.75 - 2 inches in diameter. Like I said, it's running off a 7.2 battery.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[lobo]

I would leave it at

I would leave it at 18 gauge for the motor.
Failing to know the motor's draw, I would err on the larger wire size as you have been doing.

I am sure on the rest of the sub you can use the 22 as you plan on, happy Wiring!
Steve

[JWLaRue]

I'd have to agree with

I'd have to agree with Steve.....unless there is a reason to change, leave it alone.

Wire gauge 22 is 0.0254 inches in diameter and wire gauge 18 is 0.0403 inches in diameter. The smaller diameter wire will create more of a voltage drop...though given the length wire that we typically use, it may not be enough to worry about. (the smaller wire yields about a 0.1 voltage drop in a 6 inch length of 22 gauge wire with a 3 amp 12 volt load. The larger wire essentially has no loss.)

-Jeff

[jdbostrom]

Okay, thanks guys. Since I

Okay, thanks guys. Since I have no real reason to change them, I'll just leave them alone. They are just kind of bulky, that's all.

Thanks,
Jonathan