What wire to use?

[MrNaz]

Just a question about wiring for LEDs. For taking power from battery compartments to the LEDs I am using the strands from inside CAT5 cable. Is this a good conductor to use, or am I showing off my noobness?

 

[Fallingwater]

Too thin. Ethernet is only meant to transport very small currents.
You need thicker wires, or you lose too much power to wire resistance.

 

[dom]

Hi MrNaz
Silicone wire for applications where wire is being flexed all the time would be best.

Teflon wire is also good and smaller overall diameter relative to the AWG of other wire types.

Your CAT wire is single strand -yes? Usually not the best for flexing much but fine to use for static applications.

The amount of power you will be using and length of wire you need determines the thickness of wire you need as well.

Cheers
Dom

 

[greenLED]

I use teflon wire, 24AWG (bought off eBay).

 

[likeguymontag]

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

 

[datiLED]

CJ here on CPF is an excellent source for Teflon wire. His international shipping rates are good, too. Anything from 24 to 28 gauge is good for general wiring.

 

[Black Rose]

I use teflon wire, 24AWG (bought off eBay).

Same here (navships?)

 

[greenLED]

Same here (navships?)

Yup-yup, that's the one. Always excellent service.

 

[rufusbduck]

Just a question about wiring for LEDs. For taking power from battery compartments to the LEDs I am using the strands from inside CAT5 cable. Is this a good conductor to use, or am I showing off my noobness?

No, just your inventiveness. I like teflon wire for its resistance to heat. When soldering, it doesn't heat shrink back from the solder joint as cheaper wire does.