Does size really matter?

[DAB_Design]

I know I"m going to have to eventually rewire my control box. And was curious as to whether or not size matters as far as wire guage. I know going too small would be a problem. But what about using a size that is larger than what I'm using now?

For example, I have what I believe 20 or 22 guage wire running to my encoders. Would it be ok to use 18awg? When working with small wires (like 22awg), my fat fingers have a hell of a time getting them where they need to go, and keeping them there while I solder, crimp, or whatever means I'm using to connect them.

[TigerPilot]

Rule of thumb says you can't go smaller but you can go bigger. We are working with low voltage. A small wire will have a higher voltage drop on it because of the higher current, and therefore less voltage getting to the load, than a bigger wire. A small wire will get warmer then a bigger one again because of the higher current. We are using small wires in a computer because it is just communication and the currant is in the low milliamps.

All in all, give your fat fingers a break and go ahead with the 18awg. :-)

Yoram

[DAB_Design]

Excellent! Thanks.