Speaker cable as mod wiring

[KenD]

Hi,
I'm preparing to build my first mod, a dna box mod (trial with a cheap clone 30 first, an authentic dna40 when I get it right). One of the problems I've run into is that it's near impossible to find 18-20ga electrical wire. What is readily available is speaker wire in various sizes. I'm wondering if there would be any problems using that instead of electrical wiring? It's multistranded oxygen free copper so on that note it should be useable, and I'm thinking of using the 0.75mm2 cable (that's between 18 and 19ga).

So, can I use speaker wire or will there be problems, and what would the trouble be in that case?

 

[JohnnyDill]

Speaker wire IS electrical wire. I have used it in mods and it works fine.

 

[KenD]

Thanks! That's what I've been thinking as well, but wanted to make sure. Building mods really takes some effort here. I live in the largest city in northern Europe and I can't find a shop for electrical components (the last one I know of closed their bm shop in April). Online is where it's at, and the place where I'm gonna order my cases only have 22ga and thinner wire... *end rant*

 

[rhelton]

22 gauge is the minimum recommended wire gauge for a dna 30 build from the data sheet.

 

[AzPlumber]

You probably don't need that ceiling light in the spare bedroom, it has enough wire running to it for a few dozen mods.

 

[KenD]

22 gauge is the minimum recommended wire gauge for a dna 30 build from the data sheet.

With the dna40 it's 18ga for the battery and atty.

 

[rhelton]

Ahh gotcha, I cant read apparently I thought we talking about a 30.

 

[TUS172]

Yeah from the Evolv site:
Recommended wire sizes for the DNA 40:
..............Minimum size.... Recommended size ...Maximum size
Battery .... 22 gauge .............18 gauge................ 18 gauge
Output ......22 gauge..............18 gauge.................18 gauge
Charger .... 26 gauge............. 24 gauge................ 20 gauge
Switches... 28 gauge............. 24 gauge................ 22 gauge

 

[TUS172]

Speaker wire IS electrical wire. I have used it in mods and it works fine.

From Evolv: High temperature insulation is preferred.

I am not positive... Does speaker wire have high temperature insulation?
Edit:
I checked around and you can go on Ebay and enter "TXL Automotive Wiring" you can get 150' or so of differing color multi stranded hi-temp wire (just about any gauge you want). It will cost you but then again you'll have enough for 2 or 3 hundred mods.

 

[gandymarsh]

Do they have hobby shops that deal in radio control cars/planes in Stockholm? I think they would sell silicone insulated wire there. Silicone has a high melting point.

 

[KenD]

Do they have hobby shops that deal in radio control cars/planes in Stockholm? I think they would sell silicone insulated wire there. Silicone has a high melting point.

Great idea! How come I didn't think of that? We have several rc shops, I'll need to check those out.

 

[Marc411]

This is a good source for wire. You can get 6 color kits or by it by the foot.

MTW Machine Tool Wire by the Foot

MTW Wire, Machine Tool Wire

 

[KenD]

This is a good source for wire. You can get 6 color kits or by it by the foot.

MTW Machine Tool Wire by the Foot

MTW Wire, Machine Tool Wire

The shipping costs would probably be astronomical, if they ship to Europe at all. Particularly as I probably won't need more than one meter, maximum.

 

[Marc411]

Not crazy but a little high. Shipping was $10

 

[KenD]

Not crazy but a little high. Shipping was $10

Can't choose any other country than the US for shipping (at least in my browser). In any case, $10 is a bit steep as I only need a meter or two.

 

[Spirometry]

HobbyKing will ship from UK.

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