I'm rewiring two amplifiers and I need some hookup wire. I ordered some 20AWG from AliExpress. I know, I know, don't trust china but I figured that if I order from anyone else, they just order from china, mark it up and sell it to me. The order arrived but while the wire is marked 20AWG, it measures between 25AWG and 22AWG. I'm intending to wire tube heaters and that carries a bit of amperage so the thinner wire isn't going to work.

Can you suggest a more reliable source for me?

Quick Google search and I found Remington Industries.

Price seems reasonable as you can buy various lengths.

I usually source wire for my projects from ebay. I prefer mil-spec wire with PTFE insulation. It’s cheap and readily available.

quote:

Originally posted by Wayniac:
I usually source wire for my projects from ebay. I prefer mil-spec wire with PTFE insulation. It’s cheap and readily available.

Is just chinesium but you have a better return policy, right?

I’ll check it out. Got any specific sellers that you’ve used?

I can still use the Aliexpress stuff but not for this application so I’m not going to return it or demand a refund.

I don't think I have any 20AWG on hand or I would send you some.

A good article on Chinese wire
link

My last purchase was from “AudiophileAnswers”.

quote:

Originally posted by BlackTalonJHP:
I don't think I have any 20AWG on hand or I would send you some.

A good article on Chinese wire
link

Good article. At least I know I’m not crazy. I knew it was wrong before measuring it.

quote:

Originally posted by Wayniac:
My last purchase was from “AudiophileAnswers”.

Thanks. I’ll add them to my list.

Check your local Ace Hardware store. When I was converting a large number of my rental equipment units, I did some major re-wiring. Ace had spools of wire, various gauges, various color codes, that they just reeled off and sold by the foot.

Too bad that you're not in my local area. There is a store, SkyCraft, that is like a huge flea market for electrical / electronic stuff, new, used, surplus, etc.

I have some 2 wire 18ga wire I could send you if that would work. Send me an email if that works.

quote:

Originally posted by VANQUISH:
I have some 2 wire 18ga wire I could send you if that would work. Send me an email if that works.

And if that isn't exactly what you need, please give me a shout. I believe I can help you.

quote:

I'm intending to wire tube heaters and that carries a bit of amperage so the thinner wire isn't going to work.

I know this won't be news to you, but if you can provide the actual amperage requirement, it's a simple thing to spec the actual wire gauge required.
I have spools and spools of wire, tens of thousands of feet in various gauges and conductor configurations, do you know what the actual current requirement is?

ETA:
vthoky is in "the biz" and can probably get you anything you need as well...

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
I know, I know, don't trust china but I figured that if I order from anyone else, they just order from china, mark it up and sell it to me.

Not everything made in China is necessarily C³ (Cheap Chinese Crap). Ordering from a more reputable vendor, a vendor that specializes in electrical and electronic components, might ensure better product quality. Might.

Have you checked DigiKey and Mouser? Those are the first two places I'd look.

After that I'd look into any of the other legitimate electronic parts stores, such as Allied Electronics.

Failing all that, I'd call my old employer and ask the purchasing dept. where they buy their wire. (I used to know. I no longer recall.) I know there are plenty of wire and cable houses around here. They often won't sell in put-ups less than 1,000 ft., but, sometimes, they have "spool ends" they will sell you. (That's how I managed to get a small put-up of high-end braid-over-foil RG-6 type coaxial cable, locally, for a good price.)

I'd never in a million years have bought any such thing from AliExpress. Indeed: I've never bought anything from AliExpress, nor have I any intention of ever doing so.

Walmart has wire in the automotive section.

quote:

Originally posted by stoic-one:

quote:

I'm intending to wire tube heaters and that carries a bit of amperage so the thinner wire isn't going to work.

I know this won't be news to you, but if you can provide the actual amperage requirement, it's a simple thing to spec the actual wire gauge required.

Well, the first amp runs three 12AX7s and four EL34s. So, what's that? 6.5 A.

The other runs four 12AX7s and two 6L6GCs. That's right at 2.4 A (the transformers are generally rated at 5 A on the heater tap). This is the one I am using 20AWG. Now that I look at the chart it looks inadequate. That’s what’s normally suggested. I think I’m going to get a wider gauge. I’m going to rethink the whole thing. Thanks.

Yeah, the suggestions are 20AWG for the two 6L6GC amp and 18 AWG for the four EL34 amp. That doesn’t line up with the charts I’ve seen but it seems to be standard.

Edit - I see where I was going wrong. I was looking at the wrong chart. I needed to check the one for “ Recommended Current ratings (continuous duty) for Electronic Equipment and Chassis wiring” and not the first one that just happens to show up on Le Googul. So I’m good with 20 AWG.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
...........while the wire is marked 20AWG, it measures between 25AWG and 22AWG. I'm intending to wire tube heaters and that carries a bit of amperage so the thinner wire isn't going to work.

Can you suggest a more reliable source for me?

Just take the wire you have and put another equal length of it in parallel with itself.

that will cut the resistance in half right off the bat.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Have you checked DigiKey and Mouser? Those are the first two places I'd look.

Both are excellent sources, but I tend to use those two (and Newark) for electronic components, and they also sell wire. My needs for just wire have been mostly automotive (GXL engine compartment high temp), and for that, and just regular wire, I go to Del City.

quote:

Originally posted by radioman:
Just take the wire you have and put another equal length of it in parallel with itself.

that will cut the resistance in half right off the bat.

I considered exactly that but if one fails, at best I’ll be redoing it, at worst I’ll be calling the fire department.

quote:

Originally posted by henryaz:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
Have you checked DigiKey and Mouser? Those are the first two places I'd look.

Both are excellent sources, but I tend to use those two (and Newark) for electronic components, and they also sell wire.

Newark Electronics - that's the one I couldn't remember when I posted the other three. Thanks!

Yes, I've also used Newark for small quantities of small components and so-on in the past.