Wire ain't what it used to be !

[928cdu]

Hi,
Just about to re-wire my electric fan (complete with thermostatic switch) & decided to buy some new 20amp auto-electric wire off ebay. Was surprised how thin it was ! It seemed to compare thickness wise to some 5amp stuff I'd bought say 10 years ago from Halfords. Any ideas if (&how) wire technology has evolved, or have they delivered the wrong stuff ?

Thanks ... Richard

[stevejgreen]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

Can you post a link to the stuff you bought. It's difficult to comment without.

[scott h]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

My guess is that it will be thin wall cable, which as the name suggests has a much thinner insulation of a higher grade. It is what most auto cables are made of these days. However to be sure we need a link to what you have bought, as said above.

[b_caswell]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

This is a useful read

http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/cable-sizing-selection.html

[andyf]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

As an interesting aside my current fan, a 32 year old Kenlow only seems to draw about 3amps (measured) whereas the Comex fan I've just bought is specified at 7amps!

[928cdu]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

Hi there, looked more closely at the info available on the cable and it's 1.5mm 'thin wall' 20amp. So it does what is says on the tin ! It will be more than adequate for the job. This thin wall stuff is new to me..

I wasn't aware until this that cable size in mm included insulation (you clever lot probably new this already!) .. you learn something new every day !

[stevejgreen]

Re: Wire ain't what it used to be !

Thin wall cable is certainly more flexible but thick wall has much better chafing protection and often better at protecting from heat.
Thin wall would normally be the choice where the cables are clustered into a loom and not single wires hanging in the open.