Electrical folks...wire gauge question.

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Dubs, Aug 13, 2019.

  1. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    If one needed to replace a wire to a coolant temp gauge, would I be right in thinking it would need to be exactly the same gauge wire to ensure a correct reading?
     
  2. Not really. Unless you went for ridiculously thin wire, the resistance of it would be negligible, especially as the gauge is drawing very little current.
     
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  3. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    Ok, so if one was to use a slightly heavier gauge, it wouldn't make a noticeable difference?
     
  4. Unlikely, as the gauge is taking beggar-all current.
     
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  5. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    Well you learn something every day.

    Cheers! :thumbsup:
     
  6. Only if it is a digital signal, then it can get lost amongst all those electrons.
     
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  7. ron

    ron

    Think your referring to a thermocouple where the wire is critical
     
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  8. I believe - maybe @MorkC68 will know - that unless there are environmental factors like heat resistance, you can use normal cable even for a thermocouple.
     
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  9. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Normal cable doesn’t have the correct resistance, for example a K type or an N type need the correct compensating cable from thermocouple to your readout.

    If you mix an N type thermocouple with K type compensating cable you can potentially have a 100 degrees Celsius error (ask me how I know).

    Your readout may be K type, may be N type, either way it will say.

    This link from Omega tells you all abou it.

    https://www.omega.com/en-us/resources/thermocouple-junction-principles
     
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