sudomod

So what gauge of wire is everyone using? I have some solid core hookup wire that I have used for other arduino projects. Just looking to see what everyone else is using, specifically what gauge are using using for data vs power?

Using 22AWG for power. You really only need 24AWG I believe, but I always like to go up an AWG for piece of mind, even in home electrical. Just make sure it's stranded cable at this AWG and not Solid core. Otherwise you're going to have a bad time.

For data I'm just using the innards of my solid core Cat 6 spool. Stranded cable would be better in this case but the wires are thin and malleable enough that it's not a hassle at all. Plus I don't plan on opening it or bending the wires repeatedly that I'm concerned they will break.

For those total newbies among us, could you break down what AWG is?

From http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

AWG: In the American Wire Gauge (AWG), diameters can be calculated by applying the formula D(AWG)=.005·92((36-AWG)/39) inch. For the 00, 000, 0000 etc. gauges you use -1, -2, -3, which makes more sense mathematically than "double nought." This means that in American wire gage every 6 gauge decrease gives a doubling of the wire diameter, and every 3 gauge decrease doubles the wire cross sectional area. Similar to dB in signal and power levels. An approximate but accurate enough form of this formula contributed by Mario Rodriguez is D = .460 * (57/64)(awg +3) or D = .460 * (0.890625)(awg +3).

All the info you'd ever want on awg can be read here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

As you will see from the handy chart if you scroll down there 26awg should be fine for most people's builds. If anyone's drawing over an amp then they must be using lots of extras in their build.

Trying to find any cables stating 'AWG' in the U.K. is a nightmare. Barely anywhere uses the US ratings in the U.K. After some research (talking with someone familiar with electrical terms), I've found that Maplin in the U.K. sell 24/0.2mm cables in a range of colours and lengths, which is basically the 24AWG rating.

I have mil spec wire to hand so I'm primarily using 24AWG, although I've gone 22AWG for power. Handy being an engineer at an electrical engineering company

Thanks everyone, I ordered some new wire for the project. Just waiting on a few more parts to begin the GBZ project.

If anyone is interested here is the wire I ordered. I have not used this brand of wire before but will post a review when I get it.

For Power: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NB ... UTF8&psc=1

For Data: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N5 ... UTF8&psc=1