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What happens if you use too big of a wire gauge?
Electrons Move Slowly Through Wire Electrons take longer to move through smaller wire than through larger diameter wire. Think of the larger wiring as a superhighway and the smaller wiring as a two-lane road. The larger diameter of the bigger wire offers more area for electrons to move through the circuit.
Can a cable be too big?
Over size cables can in some instances cause problems. In so far as they can reduce the resistance/impedance to such an extent, that the Prospective Fault Current can be higher than the breaking capacity of equipment connected to the circuit. The chances of such being an issue in a domestic installation, are slim.
Can wires be too big?
The more power and equipment you have, the larger the wire needs to be. If too small of a size is used, the wire could melt because of the large amount of current flowing through it compared to how much the cables can handle. The smaller the wire diameter, the higher the resistance there will be to the flow of energy.
Which is bigger 10 or 12 gauge wire?
The gauge and diameter of the wire are inversely related. In other words, as the gauge number gets higher, the diameter of the wire gets smaller. For example, a 10-gauge wire is bigger than a 12-gauge wire. Larger wires can carry more amperage and wattage than smaller wires.
How far can I run 12 gauge wire?
You can run a 12 gauge wire up to 70 feet on a 15 amp circuit. That number drops to 50 feet if you run 12 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit.
What happens if wire gauge is too small?
What can happen when you use too small of wire size for your equipment? If too small of a size is used, the wire could melt because of the large amount of current flowing through it compared to how much the cables can handle. The smaller the wire diameter, the higher the resistance there will be to the flow of energy.
Does wire gauge affect sound quality?
Do expensive speaker wires “sound” better? Not likely. Thicker wires are better: It’s true that for long runs, thicker wires are better at reducing the effects of resistance. But for most set ups (those with speakers within 100 ft of the amplifier), 16-gauge lamp cord is fine.
What will be the danger if the wire being used is smaller?
The current capacity (ampacity) of the branch wire could be exceeded. When a wire is too small for the cur-rent it is supposed to carry, the wire will heat up. The heated wire could cause a fire. When you use an extension cord, the size of the wire you are placing into the circuit may be too small for the equipment.