Rewire ATX gauge requirements

[dreamer.redeeme]

I did some googling trying to figure this out on my own, but no luck. I just got some of this UV reactive wire, 18 gauge and rated at 300 volts. I'm wanting to rewire at least the 8 pin motherboard connector because it's too short. The stock wires are 16 gauge, also rated at 300 volts. Does anybody know if this is doable? I don't want to overload the amperage or something like that and end up with a big mess.

Also, any tips on removing the ATX pins? I've got the tool but it's not working...

[WeStSiDePLaYa]

yes, 18ga should be fine,


BUT, most UV reactive wire is aluminum, and not copper. Which wouldn't be the best choice for a high amp draw.

[dreamer.redeeme]

Thanks for your help! You're right, it is aluminum. Is the ATX high amp draw? Makes sense that it would be.

I did a little more research and it doesn't look like it's a good idea.

here (http://www.home-inspectors.com/alumwire.htm) they say:
"The AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating of #12 aluminum wiring is equivalent to #14 copper wiring... both are rated for 15 amps"

such a large difference is disconcerting...

here (http://www.diyguitarist.com/GuitarAmps/SilverMyth.htm) they say that aluminum has about 50% more resistance than copper

and elsewhere there was mention of the problems of corrosion when connecting copper and aluminum...

So i think i'll just go to the hardware store and get some normal wire and either paint it or hide it.

[jonnyGURU]

Buying wire based on whatever Volts it's rated for is kind of useless (unless the plan is to use it for high voltage, which you're not.) You're going to want to know what amperage that wire can deliver before it heats up and melts the insulation.

But WeSTSiDe is spot on. 18g is typically fine... unless you're using aluminum instead of copper. Than you want to use 14 or 16g.

[dreamer.redeeme]

Just a little note, all the wires i've found in my rewiring of this new system have been aluminum, i think aluminum coated copper. Even the stereo I installed in my car that blew a 40 amp fuse was wired with aluminum. Must be because of how expensive copper is these days.