N410DC

I have searched posts on this site, and cannot find a clear answer to this question. I added banana plugs to a servo extension wire to use as a charging wire for a 2000mAh 6.0V RX NiMH battery, using a Triton 2 EQ charger. The wire is only about 12" long, and I want to extend it to a few feet. Based on what I have read, 22 gauge wire will work for this task. Will this be sufficient? I normally charge the battery at 0.2 amps, but I might occasionally need to charge it at up to 2 amps, if I am in a hurry. I also plan to use the Triton to discharge and cycle the battery.

Thanks in advance!

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

Check this out;
chttp://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

N410DC

Thanks, that sheds some light on the subject. I was a little confused about the difference between "chassis wiring" and "power transmission," but this link cleared that up. I think we can safely consider R/C applications to be "chassis wiring," since the wires are generally exposed to air, and therefore dissipate heat more efficiently that wires in a conduit, in walls, etc. This reasoning would give 22 AWG wire a 7 amp limit, and 24 AWG a 3.5 amp limit. Either is good enough for the charging applications we use.

chuckk2

I'd likely use #20 since it's usually a bit more rugged.

sidgates

My Feedback: (2)

If you are using the standard servo connectors on the charger, the connector may be the limiting component. I have seen current limits of 1amp on this type connector and others rate it at 2 amps.