Re: AWG 8 Wire

["Metlicka Marc" <mystuffs-at-orwell-dot-net> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>)]

ted,
if this wire is fine stranded and tined, then it is what we call
locomotive cable. although actual locomotive cable has a high temp very
soft , very durable coating. this fine strand tinned cable can actually
be prorated to a higher ampacity, thus a 12g solid or thhn is rated for
20 amps, this loco wire could be prorated for 30 amps by code. i would
actually have to see some to be sure but i think from what your saying,
this is the case. while gto cable is a 14g, the lesser strands still
rate it at 15 amps.
a good example of actual locomotive cable is industrial welding lead,
very soft, fine wires, i'll have to check on the actual class rating of
loco cable but right off hand i think it is "rhhw". of coarse there is
another cable we call motor lead "awm" that is fine strand funky stuff
too?
so not only is this wire easier to work with, it will carry more current
for the pri.for it's size, at high voltages the wire could be snaked
through some poly tubing or surgical tubing (silicone)
marc