18 gauge wire help for first install

Just setting up my first wled lightstrip which I’m soldering to an ESP 32. It’s my first time soldering. I bought two different lots of 18 gauge wire off Amazon - one silver coloured and one copper coloured inside. They both say capable of 300 v and take about low. I didnt read the description as I thought any 18 gauge would work but on reading one it says:

18/2 gauge black and red speaker wire is ideal for low voltage applications such as 12V/24V DC circuit connections, home or car speakers, home appliances, single color LED light strip, lamps, automotive, boat ect.

The other one says:

  • The flexible PVC wire is widely used in electronics or line environment lighting, model wiring harnesses, electrical appliances, equipment internal connecting wires, household appliances, large transformers and lamps, instrumentation, motor lead wires, electrical wiring and electronics, automotive, motorcycles, radio, truck, breadboard, arcade cabinet, etc.
  • Wire Gauge: 18AWG; Length: 10m/32.8ft; Outer Diameter: 2.3mm/0.09 inch; Style: 1 Core of UL1007 Multi-Strand Wire; Rated Voltage: 300V; High-Temperature Resistance: 80°C/176℉

If I’m using this on a 2 feet lightstrip should either of these be ok to use?

Many thanks

The major thing to watch out for is ANYTHING that say “CCA”, “Al core”, “Copper Covered Aluminum”, etc.

You want either solid or stranded copper only, either can work depending on your use/needs.
The colour (silver) may just be pre-tinned wire, which is fine.

Post a link to those if you can.

1 Like

Two feet is short enough that it’s probably ok, but check to be sure: https://wled-calculator.github.io/

Note that these calculators are for copper wire. If you bought copper coated aluminum (which is less conductive) then treat what you have as equivalent to +2 larger (so your 18 awg in aluminum is equivalent to 20 AWG in copper).

Correction, if you bought CCA by mistake then throw it away and get copper.

CCA has a long history of being nothing but a mistake.

2 Likes

Thanks all -

I bought this 18 ga wire

And I ordered [this one] yesterday (TUOFENG 0.8mm² Wire-30 m Super Flexible Silicone-18 AWG Insulated Hookup Wire-15 m Black and 15 m Red-Tinned Copper Wire-High Temperature Resistance for 3D Printer,RC Vehicle : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools) yesterday.

I have discarded the CCA one I ordered so I’m hoping these may work but not sure if both are suitable.

Thank you

Either of those should work fine for 18AWG copper.
That should be plenty for powering a short strip.

I’d suggest something much smaller for the data line (with ground), there’s no need to worry about voltage drop on the data line. Existing wire you might have around, such as 2-wire telephone cable or Cat 5e can work well.

Keep on asking when you need an idea for what will work :wink: