Single core wire not suitable for heater wiring?

[Turret]

I was thinking to start using single core wire for heater wiring recently, I just hate to do it with 22AWG's.

This is what I was going to order http://modulusamplification.com/CABLE-W ... 43424.aspx

...but this comment set me off "Due to low current rating this product is generally not suitable for valve heater wiring."

What you guys think about it?

[Firestorm]

The problem with solid core wire is that if you twist it and bend it too much it breaks. That said, Fender used solid core heater wire for a very long time with minimal problems.

I'm not sure what the current rating of that wire is based on: 0.6mm is equivalent to 23 or 22 AWG, so it should be good for 4.7-7A in chassis wiring.

[Turret]

They states that the current rating is 1.5A

[martin manning]

Fender used push-back wire, no stripping. If you nick the modern stuff it will break very easily.

[Phil_S]

Martin hit the nail on the head. You've got to be careful when stripping. I find I often have to try twice to do it without a nick.

Since heater wire is only carrying low voltage, you have a variety of options available. I suspect the problem you are finding is threading stranded wire into noval sockets. For this you may find that "topcoat" wire works well. This is stuff that is comparatively stiff and doesn't unravel.

I like both solid and topcoat because they stay where you put them.

Something to consider is to carefully pre-tin the end with a bit of solder, which makes all the difference in the world when using stranded wire. If you do this, too much solder is a problem.

[davent]

According to this chart wire current capacity of 1.5A is associated with ~28 gauge which is extremely thin, usually see much heavier gauges being used for heaters all the way up to 18awg. I'd go with the sellers warning and find some much heavier solid core.

http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

[David Root]

I've been using 20ga solid for preamp tubes and 18ga for power tubes' heaters for some time now.
Yes it can be nicked easily but if you push it thru the socket pin so the nick is on the inside, then solder it and cut off the inside, should not be a problem.

[sliberty]

Every amp I build uses solid core wire, including for the heaters. But I do use either 18 or 16 gauge for the heaters (22 gauge elsewhere). Never had an issue (that I know of).

[Structo]

I had issues with solid core wire before, most likely operator error.

If you bend it back and forth too many times it will break right at the solder joint.

So when your new build needs some poking and prodding to find a problem, you will be bending the wires.
Sometimes the wire looks OK but is fractured.

I really like the Teflon 20-22 ga.

I did use 18ga Teflon for the power tubes and the 20ga for the preamp tubes.

I also like Teflon shielded cable.
Little chance of melting the insulation on Teflon wires.

[telentubes]

I use solid 18AWG for heaters, solid 20AWG for most wires I want to really stay in place, some stranded 20AWG Teflon and some 20AWG stranded PVC for longer runs where I can't easily get at them (too hard to repair if broken), like under the board. The only 22AWG I use is in the coax. I don't really like the thin stuff as it's too easy to break. I'd rather rassle with the heavier gauges.