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Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?

Posted by Phizinza

Phizinza

Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?
August 11, 2012 04:54AM

Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 160

What is the current draw of a NEMA 17? Can I use CAT5 cable or similar to wire the motors? Or should I use something larger?

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nophead

Re: Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?
August 11, 2012 05:18AM

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Registered: 17 years ago
Posts: 7,879

About 1A per wire, so yes you could use CAT5.

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Phizinza

Re: Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?
August 11, 2012 08:19AM

Registered: 12 years ago
Posts: 160

My research on the 29oz motors I have says they can draw up to 1.2amps. CAT5 is rated 0.577amp per conductor. If I pair up the 8 wires to make 4, then I guess it is just under and might do..? Just thought it would be a cheap, clean and easy way to wire the motors...

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NewPerfection

Re: Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?
August 13, 2012 12:10AM

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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,470

CAT5 is only rated at 0.577 amps per conductor because it is assumed that it will be run over long distances. Over short distance, <~1m, 1 amp should be fine.

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Gordon LaPlante

Re: Wire size for NEMA 17's, Current draw?
December 04, 2012 12:13PM

Im going to use 4 conductor USB wire (its cheap and easy to run). It appears that its typically 24 gauge (sometimes 26 gauge) and it should be able to handle the motors. I'm using 18 gauge wire for the heated bed...

I found this to be useful
Wire gauge table and current load limits