25amps & wire ?

[donafams]

i have a 25amp ps and was wondering about wire size that could hold that much current... must be pretty big huh...?

[acidrain]

12 ga stranded should be plenty.

[donafams]

i would assume that would aslo apply from the tank bar to the part right?

[coopduc]

Agree, although the amperage is high, the voltage is low, so there is really not that much power running through the wire. I'm using 10ga for a 50amp PS and I think that is overkill.

As for the connection to the part, do not use multi strand electrical wire, use either solid rod aluminum or titanium, 1/8" dia is a good practical size.

[radmaximus]

Have to respectfully disagree with you coopduc, voltage has very little to do with wire size, unless it comes down to distance (longer wire you start getting voltage drop). Wire size is mainly based on the amperage needed to be carried to it load. You can have a wire with 120v, 208v, 277v, 480v, feeding it and the wire could care less, but overload the amperage on it by a percentage and it will tell you quickly (heat). Besides bigger wire means less resistance per foot of wire.

Allowable conductor ampacities NEC electrical code Table 310-16: Ampacities on insulated conductors 0 - 2000 volts:
14 ga 15amps
12 ga 20
10 ga 30
8 ga 50
6 ga 65
4 ga 85

Wire size is always determined by amperage first not voltage, only adjusted for voltage based on wire lenth (because of voltage drop over long distances, 250 feet of more). And I realize in the amperages and voltages that most of us work in when anodizing it's not a big deal, being an electrician for over 20 years, I hate to see people take chances and undersize wire to save a few pennies. When it could cause serious problems or even injury. Especially when dealing with 120v and higher.

Rad