Wire size for motor starter coil

[Don B.]

Would 18 gauge wire be okay to to use to power a 120v coil on the motor relay? I’ve always used 16 gauge before to wire across the isolating relays to the 120v starter coil, but I wouldn’t think the coil would hardly pull any amps at all! I’ve always been curious how many amps a coil does pull. I wouldn’t think very much!

 

[MEP001]

18 gauge is fine, but I like to use 16 gauge THHN since it's double coated and less likely to rub through and ground out. Most 18 gauge hookup wire is rated to 300 volts and is more than sufficient.

 

[OurTown]

I’ve always been curious how many amps a coil does pull. I wouldn’t think very much!

You can get a clamp on style multi meter to find out what it is.

 

[Don B.]

Yeah, I need to get one of those. It would be very handy to have around anyway.

 

[Don B.]

18 gauge is fine, but I like to use 16 gauge THHN since it's double coated and less likely to rub through and ground out. Most 18 gauge hookup wire is rated to 300 volts and is more than sufficient.

16 gauge would be a good idea with that heavier coating.

 

[MEP001]

You can get a clamp on style multi meter to find out what it is.

It will be about .1 amp.