Does larger gauge wire reduce voltage drop?

Question

Hello, I am looking to reduce voltage drop in a remote fireworks detonator and was wondering if larger gauge wire would reduce voltage drop? Thanks.

Answer 1

Voltage drop is caused by resistance. A larger gauge wire will offer less resistance to current than a smaller gauge wire. That is why speakers sound better for example, or why you use a larger gauge wire with a higher amp breaker in home wiring.

Answer 2

The thicker the wire, the better the current is going to flow. the gauge number is smaller when the number increases, so gauge 4 its gonna be a half an inch thick wire while an 18 is gonna be really thin.

Answer 3

Yes, absolutely. Table in link below shows how much.

Answer 4

yes length and size do play a role. but too large and you will lose more because it will fill the entire wire instead of forcing it all to the firework slat.

Answer 5

Yes For example:

Given a 100 foot run of 120VAC single phase circuit and a 10 amp load

20 AWG wire would have a 10.45 VAC drop

while 1  AWG would have a .127 VAC drop

THESE FIGURES ARE FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY!

DC circuits are even worse! I used to design battery powered emergency lighting systems and the calculations for wire sizes would drive you nuts!

Answer 6

the voltage will be the same, the amps would drop

Answer 7

Yes a larger wire will reduce the voltage drop. Remember that a larger ga wire has a smaller number.  A #2 wire is larger than a 12.

Answer 8

There are 4 things that effect voltage drop.  Material, area (in circilar mills), length, and temperature.   "Material" would be copper or aluminum.  Aluminum has a higher specific resistance so there would be more voltage drop per foot than copper.  "Area"  would be the gauge of the wire.  A larger gauge would carry more current and have less voltage drop.  "Length" - resistance per foot of wire times the length. Longer wire means more resistance and more voltage drop.  "Temperature"- Higher temps can cause more resistance causing voltage drop.  So to answer your question...larger gauge would reduce voltage drop.

Answer 9

no, it will increase it.

Answer 10

No it won't.