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Magnet Wire- What is it used for?

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  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Monday, October 3, 2011 10:34 AM

We put marker lighting on a bascule bridge.  As the bridge is mostly open thin beams, using a thin wire, which is easy to hide & paintable, is a must.

You can also use it to add a light to the end of a figurine arm.

But they are low current only.  So I recommend LEDs.

Remember, voltage drops quickly the longer you make the wire and the thinner the wire.

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

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  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Sunday, October 2, 2011 11:11 AM

I use #44 magnet from an old solenoid for LED's in HO scale locos and double target signals I made for our club layout.  I just do not sneeze while using the wire.

Below is a link to some examples.

http://tinyurl.com/3zfprye

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by betamax on Sunday, October 2, 2011 5:18 AM

Magnet wire is used for winding electromagnets, hence the name.

Since it can be light gauge wire with an enamel insulation, it is useful for things that need small diameter wires.  Or where you want to hide the wires easily.

  • Member since
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  • From: Colorful Colorado
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Posted by Texas Zepher on Saturday, October 1, 2011 10:34 PM

karle

What is it good for MRR?

I presume you mean besides magnets used in the twin-coil turnout machines and motor windings., and most often transformers to convert power from house current to something more scale friendly.....     Basically one could use it anywhere normal solid wire could be used as long as is is not being rubbed.   I would never bundle it, but there is no reason it couldn't  be used for feeder wires or a common or ground.

Tags: magnet wire
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Posted by Hamltnblue on Saturday, October 1, 2011 6:36 PM

Some use magnet wire and some use 30 gauge wire wrap wire. It's nice and thin, pretty strong and can be easily hidden.

Springfield PA

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  • From: Pittsburgh, PA
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Posted by JoeinPA on Saturday, October 1, 2011 6:25 PM

It's also good for wiring in signal masts or anywhere you need to hide wires and the current demand isn't too great.

Joe

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Posted by karle on Saturday, October 1, 2011 6:10 PM

Thanks David B.  I'd also like to know why it is good for a particular application.  For lights, is it because it is small diameter, or because it is flexible, etc.?

  • Member since
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  • 162 posts
Magnet Wire- What is it used for?
Posted by karle on Saturday, October 1, 2011 5:55 PM

What is it good for MRR?

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