I was wondering what best practices for selecting the correct wire for my projects

[G+_Jeremy Webb]

I was wondering what best practices for selecting the correct wire for my projects. What gauge should I use? Is it better to use braided or solid core wire?

[G+_Steve Martin]

Jonny Ramos is correct, but there are other things to consider:

 

Solid wire is typically cheaper for the same current requirements. It's downside is that it is easy to break if flexed.

 

Stranded wire can be more expensive and require a thicker wire for the same current. It is more flexible and should be used where the wire will be bent frequently or where you need to place the wire in a tight bend. Even if it won't be flexed much after installation.

[G+_Eddie Foy]

You never stated the 'projects'

(the question is akin to 'how long is a piece of string?')

 

Plenty of charts on the web for current/voltage carrying per gauge.  I always look it up.  I can guess from memory and probably be right, or look it up and be right.  Some things need to be verified.

 

Voltage dielectric  and temp of the insulation are a factor too.  Its not uncommon to use a small wire gauge but a higher temp to handle more current. (though I'd would recommend that unless weight is a major factor)

 

And just to toss a oddball wrench in the works, DC travels down the center of the wire while AC tends to run on the outer skin.

[G+_Bill Boelke]

if your questions is as basic as sizing the wire, you need to consider the maximum flow the wire is anticipated to carry and prevent that wire from becoming a fuse because it cannot carry the load without burning up or starting your project on fire. Not only are you concerned with the max amps that would normally flow, but you should also consider a safety factor for when things go awry.

[G+_Larry Havenstein]

If I remember my electronic theory right and the skin effect, stranded wire can carry more current than solid wire due to more skin surface area.

 

Its along the same idea as many small ice cubes cool faster than one big ice cube. Its about surface area.