Buying test lead wire

[IanB]

FenderBender apparently deleted his post before I could respond to it.

Test lead wire is perhaps characterized by being very flexible, being heat resistant, and maybe rated for high voltages.

The flexible aspect is of most interest to many, since standard stranded hookup wire is too stiff and unyielding for most purposes outside of a fixed installation.

A search for "test lead wire" turns up many options.

But if you look in a different direction you can also find stuff like this: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9681__Turnigy_Pure_Silicone_Wire_16AWG_1mtr_Red.html

And if you search for "wet noodle wire" you can find some really fun stuff.

The key application areas for bendy wire seem to be RC vehicles and robotics. Sometimes you need to know where to look to find what you need.

[FenderBender]

Yeah I was feeling my question was almost rhetorical so sorry for deleting it on you.

A quick Google search is very informative, but good to know. I was actually curious if there was any number associated with it.

[ipman]

I found at a local manufacturer's store silicon insulation electrical wires with 2.5 and 4 mm sectional area. Not many colors, but very cheap (around 1euro/meter) and they are good quality copper, low resistance and very flexible.
Sure, model-related world uses silicone cables, but also regenerable energy requires silicone and/or neoprene insulated cables to resist in full sun heat and UV attacks.

[robrenz]

Super flexible high quality lead wire. As nice as any I have encountered.  I know this is not necessarily cheap but this is the smallest packaging/price I have found for top quality wire.

 Pomona Electronics
Wire, Test Lead; 18 AWG; 10 kVDC; 20 A; Insulation: Red Silicone; 50 ft.; 0.144 Dia.
 Allied Electronics #885-0098  $19.799

Pomona Electronics
Wire, Test Lead; 18 AWG; 10 kVDC; 20 A; Insulation: Black Silicone; 50 ft.; 0.144 Dia.
  Allied Electronics # 885-0097 6733-0   $19.800

[nukie]

Some test lead wire has double insulating that shows damage with a different color inner insulating. I still prefer R/C silicon cable that comes in various gauges that can be constructed into super low resistance test leads. Heaps cheaper and as soft as regular test leads.

[Neilm]

Some test lead wire has double insulating that shows damage with a different color inner insulating. I still prefer R/C silicon cable that comes in various gauges that can be constructed into super low resistance test leads. Heaps cheaper and as soft as regular test leads.

The different colours of insulation serve to show if the leads have been damaged. If they are damaged, they may not meet the insulation requirements and could pose a hazard if used on high voltage circuits.

Neil

[alm]

I would also expect the RC leads to have a lower voltage rating, since typical voltages are << 1 kV, which is the rating of many good test leads.

[ipman]

Not all test leads are rated for 600/1000V. The ones intended for testing SMD's are usually 60V maximum and they don't have shrouded bananas.
You can look at Hirschmann's 0.64mm line of testing leads and probes, for example.

[robrenz]

Super flexible high quality lead wire. As nice as any I have encountered.  I know this is not necessarily cheap but this is the smallest packaging/price I have found for top quality wire.

 Pomona Electronics
Wire, Test Lead; 18 AWG; 10 kVDC; 20 A; Insulation: Red Silicone; 50 ft.; 0.144 Dia.
 Allied Electronics #885-0098  $19.799

Pomona Electronics
Wire, Test Lead; 18 AWG; 10 kVDC; 20 A; Insulation: Black Silicone; 50 ft.; 0.144 Dia.
  Allied Electronics # 885-0097 6733-0   $19.800

Notice the 10kVDC rating

[metalphreak]

I think he was referring to the R/C Hobby wiring not rated to 1kV being irrelevant, if all you are making is low voltage test leads as the manufactured SMD leads usually aren't 1kV (or 10kV).

Pomona Electronics make a variety of decent low cost leads so it's not surprising they also sell decent bare wire

[robrenz]

I think he was referring to the R/C Hobby wiring not rated to 1kV being irrelevant, if all you are making is low voltage test leads as the manufactured SMD leads usually aren't 1kV (or 10kV).

Pomona Electronics make a variety of decent low cost leads so it's not surprising they also sell decent bare wire

I like the R/C wiring Idea. I use it on my RC heli batteries and it is very nice stuff. I just meant if you are worried about high voltage then get the stuff rated for it.

[IanB]

Not all test lead wire is high voltage. Like for instance this, from Grainger:

Wire, Test Lead, 18 AWG, 50 Ft, Black

Wire, Test Lead, Color Black, Insulation Silicone, Stranding 65 AWG/36 Tinned Copper Conductor, Max. Amps 20, Voltage Rating 33 VAC/70 VDC, Package Quantity 1, Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 Year

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Wire-5TXC1

[robrenz]

Not all test lead wire is high voltage. Like for instance this, from Grainger:

Wire, Test Lead, 18 AWG, 50 Ft, Black

Wire, Test Lead, Color Black, Insulation Silicone, Stranding 65 AWG/36 Tinned Copper Conductor, Max. Amps 20, Voltage Rating 33 VAC/70 VDC, Package Quantity 1, Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 Year

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Wire-5TXC1

As far as I know that 33 VAC/70 VDC is the generic "hand held voltage" safety limit that is used by many probe manufacturers. It has nothing to do with the actual insulating rating of the wire, it is a try to cover our legal butt rating.

[zaoka]

check probe-master.com they make high quality test probes