Types of 36 AWG Magnet Wire
Magnet wire, also known as enameled wire, is a thin insulated copper or aluminum wire used in the production of electrical coils. It is heavily employed in motors, transformers, and inductors due to its unique ability to create magnetic fields when electric current passes through it.
Among the many gauges available, 36 AWG magnet wire softly balances flexibility and conductivity, making it a popular choice for numerous applications. Below are the types divided according to materials, insulation types, and coating processes.
By Material
By Insulation Type
- Polyurethane-coated Wire: This is the most general type of magnet wire. Polyurethane insulation cognates a thin, flexible coat that you can easily apply to various electrical devices. Its thermal endurance is about 130°C.
- Polyamide-imide coated Wire: Known for its exceptional thermal resistance and chemical stability. This insulation wire works in harsher environments or at higher temperatures. Its endurance can reach up to 220°C.
- Fiberglass insulated Wire: This type is primarily designed for high-heat. The fiberglass coating provides extra protection in environments with elevated temperatures. It often serves in motors that operate under heavy thermal stress.
- Enamelled Copper Wire: Often available in different gauges, this wire possesses excellent flexibility and bending characteristics. This makes it ideal for compact electrical windings.
By Coil Shape
The following four types of magnet wires differ in their coil shapes. Hence one needs to choose wisely depending on the application they are meant to serve.
- Spool coils: This is the most common form of magnet wire. It comes in varied wire lengths that can greatly enhance production efficiency, especially in manufacturing settings. The spool design helps in easy handling and quick automated windings.
- Reel coils: This type is closely related to spools. The only difference is that reels are predominantly used in smaller, more compact applications. They mostly come with lesser lengths as opposed to spools, which gives more flexibility during smaller projects.
- Bobbin coils: Bobbins are ideal for specific applications, especially where the coil needs to be directly integrated into a machine during production. This design allows easy transfer and fitting into winding equipment.
- Pancake coils: This type is less common but is still useful in certain applications where flat winding is essential. You will most often find them in limited space environments where traditional coil shapes cannot fit.
Industrial Applications of 36 AWG Magnet Wire
- Electronics: In this field, 36 AWG magnet wire plays an important role, especially in manufacturing small electronic components. These components include inductors, transformers, and coils. Its thin diameter allows for precise winding in compact spaces.
- Electric Motors: 36 AWG enamelled copper wire is common in appliances like fans, pumps, and compressors. Here, it helps in creating electromagnets, which are pivotal in motor functioning. Its balance between flexibility and conductivity makes it suitable for these applications.
- Telecommunications: You will find 36 AWG wire serving a huge purpose in telecommunications equipment inductors, and filters. Its lightweight property ensures that the signal quality remains high with minimal interference. Its size also makes it easier to fit into small electronic devices.
- Medical Devices: Most medical equipment like MRI machines and ultrasounds rely on this wire. The wire forms the coils that generate magnetic fields in the devices. Since these devices require exceptional durability and precision, 36 AWG magnet wire is unrivaled for efficiency in this field.
- Renewable Energy Systems: In renewable energy systems like wind turbines and solar inverters, 36 AWG magnet wire is helpful in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Its role in the coils and windings defines the efficiency of energy conversion processes.
Product Specifications and Features of 36 AWG Magnet Wire
Technical Specifications
- Diameter: The diameter of 36 AWG magnet wire is 0.127 millimeters or 0.005 inches. This thin wire allows for precise winding in tight spaces.
- Insulation: Common insulations for 36 AWG wire include polyurethane, which is often referred to as "magnet wire," and polyamide-imide. Both provide excellent electrical insulation with differing levels of chemical resistance and thermal ratings.
- Length: Lengths can vary substantially depending on the spool size, ranging from few feet for small projects to several hundred yards for industrial applications.
- Resistance: The resistance for 36 AWG magnet wire stands at approximately 133.9 ohms per 1000 feet. As a result, it offers efficient conductivity for most electrical applications.
How to Install
- Preparation: The first step is to cut the magnet wire to the required length and then strip off a small section of insulation from both ends.
- Coiling: The next step is to coil the wire around the desired component. Components can be transformers or coils. While doing this, ensure the wire is evenly distributed.
- Connection: After coiling the wire, secure the ends by connecting them to the appropriate terminals. This is done by winding each end around the designated terminal.
- Insulation: In this step, components such as transformers and coils have to be insulated. This ensures safety and prevents short circuits. This can be done by using electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.
Maintenance and Repair
- Inspection: One has to physically check the wires for any signs of wear or damage, such as fraying or exposed wire. Using a multimeter to test for continuity also helps in identifying any broken wires.
- Repairing: If repairs are needed, solder the broken wires together and insulate the joint with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape. Proper thermal-resistant solder is ideal for maintaining wire functionality.
- Prevention: Prevent most cases of damage by keeping the equipment in a ventilated room. One also has to ensure there is no excessive heat or moisture.
Quality and Safety Considerations of 36 AWG Magnet Wire
Quality Considerations
- Coating Thickness: Ensure the wire's enamel coat is of proper thickness. Magnet wires with thicker coatings are more ideal to provide better insulation and therefore will be safer from short circuits.
- Wire gauge: For this case, it has to be 36 AWG. Ensure the wire is truly manufactured with this gauge. Magnet wire with a slight variation in gauge can create significant differences in performance, especially for high-precision applications.
- Material Purity: Go for wires made of pure copper or aluminum. Any form of alloy can lead to reduced electrical conductivity and, in turn, reduced efficiency.
- Flexibility and brittleness: Poor-quality wire breaks easily, especially when bent. Look for wire that will maintain its integrity when bent multiple times without breaking. At the same time, it should be flexible enough for easy handling.
- Heat Resistance: This is especially for wires used in high-temperature environments. Ensure they are thermally resistant. Such wires can be rated up to Class 200 or higher.
Safety Considerations
- Short circuits: Short circuits are a huge concern when it comes to magnet wires. Always ensure proper insulation is maintained on the wires. This prevents wires from touching one another.
- Proper Handling: Magnet wire, especially 36 AWG wire, is quite thin and fragile. Hence, it requires proper handling. The wire can easily break or get damaged during rough handling. Consequently, one needs to be gentle when winding, installing, or working with the wire.
- Avoid Overheating: If the wires are thermally resistant, they are a good fit for high-temperature environments. Otherwise, avoid exposure to excessive heat. Overheating not only damages the wire but also poses a huge danger to anyone around.
- Electrical Safety: Always use proper electrical practices. This includes wearing safety gear and avoiding contact with wires when there is an active current. The wires can get some current. Hence, treat them as live wires unless confirmed otherwise by use of a multimeter.
Q&A
Q1. What is the tensile strength of 36 AWG magnet wire?
A1. The American Wire Gauge varies gauge wire diameters. Thus, it measures tensile strength in a standard way. Hence, 36 AWG magnet wire has an approximate tensile strength of around 1.2 pounds-force. Although the wire is thin, it is made to withstand some level of pulling force without breaking.
Q2. Can 36 AWG magnet wire be used in outdoor applications?
A2. Normally, 36 AWG magnet wire is not well-suited for outdoor use. This is mainly because of its enamel insulation, which is designed for indoor or controlled environments exclusively. Moreover, exposure to outdoor elements like moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures can degrade the wire’s insulation over time.
Q3. What tools are necessary for working with 36 AWG magnet wire?
A3. Some of the basic tools to have when working with this wire are side cutters, wire strippers, a soldering iron, and a multimeter. A multimeter, in particular, helps with electrical continuity checks.
Q4. What happens when 36 AWG magnet wire is exposed to excessive heat?
A4. During an extreme case of heat exposure, the enamel insulation on 36 AWG magnet wire will eventually break down. This will cause a loss of electrical insulation and then result into short circuits or malfunction of the equipment where the wire is installed.
Q5. How can one increase the efficiency of devices that utilize 36 AWG magnet wire?
A5. Using high-quality 36 AWG enamel magnet wire ensures optimal electrical performance. Additionally, careful handling during installation prevents damage. This means proper insulation is maintained, thus preventing short circuits. All these lead to efficient device performance.
