Hello there,
I´m actually planng a hifi tube amp and don´t want to use silver plated core wire. What I´m looking for is normal or tinned copper solid core. Unfortunately I can´t find it with ptfe insulation.
After doing some research, I only found pvc and silicone jacked solid core wire as options.
The problem with silicone is, that it isn´t rated for some of the voltages I need and pvc doesn´t seem to be long term stable due to the heat within the the amp´s chassis.
What do you recommend, what sources do you you use?
Many thanks,
Rents
I´m actually planng a hifi tube amp and don´t want to use silver plated core wire. What I´m looking for is normal or tinned copper solid core. Unfortunately I can´t find it with ptfe insulation.
After doing some research, I only found pvc and silicone jacked solid core wire as options.
The problem with silicone is, that it isn´t rated for some of the voltages I need and pvc doesn´t seem to be long term stable due to the heat within the the amp´s chassis.
What do you recommend, what sources do you you use?
Many thanks,
Rents
The PTFE extrusion process will not work on copper or tinned copper, so if that's the insulation you want, you'll need to use silver plated wire. PVC is an excellent insulation for copper and tinned copper. Your choice.
Thanks SY,
I know about the process. Won´t pvc get brittle over the time by using it in a tube amp?
Best,
Rents
I know about the process. Won´t pvc get brittle over the time by using it in a tube amp?
Best,
Rents
For signal path wiring, I buy pure silver wire from Handmade Electronics and then slip a piece of teflon tubing over it for insulation.
The wire: https://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=258
The Insulation: https://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1900&idcategory=89
There are various gauges of each available.
His prices are more reasonable than the boutique wire sellers and his service is very good.
If you're set on copper you can also use the slip on teflon over that, if you can find bare copper wire.
The wire: https://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=258
The Insulation: https://www.hndme.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1900&idcategory=89
There are various gauges of each available.
His prices are more reasonable than the boutique wire sellers and his service is very good.
If you're set on copper you can also use the slip on teflon over that, if you can find bare copper wire.
I haven't seen that happen in 20-30 year old amps, but it may happen in even older ones.
I’ve never seen PVC insulation become brittle on old, even very old tube amps. Old cloth and rubber based insulation does become brittle, but even then it’s rarely a problem unless it is physically disturbed. The big issue with modern PVC is “shrinkback” during soldering. Also in tight quarters, an accidental touch with the soldering iron will melt right through it.
I use PTFE for that reason. The issue with PTFE is that it’s harder to strip, which I’ve found varies from slightly more difficult, to nearly impossible on one particular type that I have. It appears however, that one has an additional layer of another type of insulation for some specific purpose.
I do use PVC/solid for test circuits, routine hook ups, etc. But lately I’ve been unable to find it “tinned”, which I greatly prefer. Does anyone know of a source for tinned solid 18, 20, 22 AWG solid in the usual color variety?
I use PTFE for that reason. The issue with PTFE is that it’s harder to strip, which I’ve found varies from slightly more difficult, to nearly impossible on one particular type that I have. It appears however, that one has an additional layer of another type of insulation for some specific purpose.
I do use PVC/solid for test circuits, routine hook ups, etc. But lately I’ve been unable to find it “tinned”, which I greatly prefer. Does anyone know of a source for tinned solid 18, 20, 22 AWG solid in the usual color variety?
I haven't seen that happen in any of the amps I've had that were 30 years old or more (e.g., Dynaco, Eico...).
Thanks for the help! I read that silver plated wire will corrode within the years. Is it right? I know a source for tinned silicone wire. Stranded and solid. It's Conrad - Ihr Online Shop für Elektronik, Computer, Multimedia, Modellbau & Technik. Located in Germany, but they'll ship worldwide. Look for Oelflex Heat 180.
Have a look at the scientific wire companies site, they have a retail side at wires.co.uk - specialist in craft wire, knitted craft wire, silver wire, enamelled copper, resistance wires, stainless steel, plated wires and many more! which has both electronics and craft wires, good for odd things like Litz and such.
Regards, Dan.
Regards, Dan.
Yes, it will corrode, as will copper, aluminum, and most metals. I wouldn’t consider it much of a factor in choosing wire, however. It’s a self limiting process, which doesn’t result in the destruction of the metal. Once soldered, tin/lead solder provides protection. Most insulation protects fairly well against the process for a reasonable time. I have some really old PVC un-tinned copper wire that I’ve found to be difficult to solder, so I clean and tin it before use . Sometimes there’s leakage near a “cut-off” end, and I’ll snip off ¼” before using it.
Some of my 'favourite' hookup wire is stuff I've stripped from junked old (1950s and 60s) gear, so I wouldn't worry too much, as Rayma says.
I have some PTFE wire, but stripping is such a hassle that I don't use it much. (The 'proper' stripping tool apparently costs a couple of hundred $..?)
Some of the newer PVC insulation melts quite easily - soldering into old gear solder lugs where I'm heating up a 'bunch' of leads, I've had the insulation 'melt back' on the PVC.
I really like using the old-style (but new) 'push-back' cloth covered wire I get from Doug Hoffman (Hoffman amps).
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