How I Organize My Wire Collection (& Where Each Type Was Salvaged)
by Yonatan24 in Circuits > Electronics
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How I Organize My Wire Collection (& Where Each Type Was Salvaged)
I've never bought a wire in my life!
All of the wires in my collection were salvaged for free, And the other ones that look bought (There a couple 14 gauge spools that I got for free) are ones that I received or found for free!
I've listed the step from used most used, To rarely used.
Note: This quick Instructable was made back in August, 2015. I made this Instructable, But I didn't upload it for some unknown reason (I might have thought I would change something, I can't remember). The only things that have changed are that the collection is bigger now... Nothing else :)
Stranded Wires for Future Projects
These are wires that the negative and the positive are glued together
This kind is found in all electronic devices
Shorter Extra Wires
These are short wires that I use only for testing projects before soldering
These wires are salvaged from any electronic device that I take apart, Because I don't care how long or thick they are...
Wires for 220V Power Outlets
I salvage these from any kind of electronic device that connects to a wall power outlet
These are used for bigger projects, Ones that get plugged into a wall...
Solid Core Wires
This is an example for a project I used solid wires, not even for conducting electricity
These are pretty rare, And are usually found in wires to connect to a power outlet.
Solid Core Jumper Wires (Used for Breadboards)
These are high gauge wires that aren't able to deliver high current, But are really good for breadboards
I rarely salvage these but I usually find them in cheap electronics (solid wires are cheaper than stranded wires) that don't have to deliver high currents.
Magnet Wire
This kind of wire is found in speakers, transformers, electric motors, coils, and more.
You can find about how to find magnet wire here
3+ Wires Inside the Insulation
These are wires that have 3 or more wires inside the insulation
Usually found in devices (such as power supplies) that deliver one or more different voltages, or wires that deliver voltage and data (For example: USB's)