Got called out on a job in Phoenix for using the wrong gauge wire

Honestly, the inspector pointed at my 22-gauge run for a siren and said it wouldn't handle the current over 50 feet. I had to re-pull everything with 18-gauge. Anyone else had a similar wake-up call on wire sizing?

3 comments

3 Comments

chen.adam2mo ago

Wait, you were using 22-gauge for a siren?

lunar212mo ago

Yeah that's way too thin for a siren load, you'll cook the wire. Need at least 16-gauge for any real distance, maybe even 14 if the run is long. People forget voltage drop is a thing with low voltage systems. Seen it melt insulation before the breaker even trips.

alice_hart2mo ago

What about the connectors though? I've seen people pick the right wire gauge but then use those cheap crimp connectors that can't handle the current. They get hot spots right at the terminal that the wire gauge chart won't save you from. Makes the whole connection a weak link.