Too small for AWG 43?

[Stratz]

I have a few pounds of old AWC 43 PE that measures 0.0022
I haven't had a chance to measure the ohms/1,000' yet but if the OD is too small to use as 43 can I just treat it as AWG44 no matter what the ohms/1,000' ?

Thanks

[Joe Gwinn]

I have a few pounds of old AWG 43 PE that measures 0.0022
I haven't had a chance to measure the ohms/1,000' yet but if the OD is too small to use as 43 can I just treat it as AWG44 no matter what the ohms/1,000' ?

The range for 44 single build is 0.0020" to 0.0024", so if your micrometer and measurement method are correct, this is really #44. Spool may be mismarked.

Measuring the resistance of a ten-foot length is often more reliable than a micrometer, if you have a sufficiently accurate ohmmeter.

But, there is no harm in just winding a pickup and listening.

[Stratz]

The range for 44 single build is 0.0020" to 0.0024", so if your micrometer and measurement method are correct, this is really #44. Spool may be mismarked.

Measuring the resistance of a ten-foot length is often more reliable than a micrometer, if you have a sufficiently accurate ohmmeter.

But, there is no harm in just winding a pickup and listening.

All good advice Joe, Thanks! Only problem is that I don't think AWC ever produced 44 PE (I may be wrong). Their wire has always been hit or miss size wise so It's probably just really thin 43. I've also noticed that AWC's PE usually has more copper and less insulation than other brands so that's my major concern. Since this wire so thin overall their might be a problem with the insulation.

I'll have to measure it for ohms/1,000 ft to see if its the copper or the insulation (or both) that are out of spec.
Since I cant accurately measure the insulation itself I suppose winding a common formula pickup of mine and taking finished readings with the LCR will at least tell me if the insulation is too thin and shorting internally.

Thanks again.

[Joe Gwinn]

All good advice Joe, Thanks! Only problem is that I don't think AWC ever produced 44 PE (I may be wrong). Their wire has always been hit or miss size wise so It's probably just really thin 43. I've also noticed that AWC's PE usually has more copper and less insulation than other brands so that's my major concern. Since this wire so thin overall their might be a problem with the insulation.

It doesn't take too much sloppiness to cause 43 to become 44. It's probably still good enough wire.

I'll have to measure it for ohms/1,000 ft to see if its the copper or the insulation (or both) that are out of spec.
Since I can't accurately measure the insulation itself I suppose winding a common formula pickup of mine and taking finished readings with the LCR will at least tell me if the insulation is too thin and shorting internally.

You can also measure the capacitance and use that to estimate the insulation thickness. There was a thread on how to do this with ten feet of wire balled up and immersed in salt water held in a stainless steel measuring cup.

[Stratz]

You can also measure the capacitance and use that to estimate the insulation thickness. There was a thread on how to do this with ten feet of wire balled up and immersed in salt water held in a stainless steel measuring cup.

I remember reading that post. In fact I think it may have you that wrote it ???
I'll measure the ohms/foot first and take it from there.

Thanks Joe!