Solid core VS Stranded Plug Wires

[Anonymous-0]

Does anyone know where I can buy a set of solid core copper plug wires for my tractor.? Just got my new mag in and the instructions say to use "only solid core not stranded wire". WHY? Will I harm anything if I use the readily available sets from Brillman Co., OEM, or Steiners? Thanks

 

[JDemaris]

I assume the concern is it might overwork the coil in the mag. Or result in no spark to the plugs with some resistor wires.

Self-contained magnetos sometimes only make a max of 15,000 - 20,000 volts which is barely enough to fire a spark plug with a .030" gap. Add wires with a 8,000 to 10,000 ohm resistance and the mag coil has to put out a lot more voltage to fire.

Battery-coil igntions can usually run a max. of 30,000 to 60,000 volts. So, with them, resistor wires is not an issue.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Okay thanks. Any idea where to get solid core plug wire sets?

 

[John T]

Im unsure if youre mixing up copper "stranded" core wire with single solid copper??? With such low energy levels when using a Magneto I prefer copper core wire versus any sort of suppressor or resistive wire or carbon core (which can reduce radio interference) because I dont want to waste any of the energy as heat (I squared R) or to drop voltage across the wires themselves, but instead discharge it across the spark plugs gap. I thought for sure Brillman offered copper plug wires instead of carbon core suppressor type plug wires, give them a call

John T

 

[Patsdeere]

You want copper core wire. I have gotten bulk from Napa and get a whole kit (including boots and wire) from Tractor supply.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You may be right about my confusion. I am thinking that solid copper (One Wire) means solid core and Stranded copper means (Many smaller wires). Maybe the key words are resistor and non-resistor types. Instrutions say to not use resistor type wire. I am confused. I thought stranded wire was non-resistor. What do you think?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Okay. Does copper core mean one solid copper wire or can it be stranded that is nothing but copper, no carbon fiber or other types of conductive material?

 

[Patsdeere]

Right. There is copper and then there is carbon. The carbon are resister type and diminish the spark that gets to the plugs. The copper will take the current right through. Where it is stranded copper or solid copper hasn't made a difference for me.

 

[PBrowning]

Whoever give you to think SOLID CORE copper wire should have said COPPER WIRE! The objective with magneto ignition systems is to have NO RESISTANCE in the plug wires.

The same rule goes for spark plugs - with magnetos, we always strive for NON-RESISTOR type spark plugs, and for the same reason.

You see - magnetos are designed for plugs and plug wires having no added resistance (as carbon based wires would have). When you place RESISTOR wires or plugs in the circuit, the impedance that the magneto "sees" is quite different from design and the result is reflected energy. That is, not all of the ignition energy is transferred to the spark plug. Energy that is not used is reflected - which will overheat the magneto's ignition coil and either weaken it or cause it to outright fail. (PatB)

 

[PBrowning]

Who's instructions please?? (PatB)

 

[John T]

I consider stranded copper wire as NON RESISTIVE, its NOT carbon core or suppressor type of plug wiring.

John T

 

[John T]

Again to me copper core can mean EITHER one single large copper wire (but thats like home wiring NOT auto type where flexibility is required) or else several strands of smaller copper wires which is whats used for flexibility and vibration resistance SUCH AS PLUG WIRES.

Its the carbon core resistive suppressor plug wires you dont want for a low energy mag ignition

John T

 

[BushogPapa]

Copper Stranded wire center would be considered "solid" (solid connection from one terminal to the other) and carry more spark than one solid conductor anyway..(more surface area to carry current)..

A Solid conductor would work-harden, stiffen and break eventually..!!

Ron..

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Just to change the subject just a little. I have always heard that electricity flows along the surface of a wire and therefore many small wires spiraled together will flow more current given the same dia. than an equal dia solid single strand (like residential wiring) Any truth to that John T ??? Or is it all just about flexability as to why a welder uses so many strands of small dia wire to make up the leads?

 

[JDemaris]

I know that frequency has much to do with it, especially with low voltage in radio and TV communications wires. It's the reason why loss with same size copper conductor in coax is very different between VHF low, FM VHF high, and UFH. Also why copper-clad steel if often used, since with some bands the outer shell is what counts, and copper core doesn't matter.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Pat, I purchased a reconditioned mag from a company in Maine. Real nice folks. Appears to be a quality piece and comes with a 2 year warranty. I attempeted to call him with my questions but being in a later time zone than I, they were closed. Sorry I can't remember the name as I have ordered from several places in the past week and can't remember at this time.

 

[PBrowning]

Well my dear friend - take it to the bank: For magneto systems, you want stranded spark plug cables with conductors that are 100% metal - no carbon additives! What the insulation is made of isn't at issue here either. Be Blessed. (PatB)

 

[Mike Aylward]

Many parts stores will carry this style of wire in the bulk. In addition, your John Deere dealer should have a roll of this wire on hand as well. I used to know the part number but a quick look at about any two-cylinder tractor parts book will tell you. Also, the caps on these tractors will pretty well allow a maximum of 7mm wire. Many parts stores will have 8mm. This can be used but you will have to trim the insulation somewhat to allow the wire to go into the cap. (I have 8mm on my pulling tractor.)Hope this helps. Mike

 

[buickanddeere]

Resistor wire is just a strip of fiber coated with graphite and wrapped with high voltage insulation.
Solid core wire is stranded wire wrapped with high voltage insulation.
Resisitor core wiring fails in stages with random miss fire depending on humidity,temperature, vibration etc.
Unless you are using an AM radio on your equipment, resistor wires are not required.

 

[John T]

I think what youre talking about is the "skin affect" having to do with the most current flow taking place in the outer perimeter portion of a conductor HOWEVER thats more of a high frequency RF condition and NOT so much a concern at low frequency and DC. The main purpose of smaller strands is to allow for flexibility and vibration versus a single strand of bigger stiffer wire.

John T

 

[bollweevil]

Contact John Brillman, The Brillman Company. He has the right stuff! 540-477-4112. You will be glad you called!

 

[F-I-T]

B-M:

What you are referring to is often called the "Skin Effect", whereby electrical energy tends to flow on the surface of a conductor. However, that takes a signal in the radio frequency spectrum to exhibit this effect, so it probably will not occur in our mag pulse, though the spark does seem to cause its share of AM interference.

 

[F-I-T]

John:

Can you even buy Packard 440 (neoprene jacketed/stranded copper conductor) wire anymore? It used to be a staple of the parts counter.

 

[John T]

I havent seen rolls of it for a longgggggggg time around here. Back a few years ago the "real" parts houses like NAPA and Car Quest etc kept it but since the days of O Reillys and Auto Zone and Advance Auto and Pep Boys etc I havent seen it.

John T

 

[DONMYEIL]

Why not get a set from DEERE ? AA6141R at $11.25 each.
Untitled URL Link

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Thanks guys , that's a very good explaination and completes the story I was told. Thank you. Randy.