hookup with colored wire

[PRR]

This wire-store was recommended on another forum:

https://bntechgo.com/silicone-wire/7-colors-silicone-wire-kit/

Flip to page 4 or 5 to find hook-up gauges.

11 colors (in small gauges). Reasonable size rainbow packs. IIRC, Silicone won't melt on the soldering iron. It may be "limp" so may not be good for square-and-straight workmanship?

After 60 years, I still prefer simple cloth like Doug sells, but not for everything.

[EL34]

Thanks PRR
I like the cloth wire also

[acheld]

This wire-store was recommended on another forum:

https://bntechgo.com/silicone-wire/7-colors-silicone-wire-kit/

Silicone won't melt on the soldering iron. It may be "limp"

I have used this wire on a number of occasions.  I don't recommend it for two reasons --  a) Limp as a wet noodle doesn't describe it, and b) The wire strands do not easily accept tinning -- they seem oxidized (maybe??, I don't know). 

It is true that the silicone rubber insulation does not burn or melt easily.

[brewdude]

I bought some. 
Don’t like it—super soft and flexible, the many strands of wire are very thin and tough to tin.
Won’t use it in an amp…. Probably never use.  In fact, I may have thrown it away already.


I have bought two other sets of wire through Amazon.  While some is… usable. It is mostly garbage. I won’t buy any more of this cheap, convenient, crap. 

[EL34]

Go here for good wire that you do not have to throw away
https://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/WireCable.htm

[NewYorker]

I think I have (had?) some silicone-insulated wire here, but haven't done anything with it in years.  It is very pliable, due to the characteristics of the silicone and the relatively thin strands of the wire.

Elsewhere in guitar world, one is not supposed to handle a guitar if one has been in contact with silicone, or maybe in the same building where silicone has been used.  The reason is that any residue from the silicone can make it (nearly) impossible to apply finish later.

With that as background, is it possible that silicone insulation may leave a residue on the wire that makes tinning and soldering difficult?

Ed

[acheld]

is it possible that silicone insulation may leave a residue on the wire that makes tinning and soldering difficult?

I don't know, but sure, why not?   

The main point is this type of wire is not best suited for guitar amp projects.   Not that it can't be used, or that it is unsafe, but that it is difficult to solder well, and does not stay put.   

[EL34]

Silicon jacketed wire is used by slot car people and probably RC people
It is used for High temp applications and super flexible applications

I have some here
It is many small strands and it is super soft and flexible
I used it to make LED bike lights

[acheld]

I have some here

The OP was referencing "bntechgo" wire, which I have used and don't like.

Maybe your silicone wire is better quality; does yours take solder well?   I can't imagine you using crap wire.    LOL, somehow that does not fit your image.

[sluckey]

Fluke test leads use silicone fine stranded wire. Very flexible, heat resistant, cold resistant. Nice.

[NewYorker]

Fluke test leads use silicone fine stranded wire. Very flexible, heat resistant, cold resistant. Nice.

Yes, a perfect application.  Not so good if one wants to place it somewhere and have it stay there.   

[EL34]

I have some here

The OP was referencing "bntechgo" wire, which I have used and don't like.

Maybe your silicone wire is better quality; does yours take solder well?   I can't imagine you using crap wire.    LOL, somehow that does not fit your image.

I only used this when I was building high powered LED bike lights
I would not use this wire in an amp

[GAStan]

Silicon jacketed wire is used by slot car people and probably RC people
It is used for High temp applications and super flexible applications

Yes I've used it for rc planes and cars.  It's GREAT for battery and motor leads where the flexibility is a great asset. 

The wire I've worked with so far has been easily soldered but needed Flux applied to it first, the Flux core solder alone did not work. 

Heat sinks highly recommended too because the tiny strands are THIRSTY for solder and will wick a lot.