Re: If you just purchased a brand new Phantom 2 Vision+ V3 R
IMHO, the failure of the motor leads is related to flexibility rather than rated ampacity. The older motors had leads that were at least 18GA with multiple strands of about 19 strands. Versus the larger gauge leads of 2-3 strands for the newer motors. Flexibility for the motor leads is important for long term durability. Me, I would use a high strand count 18GA wire, like SO cord. It offers the flexibility that will provide long term durability and have a quality insulation that is thicker than most off the shelf gauged wire.
From the time the new motors were built the motor leads were being fatigued. Now your flying on a high harmonic vibrating platform, guess it is just a matter of time. When I saw the new motors, I thought things didn't look right with the leads. But again I had no desire to change my motors, they weren't broke...
In the welding industry they use 4/0 cable, the strand count of about 2054, finer gauge wire designed to provide flexibility an durability. Whereas typical 4/0 wire use for fixed applications has a strand count of 19. The later is not designed for continuous bending/movement and has a radius limitation when forming to termination point. Both conductors are rated at basically the same ampacity, but the cost of the welding cable is much higher foot to foot. Again purposed minded application. Even though both conductors are of comparable OD.
SO cord is made the same way, higher strand count, for your power tools. Cheaper tools will have cords with less flexibility, because of cost.
Further, as your strand count goes up, your ampacity per strand goes down. Obviously smaller gauge size per strand. With the new motors, if one strand breaks, then you have less ampacity. Less ampacity generates more heat....resistance.
Good luck!
IMHO, the failure of the motor leads is related to flexibility rather than rated ampacity. The older motors had leads that were at least 18GA with multiple strands of about 19 strands. Versus the larger gauge leads of 2-3 strands for the newer motors. Flexibility for the motor leads is important for long term durability. Me, I would use a high strand count 18GA wire, like SO cord. It offers the flexibility that will provide long term durability and have a quality insulation that is thicker than most off the shelf gauged wire.
From the time the new motors were built the motor leads were being fatigued. Now your flying on a high harmonic vibrating platform, guess it is just a matter of time. When I saw the new motors, I thought things didn't look right with the leads. But again I had no desire to change my motors, they weren't broke...
In the welding industry they use 4/0 cable, the strand count of about 2054, finer gauge wire designed to provide flexibility an durability. Whereas typical 4/0 wire use for fixed applications has a strand count of 19. The later is not designed for continuous bending/movement and has a radius limitation when forming to termination point. Both conductors are rated at basically the same ampacity, but the cost of the welding cable is much higher foot to foot. Again purposed minded application. Even though both conductors are of comparable OD.
SO cord is made the same way, higher strand count, for your power tools. Cheaper tools will have cords with less flexibility, because of cost.
Further, as your strand count goes up, your ampacity per strand goes down. Obviously smaller gauge size per strand. With the new motors, if one strand breaks, then you have less ampacity. Less ampacity generates more heat....resistance.
Good luck!