What do you use a Generator for?

What wire gauge should I use on a hand crank generator?

• I was curious as to what size enamel wire I should use for a typical hand crank generator? I would love to make at least 1 amp (more is always better) by hand crank using a scaled down low rpm wind generator plans I found online. I scaled down everything except I can't figure out what size wire gauge I should use. I would like to also put a pulley on this generator for high RPM spinning using a bike, so having a too weak wire gauge might burn out the wires in my generator. What size wire gauge should I use? BONUS QUESTION will using thicker wire gauge make my generator harder to crank under load?

• Answer:

  Quickly, because your question is vague, it sounds like you intend to hand wind your own generator. Stick to the plans you have, and scale down the wire size as well. You'll need to fit the same number of turns in a smaller slot. Don't try improving on your design until you've tested it. Good luck.