Maximum surge current through short run of 24 gauge wire

I'm making a sequenced rocket launcher. I want to apply 5 amps for 3 seconds through a 12 inch run of 24 gauge wire.

Since the launcher has four slots, I figured I could use cat5 ethernet cable. This bundles the necessary 4 pairs of wires nicely and is color-coded and conveniently available. Since each ignition will have its own circuit, each 24 gauge pair will only see the surge once.

Is the 5 amp surge going to be too much for the 24 gauge wire in the cat5 cable? From examining tables like these (http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm) I know that my current requirement is about 10 times the limit for 24 gauge wire. Max current is further degraded by the wires being bundled. However, I can't find good data on acceptable surge limits.

• How many time you allow before second fire? Jan 11, 2015 at 21:16
• Why not try a test? Jan 12, 2015 at 2:08

The [Wikipedia article][1] on American wire gauge suggests that the fusing (melting) current for 24-gauge copper is 29 amps. That would put you within the acceptable range.